Julie Smith
10 April 2025
With a prime location on the shores of Lake Windermere, the small town of Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular places to visit in the Lake District.
Whether you are looking to take a cruise across Lake Windermere, visit a historic stately home or simply sit and relax in a dog-friendly pub, there are plenty of places to visit and activities to try in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Take a look at our list of 10 of the best things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere and browse our range of nearby cottages to start planning your next Lake District getaway.
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The World of Beatrix Potter
Little ones will love a visit to this family-friendly Bowness-on-Windermere attraction which brings 23 of Beatrix Potter’s classic animal tales to life.
The World of Beatrix Potter is mainly indoors so is a perfect activity for a rainy day in the Lake District and you can meet classic characters such as Peter Rabbit, Mrs Tiggywinkle and Jemima Puddleduck in specially created scenes which feature the sights and smells of the Lake District.
Highlights:
- Pick up a free activity booklet for children with puzzles and games to complete as you make your way around The World of Beatrix Potter.
- Venture outside to see Peter Rabbit’s Garden complete with the lettuces that Benjamin Bunny nibbled on and the gooseberry bush where Peter got caught in Mr McGregor’s net.
- Sit down to an afternoon tea in the cafe or pick up a basket of goodies, including Peter Rabbit’s special carrot cake, for an indoor picnic.
- Stay nearby: Windermere View | sleeps 4
Windermere Lake Cruises
Boats leave regularly from the bustling Bowness-on-Windermere jetty, and there are three different colour-coded cruises available that range from 45 to 90 minutes in duration. You can combine boat trips from Windermere Lake Cruises with tickets for attractions such as The Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside and the Windermere Jetty Museum.
Freedom of the Lake packages allow you to hop on and off the boats at various locations such as Fell Foot, Brockhole and Wray Castle. Windermere Lake Cruises is a dog-friendly Lake District attraction, and four-legged friends are welcome to join you on all of their boats.
Highlights:
- A round trip to nearby Ambleside takes around 45 minutes, or you can get off at Ambleside for a look around the town before catching a later boat back.
- Tour the southern part of Windermere on a Yellow Cruise, which goes to Lakeside and back and includes commentary full of fascinating facts about the lake.
- Extend your journey from Lakeside with a trip on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, which will whisk you around 3 miles into the countryside on a classic steam train.
- Stay nearby: Aarons Place | sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Water sports on Windermere
There is an assortment of water sports available to try with Windermere Canoe Kayak and Lakeland Adventures, both based at the marina in Bowness-on-Windermere. Take a guided 2-hour tour of the lake on a canoe or kayak with an experienced instructor who will show you the basics and lead you every step of the way.
If you fancy sailing across Windermere, charter a yacht from Lakeland Adventures or let them take the helm while you relax with an afternoon tea onboard the boat.
Highlights:
- Hire paddleboards, canoes and giant SUPs that hold up to four people from Windermere Canoe Kayak and tour Windermere in your own time – hire is available for either 2 hours or the full day.
- There are 18 islands in Windermere, and although Belle Island is private, you can stop off at the others for a peaceful picnic.
- Enjoy some food and drink before heading out on Windermere at Marina View, which looks out across the marina.
- Stay nearby: Elterwater Apartment | sleeps 4
Brockhole
The easiest way to get to Brockhole from Bowness-on-Windermere is by boat, and there is plenty to do at this visitor centre and lakeside park on the shores of Windermere.
Explore the gardens and grounds of the original Brockhole Arts and Crafts villa with pathways to follow and stunning views over the lake. There are also lots of activities to try in the extensive grounds of Brockhole, including mini golf, archery, laser tag and even axe throwing.
Highlights:
- Whizz through the woodland at Brockhole with a Treetop Trek, which includes zip wires and aerial obstacles. There are also treetop nets featuring trampolines, walkways and tunnels if you fancy keeping closer to the ground.
- The free adventure playground at Brockhole has areas for both toddlers and older children with scramble nets, swings, slides and a fun galleon boat at the centre.
- There are various seasonal events at Brockhole, including egg hunts for Easter and ghost stories for Halloween.
- Stay nearby: Little Close | sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
Catch the Windermere Ferry from Bowness
It’s simple to get to the opposite side of the lake from Bowness-on-Windermere thanks to a regular ferry service that takes foot passengers, bikes and cars. The Windermere Ferry crosses the lake in around 10 minutes and will take you from Ferry Nab in Bowness to Ferry House in Far Sawrey where you are close to attractions such as the Claife Viewing Station and Hill Top, a 17th-century house that was once the Lake District home of Beatrix Potter.
Highlights:
- Head to Claife Viewing Station, which is a dog-friendly National Trust site with panoramic views of the lake decorated with multi-coloured glass frames.
- Hill Top at Far Sawrey is now a brilliant museum that’s dedicated to Beatrix Potter and filled with the author’s treasured items.
