Bowness-on Windermere Cottage Guidebook
Places to visit
Probably the most popular attraction in the town is the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, which brings the characters of the childhood books to life in a series of recreations of the beautiful Lake District countryside.
The interactive exhibits feature such favourites as Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and more, in scenes such as Mr McGregor’s garden.
While it’s a great day out for the kids, adults will enjoy learning about the real-life history of Beatrix Potter, who spent much of her life in the local area.
Best of all, it’s ideal for a rainy day (which, unfortunately, we do experience plenty of!).
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Beatrix Potter Gallery
Main StreetProbably the most popular attraction in the town is the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, which brings the characters of the childhood books to life in a series of recreations of the beautiful Lake District countryside.
The interactive exhibits feature such favourites as Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-Duck and more, in scenes such as Mr McGregor’s garden.
While it’s a great day out for the kids, adults will enjoy learning about the real-life history of Beatrix Potter, who spent much of her life in the local area.
Best of all, it’s ideal for a rainy day (which, unfortunately, we do experience plenty of!).
The Lake District’s visitor centre is just outside of Bowness, on the road to Ambleside and is situated right on the edge of the lake.
There’s loads for the whole family to see and do across the 30-acre site of woodland and meadows, from exploration trails to the large adventure playground the for the kids, as well as plenty of exhibitions indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
There’s also a Treetop Trek adventure, where you can head up into the trees across various ropes, bridges and challenges.
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Brockhole
The Lake District’s visitor centre is just outside of Bowness, on the road to Ambleside and is situated right on the edge of the lake.
There’s loads for the whole family to see and do across the 30-acre site of woodland and meadows, from exploration trails to the large adventure playground the for the kids, as well as plenty of exhibitions indoors when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
There’s also a Treetop Trek adventure, where you can head up into the trees across various ropes, bridges and challenges.
If you want to head out onto the water for yourself, the Bowness Bay Marina have a range of private hire boats that you can take out onto the lake.
There’s nothing like getting out there on your own motor boat to experience England’s largest lake for yourself, whether you just want head out for an hour or so, or to journey all the way up to Ambleside, these easy to drive boats are the perfect way to experience the lake itself.
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Bowness Bay Marina - Windermere Boat Hire
Glebe RoadIf you want to head out onto the water for yourself, the Bowness Bay Marina have a range of private hire boats that you can take out onto the lake.
There’s nothing like getting out there on your own motor boat to experience England’s largest lake for yourself, whether you just want head out for an hour or so, or to journey all the way up to Ambleside, these easy to drive boats are the perfect way to experience the lake itself.
This 15th-century church sits right in the centre of Bowness and is a Grade I listed building. The church is particularly notable for its East Window, which has been described as one of the finest examples of medieval glass in the North West, with pieces dating back as far as 1260.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful building which is well worth a wander around if you’re at a loose end in the town centre.
St Martin's Church
Lake RoadThis 15th-century church sits right in the centre of Bowness and is a Grade I listed building. The church is particularly notable for its East Window, which has been described as one of the finest examples of medieval glass in the North West, with pieces dating back as far as 1260.
It’s a beautiful and peaceful building which is well worth a wander around if you’re at a loose end in the town centre.
City/town information
Hawkshead has flourished from its beginnings as a Medieval market town. Today Hawkshead, with its car-free village centre, is the perfect place for the visitor to experience the 'real' Lake District. The cobbled streets, squares and courtyards of much of Hawkshead and the beautiful whitewashed cottages, topped with local Lakeland slate, give this little place a magical feel. Hawkshead is steeped in history and heritage ranging from the ruins of Hawkshead Hall, built by Medieval monks, the 15thC St Michael's Parish church and court house to later buildings such as the grammar school, 1855, which William Wordsworth famously attended. The village also features a Beatrix Potter gallery, Hawkshead being only 3.2 km from Hill Top at Near Sawrey where Potter wrote many of her books. The scenery surrounding Hawkshead is some of the finest in the Lake District with Grizedale Forest to the south, Lake Windermere to the east and Lake Coniston to the west, as well as the fine moorland encircling much of the area around Hawkshead. Hawkshead also offers many shopping opportunities with items for sale ranging from souvenirs to climbing and walking paraphernalia.
