A guide to the best things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most well-known towns in the Lake District. Its lakeside location, beautiful views, winding streets, and numerous attractions make it perfect for day trippers and holiday makers.

So, what are the best things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere? And how do you plan a visit that suits you?

This is where a little local know-how goes a long way. Our guide summarises the best of what to do in Bowness-on-Windermere, with practical tips to help you experience the area at its best.

The best things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere at a glance

5 unmissable things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere

1. Take a cruise on Lake Windermere

If you only do one thing in Bowness, make it a Windermere Lake Cruise. A boat trip on Windermere delivers views that you’d never see from the road or paths. You can choose short circular sailings or longer, multi-stop journeys around the lake.

Good to know

Book ahead during school holidays and bank holiday weekends.
Morning departures are usually quieter.
Save money with combination tickets if you’re planning to stop at attractions around the lake.

Tip: If you’re staying for a few days, consider saving your cruise for the clearest day of your holiday. Visibility makes a huge difference to the views.

2. Hire a boat and explore at your own pace

For a personalised experience on the lake, swap the sightseeing boat for one you can steer yourself. Hiring a rowing boat or self-drive motorboat lets you discover quiet corners of Windermere and set your own pace.

This is one of the few Bowness on Windermere things to do that appeals to children, teenagers and adults. Happy families!

3. Climb to Brant Fell

Brant Fell is a relatively short uphill walk from Bowness, so you don’t need to tackle a mountain to enjoy spectacular, panoramic Lake District views.

Why it’s worth it

One of the best viewpoints close to Bowness town
Achievable for most visitors
Lovely at any time of the day

4. Wander the waterfront

Bowness is lovely to simply stroll around, from the waterfront promenade, up into the town. Here’s what you can enjoy:

Browsing independent shops
Sampling locally made ice cream
Watching boats drift across the lake
Feeding birds along the promenade
Stopping for a drink with a view at a bar

5. Enjoy lunch with a lake view

Bowness is one of the best places in the Lake District to linger over a meal. Keep it chilled with fish and chips by the water at Driftwood, or enjoy a late lunch and drinks on the terrace at Lake View Garden Bar.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Browse our Hawkshead & Windermere holiday cottages, perfectly placed for exploring Bowness and the surrounding lake, plus a relaxing retreat.

The best things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere with children

For families with children of different ages

Getting out on the water is the most versatile choice. A self-drive boat, rowing boat, or lake cruise gives everyone something to enjoy, regardless of age. These are the two most highly recommended companies for boat hire in Bowness:

Windermere Lake Cruises. In addition to guided lake cruises, private boat hire is also available. Choose from rowing boats to electric motor boats.
Bowness Bay Marina. Pick from a wide range of electric motor boats from standard two-person to premium XL sizes.

For younger children

The World of Beatrix Potter is perfect for younger visitors rather than older children. Preschoolers, young primary-age kids, and Peter Rabbit fans will love exploring the interactive exhibits. Children aged around eight and above still enjoy it, but may find they get around it quite quickly.

Tip: For the best experience, pair it with a lakeside walk or boat trip rather than making it your only activity for the day.

Things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere when it rains

Visit Windermere Jetty Museum

Windermere Jetty Museum is one of the area’s best indoor attractions for a rainy day. It also suits a variety of age groups. You can enjoy:

Beautifully restored boats
Interactive exhibitions
Lakeside views from the lakeshore cafe
Heritage boat trips
Workshops for children and adults

Browse the independent shops

Bowness’s independent shops are ideal for a rainy afternoon, where you can explore the local food and artisan gifts. Get your brolly out and your wallet ready! Check out:

Local food producers. Love the Lakes stocks a variety of locally made produce, from lemon curd to relishes and cakes.
Clothing shops. The Hen House is a colourful boutique with fashion, jewellery and accessories. Lakeland Leather specialises in high-quality jackets, handbags, wallets, and shoes and is known for its friendly service.
Artisan gifts. The Red Gecko designs and ethically sources handcrafted jewellery, homeware, wall art, and unique gifts. Bath House offers artisan fragrances, natural skincare, and candles made in the Lake District.

