Suggested Itinerary for the Islands Cruise

Our popular Islands Cruise takes passengers on a circular trip around the central part of Lake Windermere and departs from our Bowness pier every 30 minutes. Being a 45 minute round-trip, it’s an ideal chance to enjoy both a cruise and still have plenty of time to explore the town of Bowness itself.

Getting Here:

• 🚉 By Train: Arrive at Windermere Station, then either walk to Bowness or take the bus
• 🚙 By Car: Plenty of council pay-and-display car parks are available nearby

So, arrived, but not sure how to make the most of your day? Let us be your guide…

Catch the first Islands Cruise of the day (and often the quietest, as we tend to get busier in the afternoon). Have your pick of the inner window seating or choose the outer viewing deck for the best views of the many islands, or ‘holmes’ that our situated around the central section of Lake Windermere.

The Islands Cruise has a commentary on-board from your skipper so they’ll make sure to see the many points of interest on the journey. Keep an eye out for Belle Isle and Belle Isle House (the largest private island on Lake Windermere), Storrs Hall and Claife Viewing Station. Download a Spotter’s Sheet before boarding and see how many points of interest you can see or simply sit back and relax, and soak up the ever-changing vista of Lakeland fells, islands bays and wildlife that are on display.

11:00am:

Upon arrival back at Bowness and for something a little bit different, why not give ‘Footgolf’ a try? A nine-hole course can be found at Glebe Park, where participants are challenged with kicking a football into the hole with as few kicks as possible. If you prefer the more traditional way of playing golf, there’s also a crazy golf course – even a tennis court to challenge your companions to a match.

1pm:

Bowness-on-Windermere is a bustling village with an abundance of lunch options just around the corner from the piers. Choose from fish and chip shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. For a meal with a view, head to The Boat House, Boardwalk, or The Lake View. If you prefer a quick pit stop, check out the cafe at Windermere Jetty Museum or Dan's Shack. A popular choice is to grab a sandwich and enjoy it on a bench along Bowness Promenade. Just be mindful of the swans and gulls—they're notorious for snatching unsuspecting tourists' lunches!

2pm:

Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of opportunities for more walks, with the Glebe and Cockshott Point a stone’s throw from the main pier – offering restful waterside areas for lunch, games, paddling and a spot of sunbathing.

If you fancy the idea of taking control of a boat yourself on Windermere, Bowness is also the place to hire self-drive power boats. For less motor and more muscle, rowing boats are also available for those who want to get to a secluded spot under their own steam. Take one out for a couple of hours and become a skipper for the afternoon.

4pm:

No visit to Bowness is complete without a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter – and the attraction is just a five-minute walk away from Bowness Pier, where children come face to face with their favourite characters from the famous books – including of course, a certain mischievous rabbit by the name of Peter!

6pm:

Why not finish off your day in Bowness with a movie in vintage surroundings? There are regular showings at Bowness’ Royalty cinema, but if live action is more your thing, then why not catch a show at Windermere’s Old Laundry Theatre?