Whether you have been there once or a thousand times, the Lake District is always a winner, and Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the more popular places in the area. Staying in town lets visitors appreciate it free from day-trippers, so why not consider basing yourself there in one of our fantastic cottages to rent? The relaxed, friendly atmosphere combined with an excellent variety of amenities plus a location that makes it easy to explore will help you to have the holiday of your dreams. Read more
A delightful Lakeland cottage ideally situated in a tranquil position near the popular village of Bowness-on-Windermere within the Lake District National Park. Ferry View Cottage provides a cosy base from which to explore all this stunning area has to offer with super walking opportunities and an abundance of attractions.
Sitting in large gardens (with tennis court!), this welcoming bright and airy holiday apartment is perfectly placed in a tranquil location overlooking lake Windermere, yet within just a mile of Bowness-on-Windermere with its shops and eating establishments. The Loft offers the best of both worlds for those who want to relax and unwind whilst being within easy reach of the areas many attractions.
Ideally placed with views over Lake Windermere, this modern stylish holiday apartment sits in extensive grounds where guests can enjoy peace and tranquility, along with an all-weather tennis court, putting area and croquet lawn. The many amenities of Bowness-on-Windermere are just a mile away. A perfect retreat to enjoy the many attractions of the Lake District.
Ellen Brow is a spacious, single-storey property on a quiet cut de sac in Bowness-on-Windermere, ideal for families or groups of friends. It accommodates six guests across three bedrooms, with two bathrooms. The property enjoys a large communal garden at the front, a tiered terrace at the rear with garden furniture and private parking for three cars, two on the drive & one in the garage. The convenient village location means you can easily explore without a car. A ten-minute walk takes you to the shores of Lake Windermere and the pier for Windermere Lake Cruises. Nearby, you'll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, and bars, including the popular Bodega Tapas and The Angel Inn is a 2 minute walk away, perfect for dining out.
Luxuriate in elegant surroundings with stunning views in this Windermere lakeside holiday home. North Highfield was built as a gentleman's residence and boasts beautiful Victorian details with modern comforts. It sleeps 12 people in six well-appointed bedrooms, with four reception rooms, five bathrooms, and extensive grounds. It's a fantastic location for your next family reunion or get together with friends. Windermere village and Bowness-on-Windermere are both within easy reach, as are places like Scafell Pike and Orrest Head.
Windermere is at the heart of the Lake District, and Kempton is close enough that guests can stroll to the water's edge and drink in the views of this beautifully scenic landscape. The three-bedroom self-catering retreat comfortably sleeps up to six people, giving them space and privacy within easy reach of shops, cafes and pubs, as well as sightseeing cruises and favourite Lake District attractions. Kempton is perfect for families and friends as well as couples who appreciate a little extra space around them on holiday.
Treat the family to a stay at Sandown, a lovely holiday cottage on the edge of Bowness village only a short stroll from shops, cafes, pubs and beautiful Windermere. Guests can access lovely walks and bike rides from the door and are close to favourite attractions including the World of Beatrix Potter and Wray Castle. Explore Windermere by boat, kayak, or on a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing ferry. Sandown sleeps up to seven guests in four lovely ensuite bedrooms and is perfect for families and friends.
Rydal Cottage is a mid-19th-Century holiday cottage on a no-through road near the centre of Bowness-in-Windermere. The holiday home sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is wonderfully convenient for the eastern shore of Windermere, Catbells, and other famous Lake District sights. It's well-equipped for self-catering yet also close to cafes, restaurants and pubs if you don't want to cook. Guests who have stayed at Rydal Cottage love how tranquil it is, even in summer when the national park is at its busiest. Short breaks and extended stays are welcome all year round.
Exceptional both inside and out, this stylish well presented lodge sits in one of the most enviable positions in the Lake District with lovely views over Lake Windermere. Enjoy an alfresco meal on the terrace watching the sun set over the lake by night, and by day discover the many attractions of nearby Bowness and Windermere.
This fabulous holiday home, with its own private jetty, affords an exceptional position overlooking Lake Windermere in the very heart of the Lake District National Park. Enjoying a truly magical setting overlooking Lake Windermere, this exceptional holiday home offers guests the chance to enjoy an abundance of attractions, superb lakeland walks and plenty of opportunity to relax and unwind. Just a short drive from Bowness with excellent amenities close to hand and perfect for boaters with its own private jetty for mooring (you can launch just half a mile away).
This 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom gem is perfect for large families and friendship groups, featuring two separate lounges. It is perfect for self-catering, but with so many attractions, pubs and restaurants on your doorstep, you’ll be far too busy enjoying yourself to bother cooking! The two dedicated parking spaces behind the building (including an electric charging point) mean that you can leave your car without having to worry about traffic or parking charges. Suitable for 7 guests, this luxurious in-demand Cumbria holiday is perfect for all kinds of holiday groups, from those who want to relax in the spacious living quarters, to those who seek a walking or activity-based break.
