Built-up area in Westmorland and Furness, LA23, England
Within Lake District National Park
| Coordinates: | 54.361, -2.916 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 40 96 |
| Dialling code: | 015394 (Hawkshead) |
Bowness-on-Windermere sits on the eastern shore of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, in the heart of the Lake District National Park and the unitary authority of Westmorland and Furness. Historically part of Westmorland, the town expanded in the Victorian era with the arrival of the railway and steamers; today its waterfront, fells and walks make it a classic Lakeland gateway with easy boat connections to other lakeside villages.
The local economy is heavily tourism-led, with hotels, cafés, outdoor-activity providers and attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter drawing seasonal crowds. Bowness is popular for cruising, sailing and hillwalking, and combines a bustling visitor scene with a small year-round community that feels the familiar tensions of second homes and seasonal employment common across the national park; nearby Ambleside is a short walk or boat ride away.
LA23 2JW, LA23 3BT, LA23 3DL, LA23 3EU, LA23 2NL, LA23 3ER, LA23 2HU, LA23 2JG, LA23 3BY … See all