Bowness

In a stunning position on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, Bowness is the most popular tourist destination in Cumbria; buzzing with activity and arguably the best place to buy an ice-cream. But you won’t be stuck in the crowds, and the wilder sides of the Lakes are only a short drive away.

A few minutes’ stroll from the village high street, you’ll find plenty of family activities in Bowness Bay. Feed the swans, play tennis or crazy golf on ‘The Glebe’, or why not hire a rowing boat for a few hours? If you’re exploring the wider Lake District or heading for the fells, there’s plenty to return to in the evening. Fantastic restaurants, a 3-screen cinema, contemporary bars and two nightclubs.

If you’re serious about boating, you’ll find Windermere Yacht Club within walking distance and Windermere Marina Village nearby. There are plenty of specialist shops to explore, and experts to chat to at Shepherds Boat Sales. But even if you’re not an enthusiast,

from Bowness Pier you can explore the entire length of Lake Windermere on a stunning ‘Steamer’ cruise. The boats run all year round, with live music events on summer evenings.

For exploring

Bowness is only a mile away from Windermere village and the A591, which is the main route through the Lakes. A short drive will take you to Ambleside, at the north end of the lake, and from there you can explore spectacular Kirkstone Pass, Rydal Water, Grasmere and Langdale, venturing as far as Keswick with no tricky navigation. Staveley, new home of the Hawkshead Brewery and gateway to the gorgeous Kentmere Valley, lies east of Bowness.

For walking

There are plenty of manageable walks within easy reach of the village, and the Lake District’s most adventurous hikes and mountain biking trails within easy reach. A great way to spend a day’s walking is to begin your route on one of the ‘steamers’, dropping you at Ambleside (north) or Lakeside (south).

For food & drink

Bowness village is packed with good eating. Chocolate shops, coffee shops, ice-cream parlours and delicatessens will stop you in your tracks. There are numerous restaurants to return to after a long day out, and a great selection of pubs and bars for those later nights. Stocking up for your holiday home is easy too, with supermarkets and fresh produce on the high street.