Bowness-on-Windermere is located right in the heart of the Lake District, on the banks of England’s biggest lake, attracting millions of tourists each year.
But if you’ve never visited us before, why should 2020 be the year that you discover this beautiful lakeside town for yourself?
The World of Beatrix Potter
If you’re visiting with children, the World of Beatrix Potter is a must-visit for the whole family and is one of the area’s most popular visitor attractions.
The natural beauty and wildlife of the local area inspired Potter to write her much-loved children’s stories, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit and the attraction is an interactive exhibit where you can see Peter and all his friends, as well as learn more about the story of Potter’s writing and characters.
2020 is the perfect time to make a visit as well, with the new musical adventure “Where is Peter Rabbit?” which has been seen on stages in the West End, Hong Kong and Singapore taking place between June 20th and August 31st.
There are also frequent Peter Rabbit tea parties and other events, as well as a gift shop and cafe to check out too.
Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
There’s a strong Victorian influence in the local area, with many wealthy businessmen from the time building large houses for their summer visits to the Lakes, and one of the most well-known is Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House.
This Grade I listed house was designed by renowned architect Baillie Scott and has been heralded as one of the best examples of the Arts & Crafts style in the country, with perfect views over Lake Windermere too.
It’s an enchanting place to visit, with countless decorative features and touches and there are frequent talks and events to learn more about the house and life in the period.
In 2020, you can enjoy exhibitions such as the Arts & Crafts of Politics, as well as craft workshops such as bundle dyeing and more!
Windermere Lake Cruises
It goes without saying that the lake that gives the town its name is the main attraction in the town and is what draws so many people here every year.
The best way to experience England’s biggest lake is by boat, with Windermere Lake Cruises being officially the most popular tourist attraction in the area.
They offer a variety of trips out on the lake, from 45 minutes to three hours, allowing you to travel to nearby Ambleside and Lakeside, all while taking in the spectacular mountains, bays and islands of the surrounding area.
You can also pair your trip with some of the area’s best local attractions, such as the Lakeland Motor Museum or the Lakes Aquarium.
Brant Fell
The other main reason people love to visit the Lakes is that it offers some of the best walking routes in the country, but you don’t have to look much further afield than the town itself for some amazing walks with great views.
One of our favourites is Brant Fell, which overlooks Bowness, as well as offering views of Orrest Head and Grizedale Forest.
The walk takes a minimum of an hour and gets a little steep in parts, but it’s fairly accessible for most and you don’t need to worry about parking your car anywhere as you can simply walk up from the town.
Orrest Head is another very easy walk which still offers spectacular views and is actually one of the very first fells that Alfred Wainwright discovered on his visits to the Lakes.
For more Lake District walks, head to the National Park’s official website.
The Old Laundry Theatre
If you’re a fan of the theatre, be sure to make a visit the town’s Old Laundry Theatre, an intimate playhouse with an eclectic programme featuring drama, musicals, comedy, lectures and more.
The theatre has welcome names such as Alan Carr, Jenny Eclair, Victoria Wood and Griff Rhys-Jones to its stage over the years and is one of the county’s real cultural hubs, so be sure to check what’s on during your visit!
Whether you want to explore the ghosts of Cumbria, find things to do in Ambleside, or visit some of the best Lake District castles near Windermere, there’s plenty to do on your stay in the Lake District.
So, if you’re looking to visit our amazing town this year, be sure to check availability here at Craig Manor Hotel, for cosy rooms with some of the best views over the lake.
