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Bowness on Windermere is the most popular and lively visitor town in the Lake District National Park. Sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, this charming town has been attracting travelers since the Victorian era, when the railway arrived in 1847 and transformed the area into one of Britain’s first holiday destinations.

Today, visitors come to Bowness on Windermere for scenic boat cruises, watersports, lakeside walks, historic churches, family attractions, and easy access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Lake District.

Whether you are visiting for a few hours or staying for several days, these are some of the best things to do in Bowness on Windermere to include in your itinerary.

If you are planning to stay overnight, you will find everything from boutique hotels with lake views to cozy guesthouses and self catering apartments. Booking.com, Vrbo, and Expedia all offer excellent accommodation options in and around Bowness on Windermere.

1. Wander Along Main Road and the Town Center

Main Road forms the heart of Bowness on Windermere and is the perfect place to start your visit. This lively street is lined with independent shops, traditional pubs, cozy cafés, souvenir stores, and restaurants serving everything from classic fish and chips to elegant afternoon tea.

It is also where you will find tour offices, boat cruise piers, and easy access to the lakeshore. Wandering through the town center is one of the best ways to soak up the holiday atmosphere and discover local food and drink.

This area is also ideal if you want to stay within walking distance of the lake. You can browse hotels and apartments near Main Road through Booking.com or Vrbo to find the best location for your trip.

2. Visit St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church has stood proudly in Bowness since 1848 and is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture. Inside, you will find lovely stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a quiet escape from the busier parts of town.

It is well worth stepping inside to admire the craftsmanship and to learn more about the town’s Victorian heritage. You can find opening days and times here.

3. Enjoy a Lakeside Picnic or Scenic Stroll

One of the simplest and most rewarding things to do in Bowness on Windermere is to spend time along the shore of Lake Windermere. You can pick up picnic supplies from local shops on Main Road and enjoy lunch with uninterrupted lake views, or simply take a leisurely walk along the waterfront.

On a clear day, the reflections of the surrounding fells on the water are truly beautiful. Lakeside strolls are especially lovely in the early morning or early evening when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner.

If you enjoy photography, this area offers endless opportunities for capturing classic Lake District scenery.

4. Admire The Belsfield Hotel

The Belsfield Hotel is one of the most impressive historic buildings in Bowness. Originally built in 1845 as the private home of industrialist Henry Schneider, it is now an award winning hotel set within six acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere.

Even if you are not staying here, it is worth walking past or stopping to admire the architecture and lake views. If you are looking for a luxury stay in the Lake District, this is also a wonderful property to check on Booking.com or Expedia.

5. Explore St Martin’s Church and the Old Village of Lowside

St Martin’s Church is the parish church of Bowness and dates back to 1483, making it one of the town’s oldest surviving buildings. Inside, you will find fascinating historic details including a thirteenth century font, a seventeenth century oak chest, ancient books, and a collection of beautiful stained glass windows.

Behind the church lies Lowside, the oldest part of Bowness on Windermere. Wandering through this small area gives you a sense of what the village was like before the arrival of the railway, when it was a quiet lakeside settlement.

This is a lovely spot for slower exploration and photography.

6. Visit the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

The World of Beatrix Potter is one of the most popular family attractions in the Lake District and a must visit for fans of her stories. The exhibition brings her books to life with beautifully recreated scenes, beloved characters, and an outdoor Peter Rabbit garden.

There is also a themed café and a well known gift shop. It is an especially good stop if you are visiting Bowness with children or are interested in literary history.

Tickets and guided experiences can often be booked in advance through Tripadvisor , which is recommended during busy seasons.

7. Take a Boat Trip on Lake Windermere

A cruise on Lake Windermere is one of the most iconic experiences in the Lake District. From Bowness pier, you can board traditional steamers or modern cruise boats that travel between Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside.

Boat trips offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains, wooded shorelines, and grand lakeside houses. Many cruises allow you to hop on and off, making them a great way to explore multiple towns in one day.

You can also hire your own rowboat, motorboat, or electric boat if you prefer a more independent experience.

Boat cruises, day passes, and guided lake tours can be booked through Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor.

See ALL of the lake when you book this 24hr hop-on hop-off cruise!

8. Walk to Orrest Head for Panoramic Views

Orrest Head is one of the most famous viewpoints in the Lake District and one of the easiest summit walks in the area. The trail begins near Windermere town, about a twenty minute walk from Bowness, and is suitable for most fitness levels.

At the top, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. It is a fantastic spot for photos and a wonderful way to experience classic Lake District scenery without a long hike.

Guided walking tours and nature experiences that include Orrest Head are sometimes available through Viator and GetYourGuide.

How to Get to Bowness on Windermere

By car
Windermere is located along the A591, which connects the southern Lake District with Keswick.

By train
Windermere railway station is centrally located and served by Northern Rail from Manchester, with additional connections via Oxenholme Lake District station.

By bus
Several bus routes serve Windermere and Bowness, including Stagecoach services 555, 505, 599, 755, and route 6.

If you are arriving from Manchester or another major airport, you can also arrange private transfers through Welcome Pickups or Kiwitaxi.

Nearby Places to Add to Your Itinerary

Ambleside

Ambleside is a beautiful Lake District town just north of Bowness, known for its stone bridges, walking routes, independent shops, and excellent cafés and restaurants.

Grasmere

Grasmere is famous for its literary connections to William Wordsworth and for the iconic Grasmere Gingerbread. It is a wonderful stop for village charm, lakeside walks, and historic sites.

Both towns are easily reached by boat, bus, or car and pair perfectly with a stay in Bowness on Windermere.