Pictured: A swan outside an icream shop at Bowness-On-Windermere pier (left) & Lake Windermere at Bowness-On-Windermere Bay (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.
ByJordie Flain Updated on

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5 UNMISSABLE TOWNS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!

 

WANDERING WHICH VILLAGES & TOWNS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT ARE WORTH VISITING?


Staggeringly, there are a total of 46 villages and towns in the Lake District. They range from tiny “blink and you’ll miss it” drive through villages, bustling lakeside towns and serene seaside escapes just outside of the Lake District itself.

But with so many villages and towns to choose from – how do you know which ones are worth visiting?

Well, look no further! We have handpicked our favourites into an honest ranked list of the Lake District villages and towns we believe, from our own personal experience here, you must visit and why.

The Top 5 villages and towns we include in this blog post are:

Spotted wildlife - A British swan waiting outside a coffee shop at Bowness on Windermere, one of the most popular towns in the lake district
Pictured: A British swan waits patiently for an ice cream at Bowness-On-Windermere!


💡 Psst! Still need a place to stay?
Find all the best Lake District accommodations on Booking.com. Easily find, book and enjoy great hotel deals with free cancellation on one easy platform.

Our top suggestion—
– ​Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa​ (premium lakeside stay near keswick. incredible spa, outdoor thermal pool)

THE “TOP 5” VILLAGES & TOWNS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT


We have purposefully shown the towns in set location clusters, to best utilise your time each day.

Due to the Lake District’s mountainous terrain, you cannot easily ‘cut across’ to specific areas. You usually have to take specific roads to go around the mountains, which can be a lot of driving!

Depending on the time you have available on your Lake District travel itinerary, feel free to pick and choose the towns and villages that you really like the look of, or are in your area!

LOCATION CLUSTER 1:
NORTH WEST LAKE DISTRICT

A visual infographic map showing locations of THE best towns in the Lake District in the North West, including Keswick and Buttermere.
A visual infographic map showing locations of North West towns in the Lake District including Keswick and Buttermere.

1. KESWICK TOWN


ABOUT KESWICK

In our opinion, Keswick is one of the best main towns in the Lake District to visit. Anchored by old English charm, the pedestrianised high street centres around the historical Grade II listed Moot Hall. Inside Moot Hall is a helpful Information centre.

One of the best towns in the Lake District to visit - Keswick! An afternoon shopping here should definitely be added to your Lake District itinerary!
Pictured: The Grade II listed Moot Hall on Keswick’s main high street! Photo taken by Jordie

HISTORY OF KESWICK

Keswick is an ancient market town has been rooted deep in British history since 1276! Keswick began as a settlement when Edward I approved a weekly Saturday market to be held here over 700 years ago.

Incredibly, this Saturday market remains thriving to this day, offering an abundance of unique local gifts, arts and crafts, local produce and fresh fruit and vegetables!


SHOPPING IN KESWICK

We found Keswick to be the best places to shop in the Lake District, with plentiful independent and unique stores! A few of our favourite misc / homeware stores we came across were: 

Keswick is one of the best towns in the Lake District to visit. There's so much to see and do, which is why it is firmly on our Lake District itinerary!
Pictured: Examples of the quaint cobbled laneways around Keswick town. In our opinion, Keswick is the best place to go shopping on your Lake District travel itinerary!

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND KESWICK


DERWENTWATER LAKE
Walk just 5 to 10 minutes from Keswick’s centre to Derwentwater Lake, one of the Lake District’s most famous lakes!

Here, you can opt for many water-based activities such as boat rental and kayaking, or simply trace the circumference for an idyllic walk.

Just before Derwentwater Lake, you will find the Theatre by the Lake, one of the most beautifully set performing arts theatres in the world! See what’s on during your visit.

Along Derwentwater Lake in Keswick - one of the best towns in the Lake District
Pictured: The idyllic Derwentwater Lake, just a 5 to 10 minute walk from Keswick town centre. Photo taken by Jordie.


FRIARS CRAG LOOKOUT AT DERWENTWATER
For the best panoramic view of Derwentwater, walk a leisurely 10 minutes along the lake to Friars Crag. This marks an end land peninsula, where you will find with a few benches to sit and marvel in the stunning views.

