The Belsfield – For a truly elegant Mother’s Day, step into the Belsfield Hotel, a beautiful Victorian mansion overlooking Windermere. Here, you can enjoy classic afternoon tea with a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and cream, and an assortment of homemade cakes and pastries. Pair it with a glass of prosecco or a perfectly brewed pot of tea while admiring the panoramic lake views.

📍 Opposite our Bowness Pier

The Ro – Located just a short walk from the Bowness Pier, The Ro offers a stylish and modern afternoon tea experience. Their menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary sweet treats, from assorted pastries to the classic scone, alongside an array of teas and coffees. If Mum enjoys a touch of luxury with a modern twist, this is the perfect spot to celebrate.

📍 5 minute walk from our Bowness Pier

Cedar Manor – For a more intimate and charming setting, Cedar Manor is a must-visit. This boutique country house hotel is known for its award-winning afternoon tea, featuring freshly baked scones, handmade cakes, and locally sourced ingredients. Located just outside of Windermere, it’s an idyllic stop after a scenic cruise. You can take a leisurely walk from Bowness to the hotel or hop on a bus, which conveniently stops right outside.

📍 40 min walk from our Bowness Pier or catch the stagecoach bus (it stops right outside the hotel!)

Rydal Hall & Gardens – A hidden gem in the Lake District, Rydal Hall offers a peaceful escape surrounded by nature. Just a short trip from Ambleside Pier, you’ll find formal gardens, cascading waterfalls, and woodland walks that feel like a world away. There’s also a charming tea room where you can enjoy a light bite in a tranquil setting.

📍Get off at Waterhead pier, it's approx 30 mins walk or 5 min bus ride

Windermere Jetty Museum – This award-winning museum showcases the fascinating maritime history of Lake Windermere, with beautifully restored historic boats, hands-on exhibits, and stunning lake views. It’s a great way to add a touch of culture to your Mother’s Day outing.

📍 Approx 15 min walk from Bowness Pier

Brockhole on Windermere – Step off at Brockhole Pier and explore the beautiful gardens and stunning lakeside views. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a family-friendly adventure. If you’re bringing little ones along, there are plenty of activities to keep them entertained too, from outdoor play areas to seasonal events.

📍 Brockhole Pier

Orrest Head – For breathtaking views, take Mum on a rewarding walk to Orrest Head. Step off the boat at Bowness Pier and either enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk or hop on a bus up to Windermere. From there, follow the scenic trail up Orrest Head, which takes around 45 minutes to reach the summit. Along the way, you’ll even get to meet some of the Gruffalo’s friends, making it a fun and magical experience for little ones too! The effort is rewarded with stunning panoramic views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells, making it a perfect Mother’s Day adventure.

📍 Approx 30 min walk from Bowness pier or a 10 min bus ride

Stock Ghyll Force – For a walk with a touch of adventure, head to Stock Ghyll Force, a spectacular 70ft waterfall hidden in the woodlands near Ambleside. The well-maintained circular route takes around 30–40 minutes, passing moss-covered rocks, trickling streams, and lush greenery – perfect for a refreshing, peaceful escape.

📍 Approx 45 min walk from Waterhead pier

West Windermere Way Lakeside Pier – For a longer, lakeside adventure, hop on a boat from Bowness to Lakeside and enjoy a scenic walk along the western shore of Windermere. The West Windermere Way offers peaceful, off-the-beaten-path views, with woodland trails, tranquil lake shores, and breathtaking scenery. Along the way, you can stop off at the Swan Hotel, a charming riverside retreat, for a drink or a bite to eat before deciding on your next steps. From here, you can either catch a bus home or make your way back to Lakeside by retracing your route for a relaxing return journey by boat.

📍 Lakeside Pier