Bowness on Windermere

	Boat Mooring at Bowness on Windermere

Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria’s most popular destination is a sprawling tourist town on the shore of Lake Windermere. Developed after the opening of the railway line from Oxenholme and Kendal to Windermere in 1847 and busy for most of the year, people travel from all over the world for its sailing and watersports and to experience the unique Bowness atmosphere.

The Victorian and Edwardian influences can be seen everywhere in and around Bowness,  but for those interested in its earlier history, a walk to Lowside, behind the church will prove rewarding, with narrow streets and houses offering a picture of Bowness before the advent of the railway.

St Martin’s, the parish church of Windermere stands on a site which has been a religious foundation for over 1000 years, the original structure burnt down but was rebuilt in 1484 and restored in 1870. The east window contains 15th Century stained glass which depicts the arms of John Washington, an ancestor of George Washington, the first president of America.
Boat enthusiasts may want to stroll along the shore and watch the many boat builders and restorers at work, or visit the Steamboat Museum which houses a unique collection of historic steam and motor boats, including the SL Dolly of 1850, the oldest mechanically powered boat in the world. The museum is home to 12 vintage steam boats some of which still take passengers out on the lake.

For Beatrix Potter fans, Bowness is home to  ‘The World of Beatrix Potter’ an  attraction where visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside, learn about Potter’s life and come face to face with favourites such as Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck. With a gift shop and tea rooms the attraction is very popular and well worth a visit.

There is plenty of choice in regards to eating out in Bowness, from traditional fish and chips to fine dining. The homemade ice cream and fudge is to die for and the range of boutique shops will satisfy the shopaholic in all of us.

Boats moored on Bowness on Windermere