Keswick, one of the best towns in the Lake District, has one of the best viewpoints of Derwentwater at Friar's Crag (pictured). This epic view is top of our Lake District itinerary!
Pictured: Jordie at the end peninsula of Friars Crag, marvelling at the views of Derwentwater and distant fells.


PUBLIC PARKS IN KESWICK
Keswick is also home to Fitz Park and Hope Park. Hope Park is located just a few minutes from Derwentwater Lake, and Upper and Lower Fitz Park are located on the other side of Keswick along the river.

Both parks are well kept, offering exciting family activities such as crazy golf, boules and Pitch & Putt!

Pictured: The whimsical and beautifully maintained Hope Park in Keswick, one of the best towns in the Lake District. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The whimsical and beautifully maintained Hope Park in Keswick. Photograph taken by Jordie.


CASTLERIGG STONE CIRCLE
Just a 5 minute drive out of Keswick, you will find the intriguing Castlerigg Stone Circle.

One of Britain’s earliest stone circles, it is thought to date back to 3000 BC during the Neolithic period! You cannot miss this raw piece of British history off of your Lake District itinerary. It is completely free to visit, and unattended.

It is very easy to get to Castlerigg Stone Circle. Park along the roadside for free, cross the road, go through the wooden gate and walk 30 seconds to the middle of the field to the stone circle. You can’t miss it!

Visiting the Castlerigg Stone circle is one the best free things to add to your Lake District itinerary!
Pictured: The intriguing Castlerigg Stone Circle, situated a convenient 5 minute drive just outside of Keswick. Photograph taken by Jordie.

TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN KESWICK


High Adventure Day Tour from Keswick

3-Hours Via Ferrata Experience in Keswick

Rock Climbing In Keswick

Paddle Boarding On Derwentwater


PARKING OPTIONS IN KESWICK


PAY & DISPLAY KESWICK PARKING
If you are a day visitor only, there are numerous options for parking. There are a few ‘Pay and Display’ car parks:

Central Car Park: Right in the middle of town. £8 parking for 6 hours, card machine available. 328 parking space available, though recent visitors mention they are quite close together. Prices start from:

  • 2 hours: £3.50
  • 3 hours: £5.90
  • 6 hours: £8.20
  • 12 hours: £10.40

Lakeside Car Park: Located right near Derwentwater Lake and Hope Park, just a 5 to 10 minute walk from town. 250 spaces available. Public toilets on site, 40p paid by coins or contactless payment. Prices start from:

  • 2 hours: £3.50
  • 3 hours: £5.90
  • 6 hours: £8.20
  • 12 hours: £10.40

FREE KESWICK PARKING
We found a perfect place in Keswick to park for free. Park along the road of Eskin Street, which is lined with multiple B&Bs and Keswick accommodation either side. If you find a space along this road, it is then just a 5 minute walk into Keswick’s centre.


FINAL VERDICT: IS KESWICK WORTH VISITING?


Yes! Keswick was our favourite out of all the towns in the Lake District! It has everything we love about a UK hidden gem – natural beauty of Derwentwater, charming English heritage links coupled with pops of colour and the best collection of independent shops.

Due to its small size, a day visit is perfect to see the majority Keswick has to offer in a short period of time, including shopping, parks, strolls near Derwentwater and sampling the eateries or pubs.


DRIVING FROM KESWICK TO BUTTERMERE


When driving from Keswick town to Buttermere village, we recommend you take the route that weaves through the Borrowdale Valley for an incredible scenic 40 minutes.

On the way back, drive out of Buttermere from the opposite direction, skirting Crummock Water’s edge and heading towards Lorton village.

From here, drive below the enchanting forest canopy of Whinlatter Pass on the back back towards Keswick.


2. BUTTERMERE VILLAGE


ABOUT BUTTERMERE

Buttermere is a tiny village snuggled within the scenic Buttermere Valley, located in the South West of the Lake District.

Incredibly, Buttermere village dates all the way back to at least the Viking age, when the majority of settlers fished and farmed cattle for a living.

Buttermere – snuggled in the fells of Buttermere Valley – one of the smallest Lake District villages!


THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BUTTERMERE

Despite its popularity, we were surprised to realise that Buttermere is in fact tiny in size, and not equipped as an official tourist destination.

