Windermere Information

Bowness-on-Windermere is a sprawling tourist town on the shore of Lake Windermere about halfway along the 12 mile length of the lake between Waterhead at the North end, and lakeside at the South end. There are plenty of places to park close to the town centre from which local shops can be accessed. Children of all ages will enjoy the toyshop which has an array of quality toys and models to suit all ages and budgets! Small children can be easily distracted by the locally produced ice-cream a few yards away.

The town developed after the opening of the railway line from Oxenholme and Kendal to Windermere in 1847. Bowness was the nearest accessible point on the lake. The Victorian influence can be seen everywhere – The industrial revolution at the end of the 19th century brought wealthy businessmen from Lancashire. Large residences were built overlooking the lake, and many of these have now been converted to hotels, such as the Langdale Chase Hotel and the Belsfield Hotel. Others houses include The National Park Visitor Centre Brockhole between Ambleside and Bowness.

Steamers and Launches sail daily throughout the year with connections for the Aquarium of the Lakes (Lakeside) and the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction (Bowness). From Ambleside and Bowness, Boats with comfortable covered saloons and open sun deck and Steamers and larger launches have licensed bars and coffee shops. One hour wine cruises operate during the summer months. Rowing boats available for hire (March to October). Car and coach parking is available at the pier.

The Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole on the shores of Lake Windermere boasts 30 acres of award winning beautiful gardens with stunning views over the lake.
It is perfect for school parties or large groups. Open all year, the gardens have lovely expanses of grass where children can play ball games or families can picnic next to a large adventure playground suitable for young and older children.

The grounds are easily accessible by prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. The interactive exhibition gives an excellent insight into the biodiversity of the lakes and its geological formation and along with the film auditorium assist in the educational requirements of school field trips. The café serves excellent local fayre at reasonable prices and along with the gift shop are open from April to October.

Admission if free with a charge made for car parking. This makes the Brockhole visitors centre a day out with excellent value for money. Contact the centre for details of over 1000 events on 01539 446601.

Boat enthusiasts will be captivated by the Maritime Steamboats and Museum which houses ‘Dolly’ the world’s oldest mechanically powered boat. There are guided tours, a ‘swallows and amazons’ exhibition and a model boat pond. The craftsmanship of the traditional Lake District cruise boats make this a ‘must see’ for boat building enthusiasts.

Special events are held throughout the year to include, Windermere Model Boat Rally, Model citizens, Radio Dayz, the British Classic Boat Rally and ‘Splash in’ (model airplanes). The café serves snacks at standard prices and can be enjoyed outside on the terrace overlooking the lake and launch area. Tel: 015394 45565 www.steamboat.co.uk

The Beatrix Potter Centre is an indoor re-creation of the Lakeland countryside, complete with sights, sounds and even smells. Small children will love the discovery of Peter Rabbit eating the vegetables in Mr. McGregor's garden and see Jemima Puddle-duck flying above the exhibits. The mice families built into a tree trunk are exquisite. There is a 4 minute film about the creation of the Beatrix Potter stories at the start of the tour and the size of the tour is just enough to amuse small children with seats within the exhibits for a photograph with their favorite character. Beware the unavoidable gift shop which has lots of novelties particularly baby-wear and nursery accessories. Prices for 2004 are £2.90 children, £3.90 adults.

The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction, The Old Laundry, Bowness-on-Windermere
English Lake District, Cumbria LA23 3BX
England, U.K.
Telephone: +44 (0)15394 88444

Beatrix Potter was born and brought up in London. She accompanied her parents on summer holidays to Wray Castle. Beatrix was 16 when they stayed here in 1882. She bought much land in the area, including most of the land surrounding Wray Castle from her book royalties. Wray is not a real castle but a private house built in1840 in the Gothic Revival Style. It was built for Dr Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon, and is now owned by the National Trust. The house was built using his wife's inheritance from a gin fortune. Apparently she refused to live in it.

The house is not open to the public but a walk along the lake to view the grounds is worth the effort to view many specimen trees including a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsworth in 1845. Watbarrow Wood is the wooded bank between the castle and the lake, and has several pleasant paths leading through it to the water's edge where there are wonderful views across Windermere.

Low Wood Water Sports and Activities centre
is situated by the lake on the Bowness to Ambleside road on the A951 and offers BWSF training techniques. Families and Corporate events are catered for at special rates and the water sport training is for Waterskiing, Canoeing (kayaks), wayfarer sailing instruction. Boat hire and speedboat rides on Windermere are also available from Low Wood

Spectacular walking, cycling in the Langdales over Kirkstone pass towards Lake Ullswater offers the most spectacular scenery in the Lake district. Numerous paths and trails offer opportunities for viewing the scenery of Windomere as well as breathtaking routes for those who prefer to view the scenic landscape from the comfort of their cars.

For those interested in golf, the Keswick golf club is just a short drive away with easy access off the main A66. A quick trip to Carlisle discount golf is well worth a visit first.

Tourist Information Centre: Glebe Rd, Bowness, LA23 3HJ. Tel: 015394 42895
Tourist Information Centre: Victoria St, Windermere, LA23 1AD. Tel: 015394 46499