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Hawkshead
Hawkshead has flourished from its beginnings as a Medieval market town. Today Hawkshead, with its car-free village centre, is the perfect place for the visitor to experience the 'real' Lake District. The cobbled streets, squares and courtyards of much of Hawkshead and the beautiful whitewashed cottages, topped with local Lakeland slate, give this little place a magical feel. Hawkshead is steeped in history and heritage ranging from the ruins of Hawkshead Hall, built by Medieval monks, the 15thC St Michael's Parish church and court house to later buildings such as the grammar school, 1855, which William Wordsworth famously attended. The village also features a Beatrix Potter gallery, Hawkshead being only 3.2 km from Hill Top at Near Sawrey where Potter wrote many of her books. The scenery surrounding Hawkshead is some of the finest in the Lake District with Grizedale Forest to the south, Lake Windermere to the east and Lake Coniston to the west, as well as the fine moorland encircling much of the area around Hawkshead. Hawkshead also offers many shopping opportunities with items for sale ranging from souvenirs to climbing and walking paraphernalia.
Bowness is also a great place to pick up some local produce to take home as gifts for your friends and family, as well as an abundance of walking shops if you’re planning to do some fellwalking during your stay.
There’s also plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants to take the weight off your feet too, as well as a selection of the usual high street stores.
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness is also a great place to pick up some local produce to take home as gifts for your friends and family, as well as an abundance of walking shops if you’re planning to do some fellwalking during your stay.
There’s also plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants to take the weight off your feet too, as well as a selection of the usual high street stores.
Offering trips up to Ambleside and Lakeside, Windermere Lake Cruises is a hugely popular attraction offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery, as well as the many islands and bays of the lake. Take to the water to truly experience Windermere. The many different options and tickets allow you to hop off, walk back or just sit back and watch the mountains, woodlands and islands unfold before you. To plan your own voyage of discovery, take a look at Windermere Lake Cruises.
There’s a whole host of cruises on offer, including night cruises, many of which take in the attractions around the lake too.
A slightly more adventurous way to experience the lake, why not rent out your own canoe or kayak?
With specialised instructors to help get you going, or even come out with you on a guided tour, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried it before.
If you are feeling confident, why not take a picnic out with you and head to one of the many islands in the middle of the lake.
They also offer bike hire if you’d rather stick to dry land, or even stand-up paddleboarding too!
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Windermere
Offering trips up to Ambleside and Lakeside, Windermere Lake Cruises is a hugely popular attraction offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery, as well as the many islands and bays of the lake. Take to the water to truly experience Windermere. The many different options and tickets allow you to hop off, walk back or just sit back and watch the mountains, woodlands and islands unfold before you. To plan your own voyage of discovery, take a look at Windermere Lake Cruises.
There’s a whole host of cruises on offer, including night cruises, many of which take in the attractions around the lake too.
A slightly more adventurous way to experience the lake, why not rent out your own canoe or kayak?
With specialised instructors to help get you going, or even come out with you on a guided tour, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried it before.
If you are feeling confident, why not take a picnic out with you and head to one of the many islands in the middle of the lake.
They also offer bike hire if you’d rather stick to dry land, or even stand-up paddleboarding too!
Grasmere is probably the Cumbria’s most popular village, thanks to William Wordsworth (1770-1850). Today Grasmere is totally given over to the tourist industry, with plenty of gift shops, places to stay and places to eat. Most of the buildings date from the 19th or early 20th Century, though the farms around Grasmere are much older. The Church dates from the 13th Century.
It is only a short walk to the Lake, which can be superb, especially early morning in the summer, with the mist rising. Rowing boats are available for hire, 7 days per week between March and early November. There is a little island in the middle of the Lake, where William and Dorothy used to picnic. The island is now privately owned, and visitors should not land there tempting though it is. There is a walk around the lake, though part of it is on the main A591 road which runs along the east side.
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Grasmere
Grasmere is probably the Cumbria’s most popular village, thanks to William Wordsworth (1770-1850). Today Grasmere is totally given over to the tourist industry, with plenty of gift shops, places to stay and places to eat. Most of the buildings date from the 19th or early 20th Century, though the farms around Grasmere are much older. The Church dates from the 13th Century.