In the village, you will find just it one main hotel, a quaint church and two main eateries to choose from for lunch.

PLACES TO EAT
Head to the modern Croft House Farm café for more of a lunchtime selection, however we highly suggest the Syke Farm Tea Rooms for the best cream tea in the Lake District.

Their clotted cream is made fresh on the farm daily, and we can confirm, is super delicious!

Make sure you visit Syke Farm tea rooms in Buttermere for the best cream tea in the Lake District!
Pictured: Make sure you visit Syke Farm tea rooms in Buttermere for the best cream tea in the Lake District! Photograph taken by Jordie.

WALKS AROUND BUTTERMERE
The main reason to visit Buttermere village is due to its proximity to Lake Buttermere and Crummock water, two idyllic Lake District lakes located right next to each other. Both offer easy lakeside walks, and an opportunity for water-based activities.

One walk we particularly loved to do when visiting Buttermere was the Crummock Water to Scale Force waterfall trail!

For those of you who are avid technical hikers, Buttermere is a great base to start the difficult trail up to the Red Pike summit!

PARKING OPTIONS IN BUTTERMERE


PAY & DISPLAY BUTTERMERE PARKING
If you are a day visitor only, there are a few options for parking. There are a few ‘Pay and Display’ car parks:

Buttermere Court Hotel: This is the only ‘Pay & Display’ car park directly in Buttermere village, located next to the Buttermere Court Hotel. 130 spaces available. Prices start from:

  • 2 hours: £4.00
  • 4 hours: £6.50
  • 24 hours: £8.50

There is a public toilet block here too, which are 50p to use by tapping your contactless card.

Photo of pay and display parking in Buttermere, next to Buttermere Court hotel in Buttermere Lake district. A parking option for the Crummock Water walk to Scale Force waterfall.
Pictured: The location of the Buttermere Court hotel Pay and Display parking directly in Buttermere village. Photograph taken by Jordie.

National Trust car park: An additional small ‘Pay & Display’ car park, located just a short walk from Buttermere village. Known for its scenic view. Approximately 50 spaces available.

The price is £8.50, paid by coins only with no notes, no change given. It is free for National Trust members however.

FREE BUTTERMERE PARKING
You can park for free in Buttermere village along this verge of Newlands Pass road. As you enter Buttermere, turn right at the signposts just before the church.

As it is so popular, you will probably see cars already parked there. If you want to park here, try to arrive early, especially during busy periods (i.e. public holidays and weekends).

Pictured: A free parking alternative in Buttermere, one of the best villages and towns in the Lake District, specifically along the verge along Newlands Pass road. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: A free parking alternative in Buttermere, the verge along Newlands Pass road. Photograph taken by Jordie.
A visual map showing all the car parking options in Buttermere village, Lake Disrict: The best place to park for the Crummock Water walk to Scale force waterfall!
©OpenStreetMap Pictured: A visual infographic map of all parking options in Buttermere village, Lake District.


FINAL VERDICT: IS BUTTERMERE WORTH VISITING?


Yes, Buttermere is definitely worth visiting. Though the village itself is tiny and only has a tea room, cafe and a few accommodation options, it is the perfect base to park up for the day and explore Lake Buttermere and Crummock Water in the scenic Buttermere Valley.

You can easily sample the main delights Buttermere has to offer in a short period of time. Explore the small village before a few hours of gentle lakeside walking along Buttermere Lake or Crummock Water. Perfectly round up the day with a Syke Farm cream tea.


LOCATION CLUSTER 2:
SOUTH EAST LAKE DISTRICT

A visual infographic map showing locations of South East towns in the Lake District including Ambleside, Grasmere, Rydal, Windermere and Bowness on Windermere.
A visual infographic map showing locations of South East towns in the Lake District including Ambleside, Grasmere, Rydal, Windermere and Bowness on Windermere.

3. AMBLESIDE TOWN


ABOUT AMBLESIDE

Ambleside, located just North of Lake Windermere, is one of the most popular towns in the Lake District for tourists to use as a Lake District base.

This is because the town facilitate almost anything a visitor to the Lake District could need, from ample high-street shopping, eateries, pubs and endless visitor accommodation, in particular down Compston Road, a street lined either side with B&B’s.