A delightful stone holiday cottage that offers the best of both worlds - a stunning peaceful corner of the Lake District, yet within easy reach of the more popular tourist traps and attractions. A wonderful location in the Cumbrian village of Bowland Bridge within the Lake District - perfect for relaxing in the Lakes or walking!
"The Boat House at Louper Weir" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Bowness-on-Windermere is settled within the stunning lands of the Lake District National Park. Hosting an array of shops, restaurants, and may attractions to suit all tastes, it makes a brilliant base for exploring this scenic area of England....
"Toffee Cottage" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Toffee Cottage is a beautiful cottage located in the magnificent Langdale valley, with glorious views over the Lake District Fells. Sleeping 4 people in 2 bedrooms, this recently renovated cottage provides a light and airy home with all the...
"Lilymere Boat House" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The attractive old market town of Sedbergh (pronounced Sed-Ber), with its old-world atmosphere, is not only set in the magnificent western dales of the Yorkshire Dales National Park but is also close to the rugged eastern fells of the Lake...
"Corn Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The small hamlet of Water Yeat is in the Crake Valley, just a 5-minute walk from the shores of Allan Tarn and a 10 minute walk from the shores of Coniston Water in the beautiful Lake District National Park. To the northern end of the lake is...
"Skyfall" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The vibrant twin towns of Bowness and Windermere hold enduring appeal for visitors to the Lake District National Park, with each providing a range of nearby attractions, amenities, shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. A variety of boat...
"Crook Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Lodge sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The lovely village of Allithwaite is idyllically located on the western edge of the Cartmel Peninsula, at the edges of the Lake District and Morecambe Bay. Described as being set like a jewel in a cloak of green, this village provides a shop,...
"3 Bed Cottage in Wray" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 3 bedrooms – 1 king-size, 1 king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up as a 2’6” twin on request) and 1 twin - 1 bathroom and 1 en-suite shower room - Electric oven and hob, microwave, dishwasher...
"3 Tower View" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. The charming Edwardian resort of Grange-over-Sands is set between the Lake District fells and Morecambe Bay and offers one of the mildest climates in the north of England. Formerly a small fishing village, the introduction of the Furness...
"Rose Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. Renowned for being the prettiest village in the Lake District, the little town of Cartmel in South Lakeland is a wonderful holiday destination. At the heart of this thriving community is the Priory Church, one of the finest ecclesiastical...
"Camellia Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The pretty hamlet of Crook is situated in beautiful Lakeland countryside and offers excellent access to the heart of the Lake District National Park. There are two hotels/pubs in Crook itself and a wide variety of super walks on the surrounding...
"Wisteria" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Grasmere, in the Lake District National Park, was William Wordsworth's home, which he called "the loveliest spot man has found." The Wilson family has made gingerbread in Grasmere for over 60 years. The village has shops, pubs, a 13th-century...
"Coniston" is a 2 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. The village of Sawrey is situated two miles from Hawkshead down the eastern side of Esthwaite Water. Sawrey consists of two separate hamlets - Near Sawrey and Far Sawrey - both with a cluster of picturesque cottages, tea rooms and pubs.
"Woodland Lodge" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Grange-over-Sands rests at the southern tip of the Lake District National Park, close to Morecambe Bay. Formerly a small fishing village, Grange-over-Sands is now a fashionable Edwardian resort. The town offers a promenade, ornamental gardens,...
"2 Bed Cottage in Satterthwaite and Grizedale" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms: a king-size and double - Shower room with WC - En-suite bathroom with shower over the bath and WC - TV/DVD, and iPod dock - Wood burner with fuel supplied - Oven, hob, microwave,...
"2 Bed Cottage in Skelwith Fold" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 2 bedrooms – 1 double, 1 twin - 1 bathroom with shower cubicle and WC - Electric oven with induction hob, dishwasher, fridge/freezer TV in lounge - Washing machine and tumble dryer - Wi-Fi...
"Kirkstone Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Ambleside makes a base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is much to enjoy here from cruises, boat trips and watersports on Lake Windermere itself and numerous shops, restaurants...
"Thompson Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 5 guests in Cumbria. Lying at the northern tip of Lake Windermere, Englands largest lake, Ambleside makes a superb base for touring the central Lakes, with Grasmere and the Langdale Valley just a short drive away. There is plenty to do here - cruises, boat trips...
"2 Bed Cottage in Staveley" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rulesNo dogs allowed - 2 bedrooms – 2 king-size - 2 bathrooms – 1 en-suite shower room with WC, and 1 bathroom with shower over the bath and WC - Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer,...
