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Things to Do in Bowness-on-Windermere

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What to do During Your Weekend Away in the Lake District

With its location right on the shores of Lake Windermere, Bowness is one of the most visited tourist towns in the country, with gorgeous panoramic views over the lake.

Its narrow streets and charming atmosphere draw millions of visitors each year and there’s plenty to see and do, aside from the numerous local shops, cafes and, of course, our Craig Walks. Here are some of our favourite things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere.

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Go Ape Grizedale

For those who are the adventurous type, you will want to check out Go Ape at Grizedale Forest while staying at the Craig Manor hotel.

Grizedale Forest

Grizedale Forest is a beautiful spot to surround yourself with nature. With walking, biking and horse trails throughout alongside wildlife, sculptures and a Go Ape! Grizedale obstacle course, there’s something for everyone.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Discover the wonderful World of Beatrix Potter. With a range of interactive experiences dedicated to the beloved childhood characters, the author and the Lake District. Get up close and personal with Petter Rabbit & Friends.

Windermere Canoe Kayak and Bike Hire

Looking for an adventurous way to explore the Lake District? Why not rent out your own canoe, kayak or bike. With specialised instructors to help get you going, or even come out with you on a guided tour, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never tried it before.

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Walking

Orrest Head

While this route isn’t particularly long, it still presents a few challenges along the way such as rough terrain and stiles. However, it is certainly worth it when you take in the spectacular views which were once described by the author, Alfred Wainwright who stated, “a moment of magic, a revelation so unexpected that I stood transfixed, unable to believe my eyes.” The route should take you around an hour and a half and is 3.7 miles long.

Distance: 3.7 miles – Recommended Time: 1.5+ hours

Back Lane Circular

This route takes you on a nice leisurely stroll around the local area that surrounds Bowness-on-Windermere. This walk covers mostly country lanes and roads and is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing few hours out, rather than an energetic hike. It should take roughly three hours and covers 8.6 miles.

Distance: 8.6 miles – Recommended Time: 3 hours

Cockshott

This short stroll takes you into Bowness before heading down to Cockshott Point, where you can find great views across Belle Isle. This is a good route for all ages and abilities as the short walk consists of pavements or hard-surfaced pathways, so you should be able to traverse it easily. You could make the trip in less than an hour and it covers just under three miles.

Distance: 3 miles – Recommended Time: 1+ hours

Esthwaite Water

Set aside a full day for this walk to Esthwaite Water as it can take up to five hours or longer if you fancy a few pit stops along the way. The route leads you down to Lake Windermere before you take a ferry across and onto Esthwaite Water, seeing Far Sawrey and Hawkshead along the way. While the walk mostly consists of country roads, this is a long walk at over 11 miles, so it may not be suitable for everyone, but the journey will certainly be worth it.

Distance: 11 miles – Recommended Time: 4.5+ hours

Wynlass Beck

This walk gives you a great opportunity to see Windermere as it takes you up through the town and towards Wynlass Beck before bringing you back down to Bowness. You can enjoy plenty of fantastic views as well as seeing some of the town itself. Although you can complete the circuit in under two hours, there are a number of great places to stop off at, so you may want to give yourself a little more time. The route covers 5.7 miles and mostly consists of roads and lanes, so the terrain shouldn’t be too tricky.

Distance: 5.7 miles – Recommended Time: 2.5+ hours

Claife Heights

Lake Windermere is one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District so why not incorporate a trip across the lake into a walk? This route takes you across the water by ferry and up to Claife Heights where you can escape into beautiful woodland for a relaxing Lake District walk while you take in views of Windermere itself. The route is six miles and takes upwards of two hours, depending on how much time you want to spend around the lake.

