Bowness-on-Windermere hotels

Travelling to Bowness

The Lake District is the UK's most popular National Park. And the queen of the lakes here, undoubtedly, is Lake Windermere. This is the largest body of water anywhere in England, and its sheer size makes it closer in stature to a Scottish loch. But it’s the countryside’s beauty reflected off the glassy surface of the lake that has kept the crowds coming ever since the railway’s arrival and the popularising efforts of the Romantic poets helped spread the word.

If it’s a hotel by the lake that you seek then Bowness-on-Windermere is your best bet. Rather confusingly, the town of Windermere itself is split into two. Bowness-on-Windermere (usually shortened to Bowness) sits on the lake's eastern shore, but Windermere Town can be found a mile or so inland, at the top of a steep hill called Lake Road.

Bowness is the main tourist centre for the South Lakes area of the Lake District National Park. As such, it’s an ideal spot to look for a hotel to explore all that this beautiful area has to offer. But be warned: you will not be alone. This is a very popular spot and the hotels will get booked up often well in advance.

Where to book your hotel in Bowness

The first thing to bear in mind is that, if it’s a lake view you are after, you need to make sure you are booking in Bowness-in-Windermere rather than Windermere Town itself.

And here’s William Wordsworth explaining why those lake views are so attractive:

"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.

Of course, one of the beauties of staying in Bowness is that you can guarantee that this immense body of water is never more than a short stroll away from your hotel, even if you do not have views of it from your window.

Here are some other types of hotel that you can find in Bowness.

Your choice of Bowness hotels

Overlooking the lake, you’ll find a wonderful spa hotel that ensures all your senses will be pampered and spoiled as you take in the views. There is are also a good choice of family-friendly hotels, most located a mere stroll from the World of Beatrix Potter theme park.

Boutique hotels, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts also cluster around the lake’s shores providing plenty of options for those visiting the Lake District.

Keen walkers may wish to opt for the guesthouses that are out of town and perched on the hills from which many excellent walking trails begin.

Exploring the Lake District from Bowness

One of the main attractions of Bowness is to take a boat trip on the lake. And there are plenty of opportunities to do so. Many trips will help you explore its scenic beauty, or you can just hop on the ferry that takes you over to Ambleside. The ferry trip offers an unforgettable ride across this enchanting lake.

Glebe Park sits on the shores of Lake Windermere, and is just one of the many reasons why Bowness is so picturesque. Here amid beautiful grounds there are outdoor activities for all the family, including crazy golf, three tennis courts and an 18-hole pitch and putt course. Take some snacks and enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Families will also love the Lakeside aquarium and the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness, a theme park that brings Peter Rabbit and friends to life.

A little further afield there’s also a fun day out to be had on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Steam Railway, which passes along the coast at the foot of the Scafell range. And never too far away are the rest of the delights of the Lake District. From Bowness, there are some gentle walks around Buttermere that are within easy reach, and the testing hikes up Scafell Pike are an easy drive but a tougher walk!

Save money on your Bowness hotel

For great savings on your Bowness hotel with Expedia, why not book your flight and hotel together? There’s even more money to save this way on your Lake District holiday.