Pictured: A corner of Ambleside high street, photograph taken by Jordie. Without a doubt, Ambleside is one of the most 'tourist' friendly towns in the Lake District.
Pictured: A corner of Ambleside high street, photograph taken by Jordie. Without a doubt, Ambleside is one of the most ‘tourist’ friendly towns in the Lake District.

However! When we visited Ambleside, we did find a few hidden gems in and around the town that still kept its authenticity and old-charm character (see below):

THINGS TO SEE IN AMBLESIDE


THE BRIDGE HOUSE
Ambleside’s most iconic sight is the tiny archaic Bridge House, delectably perched above a gentle river below. This quaint Grade I listed building has seen 300+ years of Ambleside history.

It has had many uses in its lifetime such as a chair makers, a tea room, counting house, antiques store, a shoe cobblers and even the home to a family of 8!

Since 1926, it has been restored to its former glory and maintained with love by the National Trust. Run by volunteers, in the busier months of Summer it is usually possible venture inside to see its two small rooms.

Pictured: Liam stood outside of the Bridge House, Ambleside's historic icon! Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: Liam stood outside of the Bridge House, Ambleside’s historic icon! Photograph taken by Jordie.


BRIDGE STREET (FORMERLY RATTLE GILL)
The most quaint spot we managed to find in Ambleside was Bridge Street, a cobbled footpath tracing the river, hidden behind the main high street shops.

This short stretch steps momentarily back into the Old Ambleside, where you will find the charming Bumbles Rest Cafe and see the delightful old Watermill across the river.

Pictured: The charming Bumbles Rest Cafe along Bridge Street, Old Ambleside. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The charming Bumbles Rest Cafe along Bridge Street, Old Ambleside. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The old watermill directly opposite Bumbles Rest cafe on Bridge Street, Old Ambleside. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The old watermill directly opposite Bumbles Rest cafe on Bridge Street, Old Ambleside. Photograph taken by Jordie.


STOCK GHYLL WATERFALL
From Bridge Street, you can also take a leisurely and accessible 15 minute walk to Stock Ghyll waterfall, another hidden gem located just outside of Ambleside!

PARKING OPTIONS IN AMBLESIDE


PAY & DISPLAY AMBLESIDE PARKING
There are quite a few options for Pay & Display parking around Ambleside. Listed below are a few of the closest:

Rydal Road car park: A decent sized car park with 181 spaces available, located very close to the Bridge House. Due to it’s popularity, this car park get full quickly, so come early. Crucial note: Card payments only, no coins accepted. Prices start from:

  • 1 hour: £2.00
  • 2 hours: £3.60
  • 3 hours: £4.70
  • 4 hours: £6.00
  • 6 hours: £7.30
  • 12 hours: £8.80

Miller Bridge car park: A large outdoor car park with 210 available spaces, just a short 5 minute walk from town. Crucial note: Card payments only, no coins accepted. Prices start from:

  • 1 hour: £1.70
  • 2 hours: £3.30
  • 3 hours: £4.40
  • 4 hours: £5.50
  • 6 hours: £6.60
  • 10 hours: £7.70


FINAL VERDICT: IS AMBLESIDE WORTH VISITING?


Yes, Ambleside is definitely worth a visit for a few hours of shopping, a nice lunch in one of its many eateries and searching out quaint moments of the Old Ambleside!

With its pretty standard main high street, personally for us the ‘New Ambleside’ initially didn’t have that “wow” factor that we expected to warrant its fierce popularity amongst tourists.

We can see how its super close location to Lake Windermere and abundance of facilities make it a popular Lake District base.

However, the essences of Old Ambleside give this town moments of magic, including the few sights to see which make Ambleside unique such as the Bridge House, Bridge Street and Stock Ghyll waterfall.


4. GRASMERE VILLAGE


ABOUT GRASMERE

Grasmere is a small and one of the most picturesque Lake District villages tucked away just North of famed Lake Windermere.

Grasmere is most famous for being home to the world-renowned romance poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850). He described Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, and he wasn’t wrong!

Pictured: The Peter Rabbit gift shop and a quaint wishing well on Grasmere village high street, one of our favourite villages and towns in the Lake District. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The Peter Rabbit gift shop and a quaint wishing well on Grasmere village high street. Photograph taken by Jordie.

