Guide To A Campervan Road Trip Through Bowness On Windermere
Read Time: About 20 minutes
Bowness-on-windermere. Nigel Swales
Take a campervan road trip and pass through beautiful Bowness. England's varied countryside is the perfect setting for escaping the modern world and discovering a wild and rugged region in Cumbria - the Lake District. So far, our Lake District road trip has taken us to top-tier attractions in England's largest National Park, like our Ullswater guide, our Keswick road trip, our campervan trip to St. Bees, our Coniston campervan guide, our Hawkshead road trip, and the most recent location, our campervan road trip through Grasmere. Our Guide To A Campervan Road Trip Through Bowness On Windermere wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the excellent campsites in Cumbria that make this area so welcoming. See the full itinerary for our ten Lake District location, using the link below.
Today, our Lake District campervan road trip takes us to Bowness-on-Windermere, a charming town within the Lakes. We'll explore the best attractions, our top Bowness-on-Windermere campsites, and a range of campervan hire options in and around the town if you want to kick-start their Lake District campervan road trip in Bowness.
If a Bowness-on-Windermere camping adventure wasn’t already on your road trip to-do list, it will be after we explore the many attractions, beautiful UK campsites and excellent spots to book a campervan.
- Is Bowness-on-windermere Worth Visiting?
- Best Bowness-on-Windermere Road Trip Itinerary
- Camping in and around Bowness-on-Windermere
- Best Bowness-on-Windermere Campsites
- Motorhome Sites Bowness-on-Windermere
- Campervan Hire Towns in Bowness-on-Windermere
- Bye Bye to Bowness
Is Bowness-on-windermere Worth Visiting?
Bowness-on-Windermere, on the eastern shores of Windermere, the largest lake in England, is perfectly positioned halfway between the northern and southern ends of the lake and is often considered the gateway to exploring the beautiful Lake District. Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lakes and Brims, and it has excellent opportunities for boating and lake adventures. The town is closely linked to the beloved children's author Beatrix Potter and boasts a rich history with Victorian and Edwardian influences evident in many of the hotels and buildings lining the town. The settlement is also a crucial point for accessing other parts of the Lake District, making it a wonderful base for exploring hikes, picturesque villages, and historic sites.
Best Bowness-on-Windermere Road Trip Itinerary

Bowness-on-Windermere. Nigel Swales
A quick campervan road trip around Bownes. Start your road trip at Waterhead, which marks the head of Windermere Lake, and look forward to discovering a range of attractions in this attractive village near Ambleside. The most prominent attractions are the lake and the shoreline, ideal for launching boats and admiring fantastic views across the water. Take pleasant strolls on the small promenade opposite the Waterhead car park, and perhaps sit on one of the benches and watch the boat gliding across the shimmering water. Pop in at Wateredge Inn for tipples and snacks at the fab beer garden overlooking the lake, or get a takeaway while you sit on the grassed area and small shingle beach at Borrans Park, just beyond the pub. Work off your meal by walking from the park to Ambleside Roman Fort, which was likely built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian (AD 117–138), around the same time as the construction of Hadrian’s Wall. If you want to explore the attractions in Ambleside town, it is a quick 20-minute or short drive away.
Families and active types can head from Waterhead to Brockhole Visitor Centre, a cracking outdoor attraction with various activities and free entry. Finding out about the beautiful National Park is only one of the many pursuits families can enjoy on the shores of Lake Windermere. The main buildings and gardens were constructed as private homes in the late 19th century. They are one of many retirement and holiday homes around the lake and were built by successful city industrialists in the Victorian era. Beatrix Potter was related to the private owners and was a frequent visitor. The Lake District National Park Authority purchased the park in 1966 and opened it to the public as the UK’s first National Park visitor centre. Browse exhibitions in the local area. Explore activities ranging from boat hires on the lake to archery, zip lining and relaxing walks. There is a charge for activities and parking.
If you’re not looking forward to the hubbub at Brockhole, drive past it and head to Rayrigg Meadow, a peaceful recreational area. There is a fantastic picnic and play area near the car park in an open setting and a small grassy hill, Queen Adelaide’s Hill, with wonderful views across the lake and the mountains from the summit.
