Nestled on the eastern shore of Windermere Lake, Bowness-on-Windermere is famed as the creative setting for children’s author, Beatrix Potter. It’s home to the family-friendly World of Beatrix Potter and her former artistic retreat, in addition to historic holiday homes and lakeside museums.
Things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience your favourite characters and scenes from Beatrix Potter’s best-loved books at the World of Beatrix Potter. Wander through the Peter Rabbit Garden and listen to special guest readings of “Peter Rabbit” accompanied by sandwiches and cakes at the Peter Rabbit Tea Party.
Want to see the artistic retreat of Beatrix Potter? Visit the 17th-century house museum of Hill Top, which featured in her books, “The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck” and “The Tale of Tom Kitten”. Admire the period furnishings and her famous 1902 coronation teapot, as well as the carpets inspired by “The Tale of Samuel Whiskers”.
Explore the opulent interior and terraced gardens of Blackwell House, an Arts and Crafts-style holiday home built in the late-19th century for a wealthy Manchester brewer. Wander through its rooms adorned with original furnishings and decorative features, such as rare wall hangings, stained-glass windows and carved wooden panels.
See historic vessels used to traverse Lake Windermere at the Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories. The impressive collection includes dugout boats dating back to the 13th century and the TSSY Esperance, one of the iron steamboats on which author Arthur Ransome modelled Captain Flint's houseboat.
Getting around Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowness-on-Windermere is around 1.5 hours’ drive north of Manchester Airport and is connected to surrounding destinations by train from the Windermere railway station. Open-top double-decker buses travel through the town centre, while the Windermere Ferry connects to the western side of the lake.