It is only a short walk to the Lake, which can be superb, especially early morning in the summer, with the mist rising. Rowing boats are available for hire, 7 days per week between March and early November. There is a little island in the middle of the Lake, where William and Dorothy used to picnic. The island is now privately owned, and visitors should not land there tempting though it is. There is a walk around the lake, though part of it is on the main A591 road which runs along the east side.
Ambleside, a small town in the Lake District, has now become a major tourist resort with shops, restaurants, cinema and a large selection of places to stay. It is very popular with walkers and climbers and is one of the best bases for exploring the Lake District.
The Windermere lake ferry terminal at Waterhead Pier dates back to 1845. Today ferries can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside pier near Newby Bridge, Wray Castle and Brockhole Visitor Centre.
In the summer months you can take a horse drawn carriage from the centre of Ambleside for the 1 mile to Waterhead Pier. As well as the ferry and cruise services (above) here you can hire motor and rowing boats or feed the ducks and swans.
A short ferry ride from Waterhead is Brockhole, the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre. Set in 30 acres of gardens it offers boat hire, bike hire, tree top trek, laser clay shooting and archery as well as special family events. Facilities are excellent, including plenty of places to eat and drink. Accessibility is very good.
There is a huge raft of outdoor adventure activities available around Ambleside and Windermere lake. For more details of activities from abseiling and climbing to bushcraft and sailing see the main Visit Cumbria Activities section or see Walks in the South Lake District for fell walks around Ambleside.
short walk from the centre of the village leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. In spring the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils. Once there were 12 watermills driven by the power of Stock Ghyll and other local becks.
The 17th Century Bridge House over Stock Ghyll beck is one of the most photographed scenes in Lakeland. It is owned by the National Trust. You can visit without charge to see the 2 sparsely furnished rooms.
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Ambleside
Ambleside, a small town in the Lake District, has now become a major tourist resort with shops, restaurants, cinema and a large selection of places to stay. It is very popular with walkers and climbers and is one of the best bases for exploring the Lake District.
The Windermere lake ferry terminal at Waterhead Pier dates back to 1845. Today ferries can be taken to Bowness and Lakeside pier near Newby Bridge, Wray Castle and Brockhole Visitor Centre.
In the summer months you can take a horse drawn carriage from the centre of Ambleside for the 1 mile to Waterhead Pier. As well as the ferry and cruise services (above) here you can hire motor and rowing boats or feed the ducks and swans.
A short ferry ride from Waterhead is Brockhole, the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre. Set in 30 acres of gardens it offers boat hire, bike hire, tree top trek, laser clay shooting and archery as well as special family events. Facilities are excellent, including plenty of places to eat and drink. Accessibility is very good.
There is a huge raft of outdoor adventure activities available around Ambleside and Windermere lake. For more details of activities from abseiling and climbing to bushcraft and sailing see the main Visit Cumbria Activities section or see Walks in the South Lake District for fell walks around Ambleside.
short walk from the centre of the village leads to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70 foot waterfall which may be viewed safely from a railed viewpoint. In spring the area under the trees is a carpet of daffodils. Once there were 12 watermills driven by the power of Stock Ghyll and other local becks.
The 17th Century Bridge House over Stock Ghyll beck is one of the most photographed scenes in Lakeland. It is owned by the National Trust. You can visit without charge to see the 2 sparsely furnished rooms.
Set deep in the heart of the Grizedale Forest, between the lakes of Coniston Water and Windermere, is the Grizedale Visitor Centre.
7 cross country and downhill mountain bike trails are free to use either with your own bike or hired bikes. There is mountain bike hire at the start of the trails. There are also Segway treks, Tree Top Junior, Ziptrekking and Tree Top Adventure.
For details of walking and forest trails in Grizedale and a free download for Grizedale Walking Map see the Lake District Forests and Forest Trails page. The shop in the Visitor Centre also sells a guide to the forest, showing the many miles of track suitable for walkers and cyclists, as well as many other paths for walkers.
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Grizedale
Set deep in the heart of the Grizedale Forest, between the lakes of Coniston Water and Windermere, is the Grizedale Visitor Centre.
