Explore Bowness-and-Windermere

To many visitors, a visit to the Lakes is nothing more strenuous than mooching around the shops of Windermere and Bowness, and perhaps a relaxing boat trip on the lake. These twin towns – almost joined into one these days – attract a disproportionate number of holidaymakers. If you do want to shop, you’ll find lots of quirky and interesting shops here and a buzz of activity.

For an elevated view of Windermere, take a path to the left of the Windermere Hotel, at the top of the town. Within a few minutes you will be able to enjoy a glorious view of the lake and the southern Lakeland fells from the vantage point of Orrest Head. Another excellent viewpoint is the rounded hill called Gummer’s How, which you can approach via a minor road just north of Newby Bridge. From the top – half-an-hour’s walk from the car park – you will be able to see almost the length of Windermere, with the yachts and boats looking like tiny toys.