Things to do in Bowness

Bowness-on-Windermere, or more commonly known as simply Bowness, is the neighbouring town of Windermere. Although they are close, they are notably separate towns with Bowness being the Lake District’s most popular visitor destination. The town is directly on the shore of Windermere lake making it a hotspot for sailing and watersports plus many more exciting attractions.

Here is a list of the best places to explore and things to do in Bowness…

  • Water sports, lake cruises and swimming

Bowness is situated directly on the shores Windermere making it an ideal location for both relaxing and adrenaline fuelled water sports. There are a number of marinas situated along the lake including Bowness Bay Marina and Aquatic Quays Marina which are ideal for hiring self-drive boats ranging from small motorboats to luxurious launches. Windermere Canoe and Kayak at Ferry Nab Marina is the place to go for hiring kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and bikes. For a cheaper option, wild swimming in Windermere is also popular!

  • Hiking and Cycling

Although Bowness isn’t surrounded by towering mountains, there are still plenty of woodland, lakeside and nearby hill walks to enjoy including Brant Fell, Orrest Head, Windermere lake trails and Great Knott Wood. As well as hiking, getting around Windermere and nearby areas by bike is another great way of keeping fit and helping the planet out whilst your at it! Bikes can be hired from various places along Windermere including Wintermere Canoe and Kayak, Lake District Bike Hire, Total Adventure Bike Hire and Country Lanes Cycle Centre.

  • The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

One of the most popular attractions in Bowness, The World of Beatrix Potter is a vibrant, fun family exhibition bringing to life the famous author’s tales featuring the award-winning Peter Rabbit Garden, interactive exhibits, a character-themed café and a world famous gift shop. In 2006, US actress Renee Zellweger attended the unveiling of a statue at the attraction honouring Beatrix Potter; she said she hoped the bronze statue would become ‘a distinctive local landmark.’

  • Hill Top

Another popular Beatrix Potter attraction, Hill Top is a 17th century farmhouse in Near Sawrey, which was once home to the local author herself. Beatrix bought the house with royalties from her books, later passing it on to the National Trust to care for. Pete Tasker, the senior gardener at Hill Top has been caring for the houses gardens for over 30 years and keeps them looking as glorious as Beatrix did. He is nicknamed ‘the real Mr.McGreggor’ but is much friendlier to guests than the character! The farmhouse is situated around the corner from the equally famous Tower Bank Arms Pub, which featured in the Tale of Jemima Puddleduck and can be reached via a short Windermere cruise from Bowness.

  • Blackwell

Blackwell is a rare, architectural gem and art gallery offering a snapshot into what is was like to live in the early 20th century. Designed by architect Mackay Hugh Baillie between 1897 and 1900, the grade I listed building is one of the UK’s finest examples of Arts & Crafts architecture. Almost all of the buildings original features survive along with immaculate furniture and finishes all set within the tranquil surroundings of Windermere. The house and gardens are now open to the public to explore and with the house frequently hosting art exhibitions.

  • Windermere Jetty Museum

An award-winning museum dedicated to the boats, people and rich history of Windermere, Windermere Jetty Museum is situated in Bowness Bay. At the museum, all the family can explore Windermere’s 200 year-old boating history through interactive displays, boat trips and sightseeing historical boats and equipment. A collection of boats are displayed in the museums gallery built right over the water including a rowing boat once owned by Beatrix Potter; she frequently used the boat to fish on Moss Eccles Tarn beside her home in Near Sawrey.

  • Glebe Park and Market

Glebe Park is a large park situated on the shores of lake Windermere in Bowness and is the perfect spot for a picnic along with a range of activities including tennis, mini golf and crazy golf. Every Sunday, weather permitting, the park is home to the Glebe Market consisting of over 60 stalls including food and drink stands from local producers plus arts, crafts and gift stalls.

  • Brockhole House

A trip to Windermere must include a visit to the stunning house and gardens of Brockhole. The 19th century house sits within stunning woodland nearby Windermere lake. The home once belonged to a wealthy silk merchant called William Gaddum and his wife Edith Potter, who was a cousin of famous author and artist Beatrix Potter. The house is now a beautiful arts and crafts villa surrounded by extensive gardens designed by famous historic landscape designer Thomas Mawson. At Brockhole, you can explore the house and gardens, eat at one of the houses three cafes and bring home a souvenir from their varied gift shop. There’s also a range of outdoor family activities including go carts, an archery site, a woodland faerie trail, mini golf, boat hires and a ‘Treetop Trek’ centre.

  • Wray Castle

A historic, Gothic Revival castle sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle is a must visit Windermere attraction for history lovers. The castle has a unique design of turrets and towers surrounded by acres of grounds, gardens and lakeshore paths. The castle differs from most due to it being originally built as a private house in 1840, it was passed on to the National Trust in 1900s unfurnished and bare. Visitors are only allowed on the bottom floor of the castle however the gardens are definitely worth exploring, boasting unique specimens of trees including a mulberry tree which was famously planted by William Wordsworth in 1845.