- If you are taking your car on the ferry, it’s worth taking a short drive to the pretty village of Hawkshead, where you’ll find narrow cobbled streets and courtyards filled with interesting, independent shops.
- Stay nearby: Lower Thornbarrow | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Wray Castle
This gothic-style fairytale castle on the shores of Lake Windermere started Beatrix Potter’s love affair with the Lake District after she holidayed here at the age of 16. You can catch a Windermere Lake Cruises boat from Bowness-on-Windermere to Wray Castle and follow in the beloved children’s author’s footsteps by taking a wander around the extensive parkland and gardens. Wray Castle itself is being refurbished in 2025, but typically you can explore towers, turrets and an assortment of period rooms.
Highlights:
- There’s a small arboretum at Wray Castle, which includes giant exotic fir trees and a Mulberry Tree that is said to have been planted by William Wordsworth in 1845.
- Learn all about the history of Wray Castle on a Walk and Talk tour, which takes place twice daily at 10.30am and 4.30pm.
- The Gothic Revival Boathouse and Miniature Harbour, where you’ll arrive at Wray Castle, is an original feature of the estate and one of the largest boathouses in the Lake District.
- Stay nearby: Fold Head House | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Climb Orrest Head
Bowness-on-Windermere is surrounded by dramatic Lakeland fells, so you’ll never be short of scenic walks to try during a short break or a longer holiday. Orrest Head is one of the most popular peaks to climb with a waymarked trail to follow and pathways that, although steep, are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The circular ‘Miles Without Styles’ Orrest Head walk starts in the neighbouring town of Windermere and is around 2-miles long.
Highlights:
- The route to the top features a section through Elleray Woods, where you can follow a wildlife sculpture trail.
- It’s worth resting awhile at the top of Orrest Head with a bench where you can sit and enjoy the panoramic view.
- Another great fell that’s close to Bowness-on-Windermere is Brant Fell; the walk from town is around 2 miles and fairly steep, with stunning views from the top.
- Stay nearby: Queen Square Cottage | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Bowness-on-Windermere pubs
Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the dog-friendliest towns around, with plenty of places where pups will be made more than welcome. Whether you are looking to re-energise after exploring the surrounding Lakeland fells or want to sit and watch the world go by from a beer garden, you’ll find plenty of pubs in Bowness-on-Windermere that fit the bill perfectly. Most Bowness pubs are dog-friendly too, so pups will be made more than welcome.
The Flying Pig is a traditional pub with cosy log fires that serves local cask ales and fresh seasonal food, just right for a hearty lunch after a bracing Lake District walk. Immerse yourself in the character and charm of Hole in t’Wall, which is the oldest pub in Bowness and has a rich history that includes Charles Dickens and a champion-winning wrestling landlord! It’s hard to beat the view from the beer garden at The Angel Inn, which has an elevated spot above the Windermere so you can look out over the lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere restaurants
You’ll be spoilt for choice of places to eat in Bowness-on-Windermere, with options ranging from classic fish and chip shops in the centre of town to SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel, which holds a Michelin Star and serves a six-course tasting menu.
For a romantic dinner for two, Porto is a stylish Bowness-on-Windemere restaurant serving seasonal local food that comes with a table on a Juliet balcony looking out on the cobbled street below. If you’re heading out for food with family and friends, Boardwalk Board & Grill serves happy hour cocktails, has an extensive menu with something for everyone and looks out over Windermere from a spot near the water’s edge.
Our favourite restaurants:
Blackwell – The Arts & Craft House
Blackwell on the edge of Bowness was originally built at the turn of the 20th century as a holiday home for a wealthy Manchester brewer and almost all of its original features have been beautifully preserved. It’s one of the best examples of Arts & Craft architecture in the country, and you can step back in time to imagine the Victorian heyday of Blackwell and the holidays that have been enjoyed here. The craftmanship throughout the house is exceptional and the period rooms are full of pieces by leading designers of the Arts & Craft movement, including MH Baillie Scott who was the architect of Blackwell.
Don’t miss:
- Combine a visit to Blackwell with the nearby Windermere Jetty Museum, which tells the story of boating in the area (you can buy a joint ticket from Lakeland Art).
- Treat yourself to cuppa and a slice of cake in the on-site tearoom and pick up some pieces from local Lakeland artists in Blackwell’s craft shop.
- Explore the gorgeous gardens at Blackwell.
- Stay nearby: Quarry Brow | sleeps 5
Map of things to do in Windermere
Plan your getaway to Bowness-on-Windermere with this handy map showing the best things to do in this Lake District town.
Book your Bowness-on-Windermere cottage
If you have been inspired to visit Bowness-on-Windermere and try out some of these things for yourself, you’ll find lots of holiday cottages in and around the popular Lake District town. Browse our range of Bowness-on-Windermere holiday homes, which includes lots of dog-friendly cottages, to find the perfect base for your next Lake District adventure.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.