Distance: 6 miles – Recommended Time: 2.5+ hours

School Knott

This is a great circular walk that will allow you to see some of the best of the Lake District, with fantastic views of Lake Windermere and the Langdale Pikes to enjoy. This is a little more challenging than some of the other walks due to the uneven terrain, steep inclines and obstacles such as stiles. This is definitely one for someone who is steady on their feet and would not be ideal for pushchairs or wheelchairs. The route is around five miles and should take roughly two hours at a decent pace.

Distance: 5 miles – Recommended Time: 2+ hours

Grasmere

If you’re looking for a full day out with some incredible views and a bit of a challenge, this walk from Windermere to Grasmere is perfect. This is a long route, so make sure to come prepared as it covers over nine miles and will take at least six hours. You’ll get to enjoy two of the lakes that the Lake District is most famous for, with plenty of beautiful scenery along the way. This route includes some steep climbs, so it may not be suitable for everyone.

Distance: 9 miles – Recommended Time: 6+ hours

Brantfell

Giving excellent views out across Windermere, this walk is a great route for someone who wants to get a little more familiar with the area. While it’s not exactly a steep hike, there is a bit of an incline up Brantfell so it may be a little challenging for some. It should be fairly smooth underfoot, but the final descent into Bowness may be a little trickier. At 1.7 miles, this Windermere walk should take you around an hour, but could take up to an hour and a half depending on how quickly you make it up the incline!

Distance: 1.7m – Recommended Time: 1hour+

Townend

Take a walk from Windermere to the Townend farmhouse in the village of Troutbeck and take in the wonderful countryside around the Lake District. This route takes you past some fantastic historical spots and wonderful architecture as well as some great lakeside views. At seven miles, this route can be a little challenging so might not be suitable for those who aren’t up to longer distances. You can expect to complete in a little over two hours at a good pace.

Distance: 8.6 miles – Recommended Time: 3+ hours

Millerground

As this is a Windermere walk that should only take around an hour, it is a great option for all ages and abilities. The route is roughly 2.8 miles and takes you along the lake for some great views. There’s plenty to see along the way so you can take your time with this one and even explore some of the shops in Bowness.

Distance: 2.8 miles – Recommended Time: 1.5+ hours

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Sightseeing

Windermere Jetty Museum

Discover the world of boats at the Windermere Jetty Museum. Learn everything you need to know about boat building or take a trip on a restored heritage boat. There’s a cafe and gift shop too!

Hill Top

Beatrix Potter’s famous abode at Hill Top Farm is a National Trust property that lets you discover the life of the famous author for yourself. Enter her old home and explore its gardens for yourself.

Brockhole on Windermere

No matter your age or what you’re interested in, Brockhole on Windermere provides an incredible day out for all the family. Located between Windermere and Ambleside, Brockhole on Windermere is the perfect place to experience a variety of outdoor (but covered) activities, an adventure playground, water sports and boat hire on the grounds designed in Edwardian times.

Wray Castle

The stunning National Trust property on the shores of Lake Windermere, Wray Castle offers walking in its grounds and gardens and a chance to explore a historic castle, complete with turrets and towers.

Dove Cottage and Wordsworth Museum

The home of Williams Wordsworth transports you back to 1799 to give you an insight into the life of the famous poet. There are gardens and a museum to discover too. It’s truly a wonderful and idyllic spot.

Windermere Lake Cruises

Offering trips up to Ambleside and Lakeside, Windermere Lake Cruises is a hugely popular attraction offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain scenery, as well as the many islands and bays of the lake. There’s a whole host of cruises on offer, including night cruises, many of which take in the attractions around the lake too.

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These are just some of the things to see and do during your stay in Bowness-on-Windermere, but there’s so much more to see in the surrounding towns and villages, such as the adjoining town of Windermere. There’s also plenty of things to do in Ambleside, Kendal, Grizedale, Newby Bridge and more.

Not only that but we can help you plan your whole trip, from bike hire to fishing permits, or add that little extra touch to your room.

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Getting Out & About

Things to Do in Bowness-on-Windermere

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What to do During Your Weekend Away in the Lake District

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