Despite its small size, Grasmere offers many enjoyable things to do and is a perfect destination to spend a slow paced afternoon:

THINGS TO DO IN GRASMERE


BROWSE ITS UNIQUE SHOPS
Despite being relatively small, Grasmere high street hosts a few quirky stores, including a lakeside art gallery, Chocolatier and an adorable toy shop selling merchandise of Beatrix Potter’s infamous Peter Rabbit.

Pictured: The main high street of Grasmere, a tiny village in the Lake District steeped in history!
Pictured: On approach to Grasmere village high street. Photograph taken by Jordie.


GRASMERE GINGERBREAD SHOP
Try the World’s original gingerbread recipe at the infamous Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. They still sell freshly baked Gingerbread using Sarah Nelson’s original secret recipe from 1854! The shop sells a multitude of other delicious treats including fudges, rum butters and mint cakes.

Grasmere village - a cute historical village you must add to your towns in the lake district bucket list
Pictured: The infamous Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, where the original Gingerbread recipe was invented in 1854!
Pictured: Jordie with her purchased gingerbread from the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. We can confirm, it was the most delicious and flavoursome Gingerbread we've ever tasted! Buying Gingerbread from here is a must do on your Lake District itinerary!
Pictured: Jordie with her purchased gingerbread from the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop. We can confirm, it was the most delicious and flavoursome Gingerbread we’ve ever tasted!
Pictured: The selection of goodies on offer inside the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, including sweet fudges as well as gingerbread.
Pictured: The selection of goodies on offer inside the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, including sweet fudges as well as gingerbread.


WILLIAM WORDSWORTH’S GRAVE & DOVE COTTAGE
Visit the grave of William Wordsworth, the world-renowned romance poet (1770-1850) who famously lived in Grasmere. The grave is located in St Oswalds churchyard, right next to the Gingerbread shop.

You can also see Dove Cottage, the house where he lived with his sister, when visiting The Wordsworth Museum in Grasmere (£14 adult ticket).

Pictured: William Wordsworth and his families gravestones located in Grasmere village, the Lake District. Photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: The Wordsworth family gravestones in St Oswalds churchyard, Grasmere village. Photograph taken by Jordie.


LUNCH ALONG THE RIVER
Indulge in an alfresco riverside lunch at Grasmere Tea Gardens.

Grasmere Tea Gardens set along the river, an example of why Grasmere is one of the most picturesque villages in the Lake District!


WORDSWORTH DAFFODIL GARDENS
Wander round the tranquil Wordsworth Daffodil Gardens.

ANNUAL EVENTS IN GRASMERE
Grasmere also hosts a multitude of community events, including the ever popular Grasmere Sports day, a day full of friendly competition, traditional British sports and family fun!

PARKING OPTIONS IN GRASMERE


PAY & DISPLAY GRASMERE PARKING

Red Bank Road car park: This is the closest Pay & Display car park to Grasmere village, literally a few minutes walk. There are lots of spaces available, accommodating 83 cars. Prices start from:

  • 1 hour: £2.00
  • 2 hours: £3.60
  • 3 hours: £4.70
  • 4 hours: £6.00
  • 6 hours: £7.30
  • 10 hours: £8.80

Top Tip: Bring spare coins in case the card reader does not work on the ticket machine, as this is what happened to us!


FINAL VERDICT: IS GRASMERE WORTH VISITING?


Yes, Grasmere is definitely worth a visit! Your Lake District. itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting this history-packed little village, immersing yourself in its deeply rooted legacy of literature, browsing its few quirky shops and discovering quaint corners of nature.


Top Tip: Between Grasmere village and Windermere town, you will drive through the tiny village of Rydal. While there are. no facilities here, this is the starting point for one of our favourite Lake District walks, the circular Loughrigg Fell to Rydal Caves trail.

5. BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE TOWN (& WINDERMERE)


When planning your visit to Lake Windermere, you will notice there are two towns directly next to one another, Windermere and Bowness-On-Windermere.

Despite their close proximity, they are two complete separate towns, located a 5 minute drive from one another:

WINDERMERE TOWN


ABOUT WINDERMERE

It may surprise you (as it certainly surprised us when we visited) that you cannot access or even see Lake Windermere from Windermere town. Lake Windermere is located 1 mile away directly next door in Bowness-On-Windermere town.