Take the scenery from the well-placed bench overlooking the lake, or head down to the shingle, tree-lined shoreline to admire the stunning views. Several boat jetties and easy access make it a great spot for swimming and paddling.
Next, we make our way to Bowness-on-Windermere, a famous tourist town on the shores of the sparkling Windermere lake. Until the mid-80s, it was a quiet village, but it soon grew into a bustling tourist destination with the introduction of the railway line from Kendal to Windermere town. The World of Beatrix Potter is one of the most popular family attractions, recreating the 3D scenes from her beloved books, with characters like Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Squirrel Nutkin. The town centre has numerous shops, cafes and pubs where you can restock on camping essentials and explore before heading past St Martin’s Church to the lakeside area. You can hop on a Windermere Lake Cruises from one of the jetties or head for a walk on Glebe Road, beyond the jetties, which has an open recreational area called The Glebe. Soak in lovely views from the grassy area, indulge in mini golf and tennis or head over to Cockshott Point for open grass areas, lovely shingle beaches, and a stunning footpath.
Mosey on to the iconic Blackwell House overlooking Windermere, presenting visitors with a fine example of Arts and Crafts architecture. The style revolves around simple architecture with high-quality materials, and local craftsmen would handcraft as much of the structure as possible. Wander the beautiful terraced gardens outside and tour the house, which boasts a stunning setting above Lake Windermere, with fantastic views across the water to the nearby Coniston mountains. We recommend admiring the scenery from the cafe, where guests can sit on the outdoor terrace during good weather. Campervan hire Cumbria really makes the whole trip accessible and flexible, especially when exploring gems like Wray Castle and Windermere.
Limefitt Holiday Park is a superbly located site in the heart of the stunning Lake District National Park, nestled between the majestic Ullswater and Windermere lakes.
If you’re in the mood for a picnic, head to the Beech Hill picnic site, a small grassed area with picnic tables overlooking Windermere Lake. Enjoy gorgeous views across the lake, the wooded hills, and the mountains beyond. You can also access a small shingle beach through a steep path from the picnic area. Beech Hill is somewhat out of the way and often quiet, even in the swing of summer, creating an ideal place to soak in the scenery and enjoy a meal.
After you’ve had a meal, rumble over to Fell Foot Park a beautiful National Trust-owned parkland on the banks of Windermere lakeshore, ideal for picnics, sunny frolics and paddles. Plenty of picnic tables are sprinkled across the grass area, and excellent conditions for launching kayaks, rowboats and paddleboards. Windermere Lake Cruises operates a small ferry taking passengers across the lake between May and September. There are several beautiful footpaths, mature gardens, open meadows, cafes, an adventure playground, toilets, and more.
Next, head over to Lakeside on Windermere, a lovely spot with a Lakeside pier and railway station. Take a scenic 40-minute trip up the lake to Bowness on a pleasure cruise, running approximately every hour between Easter and November. Soak in the scenery from a different angle via the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, a picturesque 3.5-mile line with steam trains chugging through the lush Leven Valley.
If you like quiet settings, go to Esthwaite Water, one of the quieter Lake District lakes and the only privately owned water section with minimal public access. There is a small visitor centre in a lovely woodland area on the lakeshore and a wealth of activities, including excellent trout fishing. Boats and kits can be hired for fishing, and visitors can head to Osprey Safari, where you can rent and operate a small self-drive electric boat around the lake to look at Ospreys that reside in the area between April and September. From here, it only makes sense to head to Hill Top, in the attractive village of Near Sawrey. It was the beloved home and sanctuary of Beatrix Potter and is maintained in the exact way she lived and worked there. She purchased the house in 1905 with the profits of her early books and used it as her sanctuary to escape the world and write her books. Explore the atmospheric house filled with her possessions and get a sense of her life and times. Hill Top is a short walk from the car park and is open daily, barring Friday, from February to November.
