Built-up area in Westmorland and Furness, 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 3AP, LA23 3HY, LA23 3BP, LA23 3GQ, LA23 3AU, LA23 3BZ, LA23 3EQ, LA23 2JN, LA23 3HJ … See all