Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is the main tourist centre for the South Lakes area of Lake District National Park. It sits on the shore of Windermere lake within the boundaries of the historic County of Westmorland. In 2011, it had about 3,800 permanent residents.

Understand

 * "Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from its surface. None of the other Lakes unfold so many fresh beauties to him who sails upon them. This is owing to its greater size, to the islands, and to its having two vales at the head, with their accompanying mountains of near equal dignity. Nor can the grandeur of these terminations be seen at once from any point, except from the bosom of the Lake." – William Wordsworth in Guide to the Lakes.

By train
It is about a mile from the Windermere railway station which links to Oxenholme (near Kendal) on the west coast main line. One can walk, if one likes, from Windermere station to Bowness. Alternatively, buses are available every 20 minutes from the railway station to the ferry jetty. Taxis are also available. If there is a group of 4-5 people, taxis may be economically more viable, because buses would cost almost as much.

By ferry
A car ferry operates daily (except 25, 26 Dec) from Far Sawrey, running M-Sa approximately every 20 minutes between 6:50AM and 8:50PM, starting Su at 9:10AM on, and with later sailings in summer. Cars £4.20, pedestrians 50p.

Get around

 * The main attraction of Bowness-on-Windermere is the ferry. The most popular and widely used service is from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside. The ferry trip is an experience of a lifetime, offering a faboulous ride across a wonderful lake. Tickets are available for an one-way trip or a return trip. Some people prefer to return by ferry, others move ahead from Ambleside to other places such as Rydal Mount, Grasmere, or Keswick, or even return from Ambleside to either Bowness-on-Windermere or Windermere town by bus or taxi. There are a number of other ferry trips.
 * Bowness Taxis, 1 Lake Road, Bowness-On-Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3AP, Telephone +44 15394 46664.

See

 * Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake.
 * St. Martin parish church built in 1483.

Do

 * Boat rides on the Lake (Windermere).
 * Visit the Glebe for a picnic on a sunny day.
 * Lakeside aquarium. Access by ferry or train.
 * Visit the Beatrix Potter Museum.

Buy
Shopping for touristy things as well as luxury chocolates and icecream.

Eat
There are numerous small eateries around the ferry jetty offering all types of fast food. Try the fish and chips. However those who prefer to go to a proper place to eat may try out one of the following and numerous other restaurants.



Drink
Almost all restaurants and hotels have bars.

Sleep
The place is full of hotels and lodges many of them offering bed and breakfast options. Some prefer this place to Windermere, which is not on the lake. However, even if one stays in Windermere, it takes just minutes to reach the lake.

Go next

 * Grasmere - small village a few miles from Bowness. Birthplace of William Wordsworth.
 * Ambleside
 * Kendal (England) - large town 20-30 minutes from the village with a vibrant shopping district.