Next, we’ll head to Hawkshead, one of the most charming settlements in the Lake District. Dating back to mediaeval times, the town once had a flourishing wool market operated by the monks of Furness Abbey, near Barrow-in-Furness. Take a stroll through the village to explore several historic buildings, including Hawkshead Grammar School, which had a number of famous pupils, including poet William Wordsworth, who became a student after the death of his mother in 1778. Other notable buildings include the 16th-century St Michael and All Angels church, perched on a small hill overlooking the village, and the Old Market Hall, built in the late 18th century when the settlement was a thriving local market. Not a great place to drive your campervan through, the town is mostly car-free, with a jumbled collection of whitewashed houses, archways and courtyards, alleyways and squares.
Even the most anti-outdoors person will feel incredibly sad to bid adieu to a sumptuous stay at Neaum Crag, a lovely site with alpine-style lodges tucked away and generously spaced on 18-acres of striking woodland.
Drive to Wray Castle, a lovely mock Gothic castle on the shores of the sparkling Windermere. Constructed in 1840 as a private residence, the fortress has had many notable occupants, including a 16-year-old Beatrix Potter, who holidayed here regularly with her family. Explore the church-like interior and elaborate grounds on guided tours, and soak in stunning views from in front of the castle towards Ambleside. The pretty wooded grounds extend down to the lapping Windermere, and there are many grassed areas and shingle stretches ideal for fabulous walks, picnics and paddles. From here, you can drive back to Waterhead, your start point. Hopefully, this campervan road trip loop itinerary is easy to follow. We encourage our readers to add more stops as needed or remove the attractions that don't quite suit the holiday they have in mind.
Camping in and around Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere. Jack Berry
England’s largest national park has plenty to offer camping sorts, including fantastic vistas, mist-capped peaks, glittering lakes, and the highest mountain and the deepest lake in England. Book a stay at a campsite in Bowness-on-Windermere, hit the road and start exploring right after you’ve read through this section of our blog. We’ve rounded up the best campsites and the top locations to book a campsite in Bowness-on-Windermere. We recommend booking a campsite in Coniston, Hawkshead, and Backbarrow. They are fabulous locations with effortless access to attractions and fantastic campsites ideal for all tastes and budgets.
Remember, you can filter campsites by using the icon at the top of the page. Add in the name of our campsite, the town you want to book a campsite in, or the postcode, and let the system find the perfect camping location for you. Use the filter at the start of the page to filter campsite options by accommodation preference, or use your current location to find campsites near you—ideal for when you’re on the road and searching for a campsite nearby. This system works brilliantly whether you're sticking to the Bowness area covered in this guide to a campervan road trip through Bowness on Windermere, or if you decide to venture further afield to explore the fantastic campsites in Keswick.
Cracking Coniston has plenty going on, and there’s much to explore from your campsite. The beautiful village sits on the stunning lake. It is home to Coniston Water, one of the Lake District’s largest lakes, where visitors can explore a range of water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and sailing. Landlubbers can take a cruise to explore the lake and the surrounding landscape. Walkers can tackle a hike up The Old Man of Coniston, one of the most famous falls in the park, where a challenging yet rewarding hike provides jaw-dropping panoramic views from the summit. Explore Brantwood, the historic home of Victorian artist, writer, and philosopher John Ruskin, on the eastern shores of Coniston Water. The house, now a museum, is a top spot for art, history, and nature lovers. The area has plenty of other attractions and activities, including Coppermines Valley, Grizedale Forest, and Levers Water. With a great blend of culture, natural beauty and outdoor activities, it is a fantastic destination for kicking back at a campsite in Coniston. For more locations, check out our campsites in Great Langdale, campsites in Windermere, campsites in Boot and Broughton-in-Furness.
Kentmere Farm Pods is the place to be if you’re in the mood for a luxury glamping escape on a pretty working farm tucked away amid the greenery and wildlife of the Kentmere valley.
The pretty village of Hawkshead rests in the heart of the Lake District. It is renowned for its charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and literary connections, particularly to Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth. Start your camping holiday by exploring Hawkshead Village's winding cobbled streets full of character, whitewashed cottages, traditional pubs, and lovely independent shops. Rumble to Beatrix Potter Gallery houses in the 17th-century building that once served as the office of Beatrix Potter's solicitor husband. A short distance away, Hawkshead Grammar School, where famous students like William Wordsworth were educated, is a great spot for history buffs. Walkers can follow the peaceful, accessible walk in Tarn Hows, one of the most scenic spots in the Lakes. The area has plenty of excellent attractions, including St. Michael and All Angels Church, Esthwaite Water, and the Wray Castle Route, so book your campsite in Hawkshead and start adventuring. For more camping options, check out our campsites in Ambleside, campsites in Newby Bridge and campsites in Staveley.
