This is a Victorian town, with spending hotels from that era converted often from the near palaces erected by the industrial barons of nearby Lancashire. The town retains the air of gentility from that epoch, although being the number one destination in the Lakes it is bustling and busy through the year. The town’s origins are much older though, and St Martin’s church bears witness to that, built in 1483, but retaining small parts of the previous early 13th century church, including the font. The Victorian is present even here, though, as the church was greatly restored in 1870. It was the arrival of the railway in 1847 that sparked the booming of Bowness the town, and the exploitation of Lake Windermere. Indeed, it was the railway company calling their station Bowness that meant the old name of Birthwaite was lost. Several attractions recall those lost days: Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway running on a short stretch of the old line; and the ferry from the southern end of the town, running on cables beneath the water to take passengers to Sawrey; the elegant pier. The Lake dominates the town, a major draw for sailors (in Swallows and Amazons Bowness was “Rio”), canoeists, and all sorts of other craft, including steamers running up and down its waters. It is a magnet for fishermen too, well-stocked with the usual coarse fish, but notable for its char, lurking deep beneath the surface. Potted char is a local delicacy here. All this is forgetting the beautiful country surrounding the town. It was here that Wainwright first experienced the Lakes, and Orrest Head, gained via a path from the town, was the first peak he climbed in the area in 1930. Those making the same ascent will look out from this viewpoint and realise why he fell in love with the country.
Attraction
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Windermere Lake Cruises
World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Cinema
Club
Golf Club
Health and Fitness Club
Inn
Pub and Bar
Angel Inn
Churchills Wine Bar
Hole In the Wall
John Peel Public House
New Hall Inn
Ship Inn
Restaurant
Amore Italian Restaurant
Angel Inn
Emperor of India
Fayrer Garden House Hotel
Gibby’s Restaurant
Golden Fortune Chinese Restaurant
Porto Italiano
Quinn’s Restaurant
Rumours Pizza
Stefan’s Restaurant
Sutherland’s Restaurant
The Spinnery
Village Inn & Restaurant
Self-Catering
Taxi
Sports Clubs
Royal Windermere Yacht Club (Sailing)
Shops
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Lakeland Coffee Shop
Aunty Val's Tea Rooms
Bowness Pier Coffee Shop
The Two Egg Cups
Helens Chocolates Ltd
La Galeries D'Art
Something Special
Crag House Gifts
Varykino Craft Centre
Love The Lake
Poppies Gifts
Fat Face
Activities
Windermere Lake Cruises(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Places to Stay near Bowness on Windermere
The Old Court House (0.05 miles)
The Old Court House B&B / Guest House is an ideal bed and breakfast holiday location, enjoyed by old and young alike and is a perfect base for sightseeing and ... More
Lake Road Apartment (0.09 miles)
Lonsdale Hotel (0.11 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
UK Accommodation of the Year 2004. Nestling on the banks of Lake Windermere Bowness is the main tourist destination within the Lake District National Park. Large ... More
Hazeldene Guest House (0.11 miles)
A choice of four double en-suite bedrooms is available, two having four poster beds and two with views towards Lake Windermere and the fells in the distance. All the guest ... More | visit website
Craig Manor Hotel (0.12 miles)
The Craig Manor Hotel nestles on the brow of a hill overlooking Lake Windermere, Langdale Pikes and surrounding mountains in the English Lake District. Just a short stroll from the ... More | visit website
Melbourne Cottage Guest House (0.14 miles)
Elim House (0.14 miles)
Elim House is situated just a minute from the bustling village of Bowness and Lake Windermere. Judith and Steve offer you a warm welcome to Elim House, serving fresh home ... More
Windermere Hydro Hotel (0.18 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms online or by phone
Looking for a Lake District Hotel, then welcome to The Hydro Hotel at Windermere. The Hydro is one of the oldest ... More
Number 80 (0.19 miles)
Stylish modern interiors, quiet location, 2 minutes walk to shops and restaurants and 5 minutes to Lake Windermere. Delicious generous breakfasts. Hotel style at b&b prices!STRICTLY NO SMOKING. Children over ... More
Number 80 (0.19 miles)
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