Bowness-on-Windermere: The big daddy of the lakes

Bowness-on-Windermere overview

As the most visited destination in the Lake District, Bowness-on-Windermere is a hub of tourist activity. The lakeside shops are overflowing with quaint memorabilia, not to mention the region's most famous output: Kendal mint cake.

Lake Windermere, at 10.5 miles long and 220 feet deep, is the largest of its kind in the county and until recently was the only lake in England not to have a speed limit. However, thanks to new legislation those sailing across Lake Windermere must not do so at a faster speed than ten miles per hour.

The region is popular with fans of outdoor activity and has a range of walking trails for ramblers to explore, which will take them up countless hills to viewing points with breath-taking views.

However, recognition of the town's English beauty is no new thing. Romantic poet William Wordsworth noted: "Windermere ought to be seen both from its shores and from its surface.

"None of the other Lakes unfold so many fresh beauties to him who sails upon them."

Bowness-on-Windermere Location

Bowness-on-Windermere can be reached most easily by train. There is a rail link which runs to Preston and Manchester from Windermere, which is located one mile away. For those who don't fancy the walk, buses run every 20 minutes to the ferry jetty. Furthermore, taxis are widely available.

There is also good road access to the town. The A591 runs through much of the Lake District and the A66 takes motorists on a clear route over to North Yorkshire. Public parking is available in Bowness-on-Windermere, though not ample.

Why Visit Bowness-on-Windermere?

The Lake District is widely regarded as one of England's most picturesque regions and has made it onto the Lonely Planet's 2008 Bluelist, which recommends the world's "hottest trends, destinations, journeys and experiences".

Aside from stunning scenery, the Lake District offers its visitors a whole host of things to do, starting with those on the Lake Windermere itself. Here holidaymakers can go for boat rides and get to know the area from the water that has made it famous.

Furthermore, the Lakeside Aquarium can be access by ferry or train quite easily. Here visitors can come face to face with otters, piranhas and marmosets as well as experience the world's first virtual dive bell. This attraction sees divers meet sharks, hippos and "fierce" crocodile as they plunge down to the depths of the ocean floor.

Literary fans are also catered for at the nearby Beatrice Potter Museum. Lovers of Peter Rabbit and other classic Potter characters are taken into the world of Jemima Puddle-duck and her friends. Billed as the only Beatrice Potter-themed attraction in Europe, the museum features virtual walks, a short film presentation and even gives visitors the chance to pay a trip to Mrs Tiggy-winkle in her kitchen.

After all that activity, holidaymakers also have the option of relaxing at Bowness-on-Windermere's Glebe, which is a huge lawn on the lakeside. Here visitors frequently enjoy picnics and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.