The small village of Backbarrow on the southern part of the Lake District is close to the southern shores of Windermere and ideally located for accessing a range of attractions. When you book a campsite in Backbarrow, you can explore a range of outdoor activities, historic sites, and scenic spots. Start your holiday with a peaceful riverside walk along the River Leven in the beautiful Leven Valley, enjoying tranquillity, scenery and woodland wildlife. Hop on the Haverthwaite Railway for a nostalgic steam train ride through the Leven Valley, which is ideal for camping sorts and families who want to explore the area without tiring themselves out. Mosey over to Fell Foot Park, a short drive away for peaceful picnic spots with fantastic views and lovely boat rides over the shimmering waters of Lake Windermere. Stay in your campsite in Backbarrow. For more options, browse our campsites in Grange over Sands, campsites in Cark In Cartmel, campsites in Flookburgh, campsites in Ulverston, and campsites in Kirkby In Furness.
Best Bowness-on-Windermere Campsites
The Lakes has some of the most scenic camping locations in all of England, and it can be pretty daunting picking a spot to rest your head for a few nights. If you’re in a rush to book a campsite and want to avoid the stress of browsing through a range of camping options, why not peek at our recommended campsites below? They blend scenery, amenities, and proximity to an array of attractions, making it an ideal base for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Perhaps stay at more than one, so you wake up to some of the best views of the Lakes. Check out the amenities and camping options at Park Cliffe Caravan Camping Estate, Tarn Foot Farm Campsite, and Low Wray Campsite below.
Park Cliffe Caravan Camping Estate, Windermere
Set amidst the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, Park Cliffe Caravan and Camping Estate near Windermere, set on a gorgeous 25-acre site. This peaceful campsite is a short distance from Bowness-on-Windermere and enjoys breathtaking views over mountains, lakes, and woodlands with abundant wildlife like deer, foxes, red deer, and roe. The site has exceptional camping options for tents, tourers and glampers. Sit back and unwind on spacious pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, or upgrade to a luxurious glamping pod, a static holiday home or a shepherd's hut for extra comfort. With modern facilities, including a heated shower block, an on-site shop, and a cosy restaurant serving delicious local fare, you need a stroll from your pitch. Campers are minutes from Windermere, where you can explore the lake by boat or enjoy lakeside walks with breathtaking views. For hikers, the nearby fields, such as Gummer's How, offer unrivalled panoramas. Families will love visiting Brockhole, a lakeside adventure park, and the charming village of Bowness-on-Windermere nearby.
Low Wray Campsite, Ambleside
Nestled on the shores of Windermere, Low Wray Campsite in Ambleside is a gem for campers seeking a true Lake District adventure. What better way to start your day than by marvelling at the sunrise over the sparkling lake and enjoying gorgeous views of the fells? The campsite offers a variety of pitches, from traditional tent spots to camping pods, all surrounded by breathtaking views. Wake up to the sound of water lapping on the shore and spend your days exploring the area’s many attractions. Walk or cycle to Wray Castle, just a stone’s throw away, or take a scenic drive to nearby Ambleside, where you can visit quaint shops, enjoy lakeside strolls, and even hop on a boat cruise. Low Wray Campsite is perfect for families, couples, and solo adventurers and offers clean facilities, including hot showers and even fire pits for those quiet nights around the campfire. It’s an ideal base for discovering the best of the Lake District.
Tarn Foot Farm Campsite, Ambleside
Tarn Foot Farm Campsite is the perfect spot for campers and is such a tranquil getaway in the heart of the Lake District that you should keep this spot a secret. Nestled in beautiful countryside, this small, family-run campsite offers a peaceful retreat where you can sit back and admire the scenery all day. The site has all the essentials and offers campers an old-fashioned camping space ideal for reconnecting to nature. What makes Tarn Foot special is its proximity to some of the region's best attractions - you're just a stone's throw from Tarn Hows, one of the Lake District's most picturesque tarns, close to the charming village of Ambleside, and in proximity to the nearby Loughrigg Fell, famed fortis stunning views of Windermere and Grasmere. The site has clean facilities, hot showers, plenty of space to pitch a tent or park a campervan, and boasts a relaxed atmosphere, breathtaking surroundings, and a convenient location.
