Guidebook for Cumbria
Sightseeing
Brantfell is a viewpoint above Windermere giving views of most of the lake and beyond towards Morecambe Bay.
For some this could be a days challenge, for others an evening stroll
8 locals recommend
Brant Fell Viewpoint
Brantfell is a viewpoint above Windermere giving views of most of the lake and beyond towards Morecambe Bay.
For some this could be a days challenge, for others an evening stroll
A view point above the village of Windermere with distance views to the central Fells. The carriage drive has been relaid and extended to the view point at the top. Still steep in places.
Take the path to the left of the Windermere Hotel and follow the signs
29 locals recommend
Orrest Head
A view point above the village of Windermere with distance views to the central Fells. The carriage drive has been relaid and extended to the view point at the top. Still steep in places.
Take the path to the left of the Windermere Hotel and follow the signs
Arts & Culture
Blackwell is one of Britain's finest Arts & Crafts historic houses. Designed by Baillie Scott. Has views over Lake Windermere
42 locals recommend
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house
Blackwell is one of Britain's finest Arts & Crafts historic houses. Designed by Baillie Scott. Has views over Lake Windermere
Immerse yourself in Lake District History at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. Inside you can explore a typical Victorian farmers home from the food in the kitchen, to the elegance of the parlour. Other galleries tell the story of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the industrial history of this beautiful part of the world. Here you can discover the Lake District’s past in farming, mining, tanning, and many other ways that people have made a living amongst the fells.
16 locals recommend
Museum of Lakeland Life & Industry
KirklandImmerse yourself in Lake District History at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. Inside you can explore a typical Victorian farmers home from the food in the kitchen, to the elegance of the parlour. Other galleries tell the story of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the industrial history of this beautiful part of the world. Here you can discover the Lake District’s past in farming, mining, tanning, and many other ways that people have made a living amongst the fells.
Museum outlining the development of steam yachts on Windermere both for transport and as a toy of the rich. Has an extensive collection and restoration workshop.
The on site cafe comes recommended.
The Jetty museum is walking distance from Bowhaven.
29 locals recommend
Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Rayrigg RoadMuseum outlining the development of steam yachts on Windermere both for transport and as a toy of the rich. Has an extensive collection and restoration workshop.
The on site cafe comes recommended.
The Jetty museum is walking distance from Bowhaven.
This is a provincial Art Gallery run by Lakeland Arts. Has an interesting permanent collection and interesting exhibitions. Check Lakeland Arts website for details.
49 locals recommend
Abbot Hall Art Gallery
KirklandThis is a provincial Art Gallery run by Lakeland Arts. Has an interesting permanent collection and interesting exhibitions. Check Lakeland Arts website for details.
Townend
Holbeck LaneA former yeomans farm house preserved by the National Trust. Interesting carvings
Not a real castle but a Victorian House. The National Trust will tell you that the builder was a surgeon but the money really came from his father in law's gin distillery. Visited by Beatrix Potter before she moved here.
The best approach from Bowhaven is to take the ferry and walk or cycle along the gravel path
54 locals recommend
National Trust Wray Castle
Not a real castle but a Victorian House. The National Trust will tell you that the builder was a surgeon but the money really came from his father in law's gin distillery. Visited by Beatrix Potter before she moved here.
The best approach from Bowhaven is to take the ferry and walk or cycle along the gravel path
Food Scene
Award winning coffee shop in Windermere Village run by neighbours at Pinethwaite House. Gluten free options and vegetarian friendly
51 locals recommend
Homeground Coffee + Kitchen
56 Main RdAward winning coffee shop in Windermere Village run by neighbours at Pinethwaite House. Gluten free options and vegetarian friendly
Thai restaurant also do take away. Also in Kendal and Ambleside. Booking advised particularly Friday and Saturday night. Take away available.
8 locals recommend
Jintana Thai Restaurant
Lake RoadThai restaurant also do take away. Also in Kendal and Ambleside. Booking advised particularly Friday and Saturday night. Take away available.
Country Inn in Winster a few miles from Bowness. In their own words "The Brown Horse Inn offers a sophisticated menu with a contemporary take on traditional local fare. All of our meats and the majority of our vegetables are reared and grown on the Brown Horse Estate. Anything that is not direct from The Brown Horse Estate is sourced locally".
9 locals recommend
Brown Horse Inn
Country Inn in Winster a few miles from Bowness. In their own words "The Brown Horse Inn offers a sophisticated menu with a contemporary take on traditional local fare. All of our meats and the majority of our vegetables are reared and grown on the Brown Horse Estate. Anything that is not direct from The Brown Horse Estate is sourced locally".
Country Inn with good reputation. Set your Sat Nav to find. Booking not possible so turn up and take your chance inside or on the extensive patio.
50 locals recommend
The Masons Arms
Country Inn with good reputation. Set your Sat Nav to find. Booking not possible so turn up and take your chance inside or on the extensive patio.
