Lake District Retreats

The linked towns of Bowness and Windermere lie east of Lake Windermere, where Bowness is at the waters edge, with the town of Windermere set about 10-15 minutes walk away above the lake. Each is a busy community of shops, cafes, restaurants and attractions, serving both the local community and our visitors to the Lake District. 

 

One of the main attractions of Bowness is the bay, a sweeping crescent of waterfront and adjoining parkland, where you can enjoy a walk by the shore or find a quite place to picnic. This is where you will find the world famous Windermere steamers, which offer boat trips up and down the lake. You will also find a number of places to hire rowing boats, paddle boards, kayaks and canoes as well as motor powered boats, which can be hired by the hour or for longer, to explore the lake and it islands for yourself. 

Other popular attractions are the World of Beatrix Potter, the Windermere Steam Boat Museum and a little south of Bowness the Blackwell Arts and Crafts house, one of the most important surviving houses from the turn of the 20th century all all within walking distance of the apartment.

 

North of Windermere is Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Center. Set on the lakeshores the main house is surrounded by beautiful gardens where you will find a huge adventure playground, tree top adventure, café, shop and exhibitions along with a host of information about the National Park. They often hold events for Halloween and Christmas as well as others throughout the year. 

For a great evening out the Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness, staging a lively annual season of music, theatre, comedy and film is a fantastic option. There are plenty of pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in the area offering a wide range of cuisine and local ales and spirits so you will be spoilt for choice during your stay should you want to eat out!

 

There is many local walks which you will find accessible right from the front door, the closest being Biskey Howe which gives a wonderful lookout over the lake, town and mountains. This is a lovely place to go on the summer evenings to watch the sun set and only takes 5-10 minutes to climb as the appartment is right at its foot! Orrest Head is also a pleasant walk and it begins from Windermere, just opposite the railway station. It has a variety of paths up and down and has recently had a new path built making it easier to access the summit for people who struggle with steps. Anecdotally it was the first ever walk for Alfred Wainwright where the view from the summit was said to have changed his life and set him on a lifetime of fell walking and the production of those much loved walking guides. 



The town of Kendal is just 15 minutes drive away and is the largest in South Lakeland. It offers great shopping, restaurants and a busy cultural scene with the likes of the Abbot Hall Art Gallery and The Brewery Arts Centre. At the northern head of the lake lies Ambleside, a popular town with cinema, pubs, restaurants and huge selection of outdoor and climbing gear shops.