So why then is Windermere town so famous and known as “the heart of the Lake District”?

Pictured: A section of high street in Windermere town, photograph taken by Jordie.
Pictured: A section of high street in Windermere town, photograph taken by Jordie.

It is because of its thriving railway station, built here in the 1840s, which opened up a whole new world of bustling tourism for the town. To this day, it allows visitors from all over the United Kingdom to travel directly into the Lake District.

A railway station is impossible to build at Bowness-On-Windermere town due to the steep gradient, so the closest stop therefore had to be in Windermere town!

From Windermere, Bowness-On-Windermere is a quick 5 minute drive or a 25 minute walk down a gentle gradient.

PARKING IN WINDERMERE TOWN


Many people opt to park in Windermere town and walk / get a taxi down to Bowness-On-Windermere for Lake Windermere, as Windermere is much less busy by comparison:


PAY & DISPLAY WINDERMERE PARKING

Broad Street Car Park: Convenient location in Windermere town. Total of 94 standard spaces, 7 disabled. Prices start from:

  • Up to 30 minutes: 60 pence
  • Up to 1 hours: £2
  • 1 to 2 hours: £3.60
  • 2 to 3 hours: £4.70
  • 3 to 4 hours: £6
  • 4 to 6 hours: £7.30
  • 6 to 12 hours: £8.80

Motorcycles can park for free.

You can pay by cash, contactless card or phone.

FREE WINDERMERE PARKING
We found a good free car parking spot along a residential street in Windermere, located here.


FINAL VERDICT: IS WINDERMERE WORTH VISITING?


Personally, we would say Windermere town is not worth visiting by itself. Though featuring a few quirky cafes and art galleries, only has a very small, standard service-led British high street with no real specific draw to it.

However, Windermere town is a more convenient and less intensely busy place to park, if you don’t mind walking or getting a taxi down to Bowness-On-Windermere.


BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE TOWN


ABOUT BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE

Bowness-On-Windermere town is much larger than neighbouring Windermere, and has a distinct catering to tourism. It has many independent shops, delightfully frozen in the 1990’s.

There are also many recognisable modern shops providing clothing, apparel, gifts and eateries.

Pictured: The cobbled shopping streets of Bowness-On-Windermere town, Lake District.
Pictured: The cobbled shopping streets of Bowness-On-Windermere town, Lake District.
Bowness-On-Windermere, Church Street
Bowness on Windermere - one of the towns in the lake district you must visit
Bowness-On-Windermere, Church Street


WORLD OF BEATRIX POTTER MUSEUM
Another main draw to Bowness-On-Windermere is the official World of Beatrix Potter museum, located just off the high street as you enter the town. It also has a tea rooms inside.

LAKE WINDERMERE AT BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE PIER

Wander down to Bowness Pier, the gateway to all boat trips on the famous Lake Windermere!

Get down to the ticket booths along the Pier early this morning to beat the crowds and book one of many Lake Windermere cruises. Click for official timetable.

Or, you can book this extremely highly-rated ‘Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere‘. Rated with a Badge. of Excellence on Viator, plus 160/160 5* reviews, this experience is certainly worth checking out for a special day out!

Pictured: A swan outside an icream shop at Bowness-On-Windermere pier (left) & Lake Windermere at Bowness-On-Windermere Bay (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.
Pictured: A swan outside an icream shop at Bowness-On-Windermere pier (left) & Lake Windermere at Bowness-On-Windermere Bay (right). Photographs taken by Jordie.
Pictured: A map showing the public Windermere Cruises route from Bowness-On-Windermere pier.

PARKING IN BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE TOWN


If you did want to directly park down in Bowness-On-Windermere, there are a few Pay & Display car park options. Be sure to arrive as early as you can to increase your chances of getting a space.


PAY & DISPLAY BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE PARKING

Rayrigg Road Car Park: Located directly next to Bowness-On-Windermere town centre. Recent visitors have noted slow card payments or having to download an app with limited mobile service to pay. Prices start from:

  • 1 hour: £2.00
  • 2 hours: £3.60
  • 3 hours: £4.70
  • 4 hours: £6.00
  • 6 hours: £7.30
  • 12 hours: £8.80

Glebe Road Car Park: Great location very close to Bowness Pier and Lake Windermere, though has been noted it gets very busy and parking spaces are small and tight. Prices start at:

  • 3 hours: £4.70
  • 4 hours: £6.00
  • 6 hours: £7.30
  • 12 hours: £8.80


FINAL VERDICT: IS BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE WORTH VISITING?