17th century coaching inn at Bowland Bridge. Booking recommended especially Friday and Saturday evenings.
16 locals recommend
Hare & Hounds Bowland Bridge
17th century coaching inn at Bowland Bridge. Booking recommended especially Friday and Saturday evenings.
Getting Around
Cycle hire in Windermere adjacent to the station. Have mountain bikes, hybrids and road bikes. Also have a tandem if you wish. Ask your hosts for suggested routes or we may be able to guide you
11 locals recommend
Country Lanes Cycle Centre
Cycle hire in Windermere adjacent to the station. Have mountain bikes, hybrids and road bikes. Also have a tandem if you wish. Ask your hosts for suggested routes or we may be able to guide you
The peaceful way to explore the lake from Bowness pier to other points around the lake. Three white birds - the steamers and smaller vessels to the smaller piers. Also do rowing boat and motor boat hire
62 locals recommend
Windermere Lake Cruises (Head Office)
Glebe RoadThe peaceful way to explore the lake from Bowness pier to other points around the lake. Three white birds - the steamers and smaller vessels to the smaller piers. Also do rowing boat and motor boat hire
Everything else literally as they hire canoes and kayaks from their boat house. Also bire hire. Adjacent to the ferry with limited parking
15 locals recommend
Windermere Canoe Kayak
B5285Everything else literally as they hire canoes and kayaks from their boat house. Also bire hire. Adjacent to the ferry with limited parking
Mallard, the only chain ferry to run on fresh water runs from here to the quieter west side of Lake Windermere.
The ferry takes pedestrians,cyclists and cars. Payment is by card only. Make sure you check the return times.
Ferry Nab
Mallard, the only chain ferry to run on fresh water runs from here to the quieter west side of Lake Windermere.
The ferry takes pedestrians,cyclists and cars. Payment is by card only. Make sure you check the return times.
Shopping
Booths the largest supermarket in Windermere. Like to think they are artisan which means they are not the cheapest
36 locals recommend
Booths, Windermere
Victoria StreetBooths the largest supermarket in Windermere. Like to think they are artisan which means they are not the cheapest
Small branch of Sainsburys store in Windermere. Longer hours as a small shop - details on the website
19 locals recommend
Sainsbury's Local
Main RoadSmall branch of Sainsburys store in Windermere. Longer hours as a small shop - details on the website
Tesco Express
Market PlaceSmall branch of Tesco in Bowness on Windermere
Local Supermarket open 24 hours a day except Sundays. 24 hour fuel (card only) and cash machines
21 locals recommend
Asda Kendal Superstore
Burton RoadLocal Supermarket open 24 hours a day except Sundays. 24 hour fuel (card only) and cash machines
Essentials
Local GP surgery will see temporary residents at booked appointments so phone first preferably as early as possible after 0830. Will see overseas visitors who will be charged as not covered by the NHS. Everyone needs to take photo ID please..
St Mary's Surgery
Ambleside RoadLocal GP surgery will see temporary residents at booked appointments so phone first preferably as early as possible after 0830. Will see overseas visitors who will be charged as not covered by the NHS. Everyone needs to take photo ID please..
Local GP surgery will see temporary residents at booked appointments so phone first preferably as early as possible after 0830. Will see overseas visitors who will be charged as not covered by the NHS. Everyone needs to take photo ID please..
Windermere Health Centre
Local GP surgery will see temporary residents at booked appointments so phone first preferably as early as possible after 0830. Will see overseas visitors who will be charged as not covered by the NHS. Everyone needs to take photo ID please..
Small local hospital with minor injuries unit and Out of hours GP centre. Please call NHS 111 (111 from all mobiles) for advice first or to make an Out of Hours GP appointment. Please take photo ID. Overseas visitors not entitled to NHS care may be charged.
Westmorland General Hospital
Burton RoadSmall local hospital with minor injuries unit and Out of hours GP centre. Please call NHS 111 (111 from all mobiles) for advice first or to make an Out of Hours GP appointment. Please take photo ID. Overseas visitors not entitled to NHS care may be charged.
Local District General Hospital for Cumbria with major accident centre and most urgent services. Yes this is really our local hospital but is 30 miles away.
Call 999 for life threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for advice. Please take photo ID if attending hospital. Overseas visitors may be charged if not entitled to NHS care.
Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Ashton RoadLocal District General Hospital for Cumbria with major accident centre and most urgent services. Yes this is really our local hospital but is 30 miles away.
Call 999 for life threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for advice. Please take photo ID if attending hospital. Overseas visitors may be charged if not entitled to NHS care.
Local independent pharmacy providing the usual services. Can take electronic prescriptions from your GP at home if you live in England.
Windermere Community Pharmacy Ltd
Local independent pharmacy providing the usual services. Can take electronic prescriptions from your GP at home if you live in England.
City advice
Getting around
Stagecoach NW busrs
Stagecoach are the local bus company in Cumbria. Routes run to various locations. Check out details on the Stagecoach NW website or the Golakes website.