7 cross country and downhill mountain bike trails are free to use either with your own bike or hired bikes. There is mountain bike hire at the start of the trails. There are also Segway treks, Tree Top Junior, Ziptrekking and Tree Top Adventure.
For details of walking and forest trails in Grizedale and a free download for Grizedale Walking Map see the Lake District Forests and Forest Trails page. The shop in the Visitor Centre also sells a guide to the forest, showing the many miles of track suitable for walkers and cyclists, as well as many other paths for walkers.
Supermarkets
Tesco Express
Market PlaceThis is the nearest supermarket to Brantfield Cottage
Co-op Food
Lake RoadThis is within walking distance of Brantfield Cottage
This is the largest supermarket in the local area.
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Booths, Windermere
Victoria StreetThis is the largest supermarket in the local area.
Food scene
££ - £££. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. Lake Road, LA233BJ
Urban Food House
Lake Road££ - £££. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. Lake Road, LA233BJ
££££. French, Seafood, European. Ash Street LA23 3EB
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Porto Restaurant
3 Ash Street££££. French, Seafood, European. Ash Street LA23 3EB
££ - £££. Italian, Pizza, International. Lake Road, LA23 3AP
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Rastelli's Pizzeria
Lake Road££ - £££. Italian, Pizza, International. Lake Road, LA23 3AP
££ - £££. Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean. Ash Street, LA233EB
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Villa Positano
Ash Street££ - £££. Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean. Ash Street, LA233EB
The Angel Inn
Helm Road££ - £££. Bar, British, Pub. Helm Road, LA23 3BU
Baha
18 Ash StHouse of Siam
3 and 5 Grosvenor TerraceThe Boathouse
The Magic Roundabout
Mela Indian Fusion Restaurant
Ash StreetCafes/lunch places
Graze cafe
Helm RoadChoccoBar Hot Chocolate House
Off Lake RdFolk Cafe
4 St Martin's ParadeThe Easy Breeze
Church StreetBeresford's Restaurant & Pub
Beresford RoadConsigli per viaggiatori
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Available buses
Main Bus Services
599 Service
Open top service through central lakes between Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere which stops at (or near the) following attractions: Windermere, Brockhole Visitor Centre, Waterhead, Ambleside, Rydal Mount, White Moss Common, Dove Cottage and Grasmere. Daily service all year round. Buses every 20minutes from Easter until the end of October, hourly outside that period. Audio commentary.
755 Service between Morcambe and Bownesswhich stops at or near the following attractions. Levens Hall,Sizergh Castle,Kenda, Windermere. A few buses daily all year round.
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Train
Windermere train station is the end of the branch line and has direct trains which run as far south as Manchester Airport. You can transfer at Oxenholme The Lake District (near Kendal) on the main West Coast line to the Windermere branch line. Oxenholme to Windermere takes approximately half an hour.
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Ferry
A car ferry links Ferry Nab on the eastern shore of Windermere with Ferry House, Far Sawrey on the west. It's a handy shortcut for Hawkshead, Grizedale forest and Kendal.
It is a drive-on, drive-off service where car passengers stay in their cars and an attendant comes around to collect the fare once the ferry is moving.
There are 18 spaces and it is a popular service so do expect queues during busy periods, especially in the summer.
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Taxi
Merecab – 07985100473
A.D’s Taxis - 07704 447650
Lakeside Taxis - 01539 239239
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Bike Hire
• Country Lanes Cycling Holidays (01539 444544) next door to Windermere station.
• Windermere Canoe and Kayak on Ferry Nab Road, Bowness (015394 44451)
• Lake District Bike Hire on Chesnut Road, Windermere, 07932 954530
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Fire wood
You can buy wood for the wood burner locally from the coop (if they have stock) or you can buy some from booths supermarket in Windermere. You can also usually buy it from the petrol station in Troutbeck..
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Additional parking
Off street parking at properties near the shops and bars is limited in Bowness! The cottage has one designated parking space. You can sometimes get a space on the road at the top of Helm Road which would be free. You can also park in the payable car parks in the centre of Bowness. There are spaces on the one way system near the glebe where you can leave your car up to 2 hours for free.