The World's Number One Lake District: Windermere Lake District
Windermere Lake District. Named one of the fifty places to visit in a lifetime by National Geographic. Known as the world's top-ranked lake district. Personally, I think its reputation for stunning scenery is somewhat exaggerated. Such fame may be due to its cultural significance. The famous trio of English lakeside poets: Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Southey. Mainly Wordsworth, the laureate of Romanticism, whom I admired in my youth mainly because of the epitaph he wrote for himself:
Here lies a poet whose name was writ in water.
And the peaceful lakeside town of Bowness, the hometown of Peter Rabbit.
Windermere Lake District is hailed as the most beautiful backyard garden of England, and Bowness-on-Windermere is the ideal gateway to explore this picturesque lake and mountain scenery. Below, I have compiled a detailed transportation and accommodation guide to help you easily plan your trip.
🌊 Windermere Lake District and Bowness Travel Guide: Transportation and Accommodation Tips
✨ Highlights
- A blend of lake views and culture: Not only can you take boat tours on England's largest lake, but also visit the fairy tale world of Peter Rabbit and the home of lakeside poet Wordsworth, experiencing the dual charm of nature and culture.
- Classic hiking routes: Through several carefully planned hiking trails, you can admire the magnificent scenery of the lake district from different perspectives, such as panoramic views from the summit of Orrest Head or a stroll along Buttermere Lake.
- Flexible transportation experience: With convenient bus day passes and diverse boat routes in the lake district, you can freely combine your itinerary and deeply explore various towns.
📌 Basic Information
Windermere Lake District is the largest national park in the UK, featuring 16 major lakes. Its core town, Bowness-on-Windermere, is located on the shore of Windermere Lake and serves as the main transportation hub and tourist center of the lake district.
Best time to visit: Summer (June to August) offers good weather suitable for water activities; spring and autumn (April to May, September to October) have fewer tourists and pleasant scenery.
🚆 External Transportation: How to Get to the Lake District
Main transportation methods
Transportation Method Route Details Approximate Duration Reference Cost
Train Depart from London Euston Station, transfer at Oxenholme to the Lake District branch line to Windermere Station About 3.5 hours
Long-distance Bus Direct from London Victoria Coach Station to Windermere About 7 hours
Self-drive From London via M6 motorway, exit at junction 36 About 4.5 hours
Practical Tips
- Windermere Train Station is the main railway hub in the lake district. After exiting, you can take a bus or walk to Bowness town; walking takes about 20 minutes, or a bus ride takes about 10 minutes.
- If you plan to explore the lake district for several days, it is recommended to pick up free lake district maps and bus timetables at the visitor center in Windermere Train Station, which is very useful for planning your trip.
🚶 Internal Transportation: Exploring the Lake District and Small Towns
1. Walking and Bus
- Within Bowness town: Bowness is small, with main attractions like Peter Rabbit World and Bowness Pier concentrated in the town center, making walking the best way to explore.
- Bus connections between towns: Stagecoach buses are the main transport connecting the lake district towns. It is recommended to buy a day pass with unlimited rides (about £10), which is very cost-effective. The commonly used route 599 bus connects Windermere, Ambleside, and Grasmere among other main towns.
2. Windermere Lake Boat Tours
Boat tours are the core way to experience the lake district scenery. Here are some main routes:
- Yellow Line: Round trip between Bowness Pier and Lakeside Pier, lasting 90 minutes, connecting with the steam train.
- Red Line: Round trip between Bowness Pier and Ambleside Pier, lasting 70-75 minutes, offering views of the north shore.
- Green and Blue Lines: Shorter trips (about 45 minutes), suitable for visitors with limited time.
Practical advice: If time allows, try the "bus + boat" combination. For example, take the bus north to explore towns during the day, then return by boat from Ambleside to Bowness in the afternoon or evening, allowing you to rest on the boat while enjoying the sunset over the lake and mountains.
3. Hiking Routes
The lake district is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Here are some classic routes:
- Orrest Head: About a 15-minute walk from Windermere Train Station to the trailhead. From the summit, you can overlook the magnificent view of Windermere Lake.
- Buttermere Lake Circuit: This route is extremely scenic but relatively far (requires taking a bus from Bowness to Keswick and then transferring). The loop around the lake takes about 1.5 hours, passing through forests, wetlands, and spectacular mountain views.
- Grasmere to Rydal: A relatively easy route featuring waterfalls, streams, and typical rocky mountain scenery of the lake district.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Bowness and Surroundings
By area
- Bowness: Its biggest advantage is the prime location, close to the pier and main attractions, suitable for first-time visitors who want to save travel time. The downside is it can be relatively noisy and prices are slightly higher.
- Windermere: A town behind Bowness, quieter environment, relatively affordable prices, with many hotels near the train station. Suitable for budget-conscious travelers planning a multi-day in-depth trip. Walking from Windermere town center to Bowness Pier takes about 20-30 minutes.
Featured Hotel Recommendations
Here are some highly rated accommodation options:
Hotel Name Area Features Reference Rating
Burn How Garden Hotel Bowness A 5-minute walk to the lake, award-winning breakfast, free parking 4.6/5
Lindeth Fell Country House Outskirts of Bowness Located in the mountains, quiet environment, large lawn garden 4.5/5
Lakes Hotel and Spa Bowness With spa facilities, 24-hour front desk, ideal for guests seeking comfort 4.7/5
The Hideaway at Windermere Windermere Adults-only, private environment, made-to-order breakfast 4.8/5
Low Wood Bay Hotel Lakeside of Windermere Indoor and outdoor pools and spa, spacious lake view rooms 4.5/5
Accommodation Booking Tips
1. Book in advance: Accommodation prices in the lake district are high year-round; during peak seasons (July-August, Christmas holidays), book 2-3 months ahead.
2. Check included services: Many English B&Bs include breakfast, so pay attention when booking.
3. Confirm parking policy: If driving, confirm whether the hotel offers parking (free or paid).
💎 Practical Tips
1. Itinerary planning: If time is limited, arrange a classic "two days one night" trip: Day one visit Bowness and Windermere Lake, day two take a boat or bus to Ambleside or Grasmere.
2. Food experience: Don’t miss the lake district’s specialties, such as Grasmere gingerbread and Kendal mint cake.
3. Seasonal considerations: Summer is peak tourist season, but spring and autumn offer a unique charm with fewer visitors. In winter, some boat tours and attractions have reduced hours.
4. Budget control: The lake district is relatively expensive; choosing accommodations with breakfast included, using bus day passes, and bringing your own snacks for picnics can help control costs.