Bowness Cottages

Looking for a slice of Lake District indulgence? Then look no further than our Bowness cottages. We offer a range of 3 star or more properties set amidst this stunning lakeside resort.

Once a small fishing village, Bowness-on-Windermere grew in the 19th Century. It became the tourism hotspot and haven for luxury holiday cottages that it is today. This lakeside town became the centre of the local boat-building industry after the arrival of the railway at Windermere in 1847. All thanks to its amazing location right on the glistening shores of Lake Windermere. Bowness specialised in the crafting of sailing yachts, rowing boats and steam launches. They are still popular today, amongst plenty of other relaxing activities.

Are travelling to the Lakes for some quality time with your loved ones? Or planning to walk, cycle or climb, or to relax and perhaps take in a spa day or two? Lakelovers’ Bowness holiday cottages are all unique. They have been hand-picked to suit every type of self-catering holiday.

Self-catering in Bowness-on-Windermere gives you lots of options. If you don’t fancy cooking every night in the cottage, then why not try Porto Restaurant? It voted the number one place to eat in Bowness.

Love the sweet things in life? Then make sure you take a trip to St Martin’s Tea Room and Grill. For a great lunch, you can’t do better than The Coffee Bean, at the heart of the town centre. Perfect in the summer for picking up a tasty meal on the go, they offer a range of hot and cold sandwiches, cakes, drinks and snacks.

Another great place to try is the refurbished Laura Ashley hotel in Bowness. Sit in the brasserie overlooking the lake while you enjoy afternoon tea. Or move into their fine dining area for a more formal setting for a fabulous 5-course meal.

Not looking for a cottage? We also have a range of Lake District Lodges too.

Bowness out and about

Our cottages in Bowness put you in striking distance of a plethora of activities and attractions. Fans of Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ will instantly recognise Bowness as the fictional lakeside town of ‘Rio’.

Lovers of the book and film will also want to pay a visit to the Windermere Steamboat Museum. There you can take a look at the TSSY Esperance 1869. The iron steamboat was the one that inspired the character, Captain Flint’s, houseboat.

Other exciting family attractions in Bowness include The World of Beatrix Potter. A fantastic day out for all the family, open seven days a week. Here you can step inside the world of Peter Rabbit and friends. Take a walk through Mr McGregor’s garden and enjoy 3D experiences as well as a well-stocked gift shop and tasty café.

Tire the children out at the Fun Factory, open daily from 10am to 6pm. Suitable for children aged from birth to 12 years and reasonably priced, it’s a great place to go on rainy days.

In better weather, be sure to take a trip out on the double-decker, open-top bus. That way you can experience Lakeland from a whole new angle and explore the stunning Lake District landscape.

The Blackwell Arts and Crafts House offers a more relaxed and informative day out. There are exceptional arts and crafts to view, combined with interesting exhibitions and learning experiences. Plus that all important coffee shop for a well-deserved break, and it’s free entry for under 16s. Look out for the ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ too that they normally run on Easter Sunday, as its great fun for all the family. We would also recommend visiting for the tranquil gardens and amazing views. This period property features an enviable location on the shores of Lake Windermere. As well as commanding views across the Lakeland fells. It’s perfect if you’re looking for that slice of inspiration that so many poets and painters have found from their time in the Lake District.

From Mini Golf at Glebe Recreation to the world-class ‘miniature Gleneagles’ at Windermere Golf Club, you’ll be kept busy during your Bowness holiday!

You’ll find contemporary shops, great places to eat and the Lake District’s liveliest nightlife in the town centre. Looking for peace and quiet? Head for the lush green landscapes of the Lyth Valley, just minutes east of Bowness village.

Here on Lake Road, boutique indie shops, designer retailers and alluring coffee shops sit shoulder-to-shoulder with a beautiful Art Deco cinema, modern art galleries and the world-famous Beatrix Potter attraction. The perfect place to relax and enjoy some retail therapy. Amidst the bustle of Bowness Bay and Windermere Pier, Windermere Lake Cruises run daily tours of Lake Windermere. They are a laid-back way to explore further afield, including Ambleside, Brockhole, Wray Castle and Lakeside.

If the day is drawing to a close and you don’t feel like cooking, Bowness hosts many delightful bars and restaurants. The Sol Bar is a delightful Tapas bar with excellent food served upstairs and a wide variety of beers, wine and cocktails served downstairs. It has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and you could almost be on a quaint street in Spain.

For something a little bit different both The Porto and the village inn, both located in the centre of Bowness provide an excellent choice.

The Porto provides award winning dining in beautiful Bowness on Windermere. Delivering freshly-prepared food, using locally-sourced ingredients from the best regional suppliers. The A La Carte menu makes the most of the local larder and Cumbrian traditions, filled with dishes set to please the senses.

The Village Inn Bar and Grill offer a great range of main courses from pasta through to traditional favourites such as beer battered fish and chips and of course a fantastic choice of drinks.

Looking for even more relaxation? Lakelovers are partnered with My Personal Sanctuary, which offers in-house spa treatments at your holiday cottage. There are also plenty of wonderful spa hotels in the area that offer day treatments for non-guests, such as the Low Wood Bay Spa in nearby Ambleside. If you are interested in spa days or treatments during your stay in the Lakes, ask our team for advice.

What can you expect from Lakelovers Bowness holiday cottages? Well, many of our Bowness cottages have a wide range of incredible features. Such as hot-tubs, saunas and Jacuzzi baths. Games rooms with pool tables, hockey tables, games consoles and Sky TV. Luxury bedrooms with four-poster beds and glamorous en-suite bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Gardens with patio furniture, barbeques and balconies, terraces and private lake access. And indoors you will find a mixture of classic and contemporary luxury furnishings and fittings, including state of the art kitchens and bathrooms, Aga cookers, dishwashers and laundry facilities, with each of our properties offering something different.

For further details on things to do in Bowness, we have provided information on arts galleries and crafts, places to eat in Bowness and walking.

Whatever your budget or requirements, we have the best range of Bowness cottages to choose from. Whether you are looking for a romantic woodland retreat for two or an action-packed, high-octane, group holiday with the whole family, our dedicated customer service team are on-hand 6 days a week to help you find your perfect Lake District break. Easily accessible via train to Windermere, bus, car or taxi and with regular ferries to and from Far Sawrey, you are never far away from anywhere in the Lake District National Park.

Near Bowness

A few miles from Bowness lies the picturesque Lyth and Winster Valleys, famed for their Damson trees and slower pace of life. If you are visiting in April, be sure not to miss Damson Day. Local producers showcase their wares and the friendly atmosphere shines through.

If you are in the mood for more fresh Lakeland air, then stroll over Scout Scar between Underbarrow and Kendal. Beautiful views stretching to Morecambe bay and over towards the market town of Kendal. Between The Masons Arms at Strawberry Bank and the Bowness area is the breathtaking panorama from Gummers How. Giving you unrivalled views towards The Langdales and Coniston Fells.

These valleys have pubs in plenty and be sure not to miss The Punchbowl at Crosthwaite for a more fine dining experience. Or The Brown Horse at Winster for a more traditional pub atmosphere with great food. Other outstanding local pubs include The Punchbowl at Underbarrow and The Hare and Hounds at Bowland Bridge!. View the full selection of Bowness Cottages available.