The Best of Bowness-on-Windermere: A Lake District Walking Tour

Today, Bowness-on-Windermere, situated on England’s largest lake, is the Lake District’s most popular town. Yet, between all of its holiday hustle and modern attractions, you can still find traces of the historic old town, if you know where to look. On this walking tour, you’ll follow its progression from medieval origins and into the Victorian boom period that woke up the sleepy fishing village, spurring the development of the modern town that attracts so many visitors today.

Our tour’s action starts at the Royalty Cinema and quickly ramps up at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Here, you’ll learn about the famous author’s link to the Lake District. After passing the oldest pub in Bowness, Hole in t’ Wall, you’ll enjoy a gorgeous lakeside stroll along the promenade with views overlooking Bowness Bay and the many boats that come past. You’ll discover the interesting history of this lakeside area where boating has been a vital part of local life for the last 500 years. After passing the first stone-built house in Bowness, the Old Rectory, you’ll loop back to the start of the promenade where you can look back on your journey along the shores of Windermere.

Along the way, you’ll have a chance to:

• Explore the medieval St Martin’s Church and its fascinating history through the last 800 years
• Marvel at the magical World of Beatrix Potter, housed in an old laundry, where you can learn all about the famous local author and conservationist
• Take in fabulous views of the lake from the Glebe Park and Cockshott Point, two wonderful open spaces in the town
• Learn about the islands of Windermere, including the only inhabited one, Belle Isle, which was once attacked by cannons during the English Civil War
• Hear about the fabled ’Bownessie’ lake monster and the slightly cuter ’Tizzie-Whizie’
• Find out why the 17th century Hole in t’Wall pub was one of Charles Dickens’ favourite haunts

This walking tour is just under 3km long and takes roughly an hour to 90 minutes to complete. There are several short stops along the way where I’ll tell you more about the area and its attractions. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars all along the route for refreshments. Plus various public toilets. Please note that attraction entry fees aren’t included in the price of this tour.