Yes, we would say Bowness-On-Windermere is definitely worth a visit. It’s many shops, cafes, old-town narrow backstreets to explore and of course direct access to the infamous Lake Windermere and boat trips make it a must-do.

Of course, bear in mind that it is a very popular touirst spot and can get very busy during the Summer months especially.


WHERE TO STAY IN THE LAKE DISTRICT


Much of the Lake District is unaccessible to be “cut across” by road due to the mountain ranges and fells. Therefore, there are only a few key roads you can use to get to specific places, and if you’re on the wrong side of a fell, can take ages to drive round it.

From our personal experience, we soon realised that around the town of Keswick is the ideal area to stay in the Lake District.

Keswick’s convenient location allows access to all of the key roads you’ll need easily see the best towns in the Lake District.

See our top accommodation picks near Keswick below:

⭐ Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa (2 people, premium)

⭐ The Mary Mount Hotel (2 people, premium)

⭐ Lyzzick Hall Hotel (2 people, mid-range)

⭐ Tarn Rigg Cottage (holiday home, 4 people)

LAKE DISTRICT PACKING LIST

  • Loose comfortable clothing for walking, such as tank tops, cotton shorts or leggings. If you visit in the colder months, pack additional layers.
  • Comfortable lightweight walking shoes with good grip and thick thermal socks.
  • An additional pair of comfortable shoes to walk around the Lake District towns. These could be trainers, converses, etc.
  • Refillable water bottle to bring on your Lake District walking trails.
  • High factor sun cream for warmer months.
  • Sun protective clothing, including a hat and sunglasses for warmer months.
  • Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone.
  • A lightweight rain poncho just in case – you never know with our unpredictable English weather!

HOW TO GET AROUND THE LAKE DISTRICT

GETTING AROUND LAKE DISTRICT BY CAR


Ideally, the best way to get around the Lake District is by self-driving your own vehicle. This gives you absolute freedom on your Lake District itinerary with no restrictions on waiting for bus timetables, etc.

If you are visiting the UK and do not own your own vehicle, you can quite easily rent a car for multiple days!

GETTING AROUND LAKE DISTRICT BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT


If you do not want to drive the Lake District, or cannot drive, you can still get to the major Lake District towns using their public transport systems. Check out the official Lake District Government website for all transport options.

ROAD CONDITIONS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT

WHAT ARE THE ROADS LIKE TO DRIVE ON IN THE LAKE DISTRICT?


The Lake District roads varying greatly from windy single country roads as you head inland to then well-kept, sealed dual carriageways around the more urbanised outskirts.

The majority of Lake District roads are fine to drive on, however there are a few country roads which are slightly tighter and have numerous pot holes, so just take these much more carefully and slowly if encountered.

CONCLUSION: WHAT VILLAGES AND TOWNS IN THE LAKE DISTRICT ARE WORTH VISITING?

In conclusion, we would highly suggest that during your trip, you visit the following 5 villages and towns in the Lake District:

Without a doubt, the most popular, busy and touristy towns in the Lake District are Ambleside and Bowness-On-Windermere. Ambleside and Bowness are both packed full of shops, eateries and all key facilities that cater to visitors.

For all Lake Windermere boat trips, Bowness-On-Windermere is the best town to visit due to its close proximity.

For a charming afternoon indulging in a riverside afternoon tea, eating local gingerbread and strolling daffodil gardens, we highly suggest visiting the quaint little village of Grasmere.

For access to idyllic lakeside walks around Lake Buttermere. and Crummock Water, a visit to the scenic Buttermere village should definitely also be on the cards.

In our closing opinion, we believe Keswick is the overall the best town in the Lake District to visit. From our experience, we found it had the perfect blend of plenty to do in the centre, moments of character and history plus idyllic lakeside walks along Derwentwater.

It is also perfectly located to access the majority of main roads to all key sights and towns.

We hope you have the most amazing time exploring the listed villages and towns during your Lake District trip – let us know which one was your favourite!

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.