"Snowflake Cottage" is a 3 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 6 guests in Cumbria. The twin towns of Bowness and Windermere are both lively, entertaining communities surrounded by the breathtaking Lake District landscape. These towns offer a variety of services, businesses, and dining options to suit every preference, with...
"2 Bed Cottage in Coniston Water" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 2 double bedrooms - 2 bathrooms – 1 with bath and WC, 1 with shower and WC - Range-style oven and induction hob, dishwasher and washing machine - Smart TV in lounge - Wood burner in lounge (first...
"Durham Bridge Barn" is a 2 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 4 guests in Cumbria. Crosthwaite is a small village set in the picturesque Lyth Valley, famous for its damson trees, and boasts a lovely pub known nationally for its excellent food. The lakeside towns of Windermere and Bowness are nearby, with plenty of activities,...
"1 Bed Apartment in Newby Bridge" is a 1 bed holiday Apartment sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 1 double bedroom - 1 shower room with shower and WC - Electric oven and hob, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and washer/dryer - Smart TV in the lounge - Sloping ceilings throughout - Apartment...
"1 Bed Cottage in Spark Bridge" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. Additional information and rules - 1 double bedroom - 1 bathroom with shower over bath and WC - Electric oven and induction hob, microwave, fridge with small freezer compartment and washing machine - TV/DVD - Open fire (first basket...
"Townhead Cottage" is a 1 bed holiday Cottage sleeping up to 2 guests in Cumbria. The picturesque village of Pooley Bridge sits on the northerly edge of Lake Ullswater in the Lake District National Park. The name Pooley came to be due to the forming of a large pool, which was left by the fast flowing River Eamont, and the...
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKendalKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithRavenglassSilverdaleUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
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Sailing and Watersports - Bowness sits on the eastern shore of Windermere - the largest body of water in the entire Lake District National Park. It is a magnet for those who love the water, and there are lots of ways to explore its surface including sailing, paddle-boarding, kayaking and waterskiing. Local businesses, like Low Wood Bay Watersports and Windermere Canoe Kayak, can help with advice, equipment hire and even lessons, so make the most of their expertise. An alternative to dipping yourself in the admittedly chilly water of Windermere is to let someone else do the hard work while you sit back and enjoy the scenery. Windermere Lake Cruises offers a variety of tours ranging from 45 minutes to three hours, including hop-on-hop-off services that drop visitors close to favourite Lake District attractions like the Lake District Aquarium and the Lakeland Motor Museum.
Shopping - Bowness is well-served with a wide variety of locally owned pubs, cafes and shops that sell outdoor clothing and equipment, food, homewares and gifts. Windermere village is a mile north of town with shops of its own plus a mainline train station linking the area with Kendal, where there are several shopping centres and a mainline station with trains to Carlisle and Penrith.
History - Until the mid-1800s, Bowness was just a quiet fishing village. The arrival of the steam train and the choice of wealthy families to build holiday houses there resulted in a tourism boom that has never waned. Despite the Lake District’s annual influx of some 14 million visitors, Bowness and Windermere combined have fewer than 9,000 residents so still feels small and personal. Visitors can enjoy the legacy of the Victorians in the elegant buildings dotted around town, as well as the extensive restoration of St Martin’s Church, which was built in 1483 but repaired and preserved in the late 1800s. William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter both loved the Lake District so much that they made it their home, with Potter being instrumental in founding the National Trust to help preserve the landscape. The World of Beatrix Potter is in Bowness while her home, Hill Top, lies across the water. Dove Cottage, the home Wordsworth shared with his sister when they both moved to the area, is in Grasmere.
The Views - The scenery in the Lake District is bold and beautiful and best enjoyed up close rather than just through the window of a car or a train. The steep incline to the Post Knott viewpoint may leave you slightly out of breath, but the views will take your breath away all on their own. Other favourite views are those from Loughrigg Fell overlooking Windermere, Grasmere, Loughrigg Tarn and the Langdales.
Walking and Cycling - We have arguably left the best for last. The plentiful choice of walking and cycling routes in and around Bowness on Windermere is one of the prime reasons for its year-round popularity. Popular walks include the path up to Orrest Head which is famous among fans of Alfred Wainwright for being his first fell walk. Other way-marked routes include the West Shore Walk, the Tarns Walk and the path through Brant Fell. Grizedale Forest is nearby while Scafell Pike is 18.5 miles away if you fancy scaling the highest mountain in the country. Those seeking Wordsworth’s daffodils should head north to the shores of Ullswater where thousands of yellow flowers bob their heads in the spring. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is only 20 miles east of Bowness, opening up another enormous playground for walkers and cyclists.
These are only five reasons to stay in Bowness-on-Windermere, but after a holiday there you will be able to add many more.
