How to Plan the Perfect Baby Shower at Marina View Windermere
July 22, 2025Dog-Friendly Dining in Bowness-on-Windermere – Bring Your Pup Along!
July 23, 2025Nestled on the tranquil shores of Windermere, Bowness is the perfect base for exploring the Lake District - whether you’re into walking, wildlife, or just soaking up the views. And after a day of adventure, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a delicious meal and lakeside drink at Marina View Restaurant & Bar. Here are five fantastic day trips near Bowness, each paired with a well-deserved visit to us when you’re done.
1. Hike to Orrest Head - Views for Days
Just a 10-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) from Bowness, Orrest Head offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Windermere — and it only takes about 20–30 minutes to reach the top. This gentle, family-friendly hike was also the very first fell Alfred Wainwright ever climbed, sparking his lifelong love for the Lake District and his famous walking guides.
Kids will be delighted to find a Gruffalo statue hidden among the trees near the beginning of the trail - a fun surprise for little explorers on the way up.
Refuel With: A hearty lunch or early dinner at Marina View Restaurant & Bar. Try our Posh Fish Finger Sandwich or a refreshing Lake District gin and tonic as you gaze over the marina.
2. Cruise to Ambleside - Explore from the Water
Hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise from Bowness Pier and sail north to Ambleside. Wander the town’s quaint shops, visit Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, or grab a coffee at a cosy local café. Cruises run frequently and offer the most relaxing way to take in the lake.
Refuel With: Return to Marina View Restaurant & Bar for our catch of the day or wood-fired pizzas on our terrace. The perfect way to round off a day on the water.
3. Tarn Hows - Tranquil Beauty & Wildlife
Located about 40 minutes from Bowness, Tarn Hows is one of the most serene spots in the Lakes. With an easy circular walk and plenty of spots for a picnic or photos, it’s perfect for couples, families or solo explorers.
Refuel With: A relaxed dinner at Marina View Restaurant & Bar. Treat yourself to our Steak Frites and a glass of Merlot as you watch the sun dip behind the Lakeland fells.
4. Wray Castle & Lakeside Cycle
Take the scenic Windermere ferry across from Bowness (just 50 meters from our doorstep!) and cycle or drive to Wray Castle, a quirky Victorian neo-Gothic castle with turrets, towers, and lakefront gardens. While the inside is currently unfurnished, the National Trust site often hosts interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities, especially during school holidays.
The real magic is in the grounds: you can stroll along the lakeshore, explore woodland trails or cycle along the traffic-free path that hugs the water. The ride from the ferry to the castle is both scenic and gentle - ideal for casual cyclists or families with children.
Kids can run wild in the natural play areas, and there's plenty of picnic space if you fancy a mid-morning stop before heading back toward Bowness.
Refuel With: Our signature beef burger and a pint of locally brewed ale. You’ve earned it!
5. Take the 555 to Grasmere - A Scenic Journey to Wordsworth Country
Hop on the iconic 555 bus from Windermere and enjoy one of the most scenic public transport routes in the UK. The journey winds through stunning Lakeland landscapes, passing lakes, valleys, and charming villages on the way to Grasmere - a place made famous by poet William Wordsworth.
In Grasmere, explore Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage, browse local art galleries or stroll around the picturesque lake. Don’t miss a stop at the famous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, where Victorian-era spice meets sticky sweetness in a tiny historic cottage.
It’s a stress-free way to see the Lakes without the car... simply sit back and take in the views.
Refuel With: After your return to Bowness, head to Marina View Restaurant & Bar. Treat yourself to a seasonal main such as our pan-fried Chicken Supreme, a refreshing local ale or cocktail, and maybe even a Sticky Toffee Pudding to rival that gingerbread!
Phone
Address
Windermere Marina Village,
Bowness-on-Windermere,
Windermere LA23 3JQ