Free things to do in Bowness

Walk to Cockshott Point

Head a few minutes beyond the promenade, down Glebe Road and leave the busiest part of the waterfront. Cockshott Point is a top spot for photography, wildlife spotting, or simply sitting with a brew and watching the boats. Take a picnic down to one of the little beaches dotted along the way and enjoy some stone skimming.

Wander Bowness Bay promenade and Glebe Road

The promenade, with boats, lake views (particularly gorgeous at sunset) and happy tourist vibes, is lovely for a laid-back amble. Grab a coffee or ice cream and watch the world go by. On Sundays, browse the Glebe Market. Even if you don’t buy anything, there’s usually music, local chat, and friendly stall vendors.

Wild swim and picnic at Millerground

A short walk north along the lakeshore from Bowness, Millerground is the spot for a proper dip in Windermere. Its stone “beach” and jetties are a popular wild swimming spot, with locals and visitors alike jumping in, paddling, or just cooling off on a warm day.

Good to know: Windermere’s water stays cold even in summer, and there’s no lifeguard on duty, so it’s worth swimming with others, easing in gradually, and sticking closer to shore if you’re new to open water.

Easy day trips from Bowness-on-Windermere

Several top attractions and beauty spots, such as Orrest Head and the Lakes Aquarium, are less than 30 minutes away from Bowness. These are 4 options that you can get to without a car, directly from the town.

Windermere & Orrest Head. Walk up to neighbouring Windermere and take the short walk to Orrest Head. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with one of the Lake District’s most iconic panoramic views. Afterwards, grab lunch at Homeground. This cool café consistently gets rave reviews, and they don’t take bookings, so be prepared to queue. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Brockhole on Windermere. Perfect for families, Brockhole combines adventure playgrounds, tree top nets, boat hire, mini golf and seasonal activities in a beautiful lakeside setting. Jump on a Red Cruise with Windermere Lake Cruises from Bowness Bay and hop off here.

The Lakes Aquarium. This family-friendly attraction showcases freshwater and marine wildlife, so it’s another great option if the weather isn’t on your side. The Yellow Cruise takes you from Bowness to Lakeside Pier, and from there it’s around a two-minute walk to the Lakes Aquarium.

The western shore of Lake Windermere. Hop aboard the ferry to Ash Landing to explore the quieter western shoreline. You’ll find a network of peaceful woodland walks that lead to the distinctive Wray Castle and some of Lake Windermere’s most tranquil scenery.

FAQs when visiting Bowness-on-Windermere

Where can you park in Bowness?

Arrive before 10am or after 6pm for the best chance of a space. Parking spaces in Bowness fill up fast, especially in peak season.
Buy a 3 or 7 day parking pass directly from the machine at any council-run car park in Bowness if you’re staying a few days.
Avoid parking in casual roadside spots such as Rayrigg Road, where enforcement has increased in recent summers.

Should you book Bowness restaurants and attractions in advance?

Reserve restaurant tables, boat trips, and popular attractions ahead of your trip rather than relying on walk-ins. They get booked up months ahead during peak season.
If you are visiting during peak season, arrive early and be prepared for queues to board boats or enter attractions.

When should you visit Bowness?

Visit Bowness during April-May or September-October for a quieter experience without sacrificing good weather. It does get busy whatever the day, but weekdays are calmer than weekends, and the shoulder seasons are less crowded than the school summer holidays.
Time your visit to Bowness for mornings, late afternoons and evenings, as these are calmer times of day to visit, even during peak season.

Explore Bowness-on-Windermere while staying in a Coppermines Lakes Cottage

Bowness-on-Windermere rewards visitors who take their time. Whether that’s cruising the lake, climbing to Brant Fell, or simply wandering the promenade with an ice cream in hand.

However you spend your visit, a comfortable base makes all the difference. Explore our self-catering holiday cottages, ideally located for discovering the very best of the Lake District.