Things to Do in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

Take the car ferry across Windermere (£1 foot passenger) and walk up to this beautiful Victorian viewing station. Stained-glass windows frame the lake view. One of the most romantic spots in the Lake District.

Windermere Lake Cruises runs evening and sunset cruises in summer. Watching the sun set over the western fells from the water is one of the most beautiful experiences in the Lake District.

A short 1.5-mile walk from Windermere station to Orrest Head — the viewpoint that inspired Alfred Wainwright to write his famous Pictorial Guides. Panoramic views over Windermere and the fells.

One of Bowness's finest restaurants, with a seasonal British menu and a beautiful interior. The entrance hall features a counter from Beatrix Potter's fictional shop in "Ginger and Pickles."

The oldest pub in Bowness, dating from 1612. Low beams, real ales, and a cosy atmosphere. A perfect evening drink after a day on the lake. Allegedly haunted — ask the landlord.

A beautiful flat walk along the eastern shore of Windermere from Bowness Bay to Fell Foot Park (5 miles south). Excellent views across the lake throughout. Easy and accessible for all abilities.

A 4-mile circular walk from Bowness over Brant Fell with excellent views over Windermere and the southern fells. A step up from Orrest Head but still very accessible. Starts from the village centre.

Take the car ferry across Windermere and walk the Claife Heights ridge above the western shore. Spectacular views, quiet paths, and a return ferry from Hawkshead. A superb 7-mile circular.

A 6-mile linear walk along the western lakeshore from Bowness to Ambleside, with a return by bus or boat. One of the classic Lake District walks — flat, beautiful, and accessible.

A National Trust park at the southern tip of Windermere, accessible by boat from Bowness. Beautiful Victorian gardens, a lakeshore walk, and excellent views north up the full length of Windermere.

A world-class museum of historic vessels on the lakeshore. Fascinating for anyone interested in boats, engineering, or social history. Excellent café with lake views. A perfect solo afternoon.

Buy a day pass and hop on and off the Windermere Lake Cruises service all day. Visit Ambleside, Lakeside, and Fell Foot at your own pace. The best solo way to see the whole lake.

One of Britain's finest Arts & Crafts houses, 1.5 miles south of Bowness. Beautifully restored interiors, changing exhibitions, and a superb café. A peaceful and inspiring solo afternoon.

One of the best independent coffee shops in the Lake District. Excellent coffee, great food, and a welcoming atmosphere for solo visitors. Expect a queue — it's worth it.

The walk that inspired Wainwright. A short 1.5-mile climb from Windermere station. Panoramic views over the lake. Perfect for a solo morning walk before exploring Bowness.

The oldest pub in Bowness (1612). Low beams, real ales, and a great atmosphere for solo travellers. A classic end to a day on the lake.

A 20-mile road cycling loop around the entire lake. Takes in Bowness, Ambleside, Hawkshead, and the western shore. A full-day cycling adventure with excellent views throughout.

Several bike hire shops in Windermere and Bowness. Electric bikes available for the hillier routes. A great way to explore the area without a car.

Take the car ferry to the western shore and cycle to Grizedale Forest for world-class mountain bike trails. A superb full-day adventure combining the ferry, road cycling, and forest trails.

A 10-mile route south from Bowness to Kendal via quiet country lanes. Excellent for a half-day ride with a café stop in Kendal. Mostly flat with some gentle climbs.

A dedicated cycle path runs from Windermere to Brockhole (2 miles north). Excellent for families and beginner cyclists. Brockhole has a great café and adventure park for a mid-ride stop.

Dogs are welcome on the lakeshore path from Bowness Bay. Flat, easy walking with excellent lake views. Dogs can swim in the lake at several points. One of the best dog walks near Bowness.

Dogs are welcome on Windermere Lake Cruises (small charge applies). A boat trip with your dog on England's largest lake is a genuinely special experience.

A National Trust park at the southern tip of Windermere. Dogs welcome on leads. Beautiful Victorian gardens, a lakeshore walk, and a dog-friendly café.

The Hole in t'Wall and The Albert are both dog-friendly pubs in Bowness. The Hole in t'Wall has a particularly welcoming attitude to well-behaved dogs.

A 4-mile circular walk from Bowness over Brant Fell. Dogs welcome on open access land. Keep on leads through farmland. Excellent views and a good energetic walk for larger dogs.

Take the car ferry across Windermere and walk the Claife Heights ridge. Dogs welcome on leads. Spectacular views and very quiet paths. One of the best dog walks near Bowness.