Motorhome Sites Bowness-on-Windermere
Check out our recommended motorhome friendly campsites in Bowness-on-Windermere and take your home on wheels for a spin around the lakes.
Tucked away in the picturesque hills of Grange over Sands, Moss Howe Farm is a gem for camping enthusiasts, especially adventurers with motorhomes. This idyllic spot rests in the mountains of Cumbria, a few miles from Witherslack, and offers guests a delightful blend of peace and adventure and gorgeous settings enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Lake District. With spacious pitches for tents, motorhomes, and caravans on grass and gravel, the site is ideal for a motorhome-friendly escape, where you can park, unwind, and soak in the lush settings. The farm’s facilities include modern showers, clean toilets, electric hook-ups, a food shop and the freedom to enjoy barbecues and campfires on the pitches. Glampers can consider kicking it at the lodges, some equipped with bubbling hot tubs, which are ideal for two. Discover nearby attractions like the beautiful Cartmel village, famous for its mediaeval priory and scrumptious sticky toffee pudding, or a short drive to Lake Windermere for boat trips, hiking, or a scenic picnic.
Low Birks Farm is a quiet and welcoming site nestled in a secluded valley with beautiful views. Milly and Kim will look forward to sharing their slice of heaven with like-minded campers.
Black Beck Holiday Park in Bouth is a dreamy getaway for anyone seeking serenity and adventure. Nestled in the Lake District, this site is perfect for motorhomes and rests in woodland, an easy 10-minute drive from Windermere and 15 minutes from Ulverston; take your pick of fully-serviced, well-maintained gravel pitches and settle in for a comfortable stay. The park’s lush setting feels like a hidden countryside haven, yet it’s close to attractions like Grizedale Forest, perfect for hiking, cycling, or a serene boat trip on the lake. The site has modern amenities like heated showers, hot tubs, electric hook-ups, and a well-stocked shop. A handy on-site sauna and spa are perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day of exploring. There’s a play area for families, while nature lovers can enjoy spotting wildlife on local walks. Its peaceful woodland setting and proximity to local attractions like The Lakeland Motor Museum ensures a comfortable campervan adventure.
Campervan Hire Towns in Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere. Jorge Franganilloy
Now that we’ve ironed out most of the essentials, hiring a campervan in Bowness-on-Windermere is time to start your campervan road trip to the Lake District here. Our website offers handy features for finding your home on wheels, so go ahead and use our county map for campervans and motorhomes in the UK. If that sounds like a lot of work, add your campervan hire town, city or county in the search engine and let the website take care of the rest. Use the search engine to filter vehicles by campervan or motorhome options, add in your dates, and away we go! If you’re in a rush and don’t have much time for research, why not check out campervans in Staveley, Newby Bridge and Ulverston? Not only are they great bases for exploring Bowness-on-Windermere, but they’re also well-positioned to explore the rest of the Lake District. Alongside Bowness, campervan hire Keswick is worth a look if you want easy access to some of the Lake District’s best spots Read on as we highlight the attractions you can explore right after picking up your camper or motorhome at these recommended sites.
Hire a campervan in Staveley, and you'll be off to a cracking start, with various outdoor and cultural attractions mere minutes away. Kick off your campervan holiday at the Staveley Mill Yard, a fantastic destination for soaking in the local atmosphere while browsing shops, cafes, and the famous Wilf's Café. If crowds aren't your cup of tea, follow the stunning Kentmere Valley Walk through lush landscapes ideal for hikers or access winding trails for cyclists and walkers, cutting through the landscape while offering a range of options from easy to challenging. St. Margaret's Tower, a 14th-century church, is perfect for history buffs who want to glimpse the town's rich history. Treat yourself to a cold brew at Hawkshead Brewery, or perhaps stock up on r craft beers to enjoy at your campsite of choice. Our website lists 78 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Staveley. If you want to chat with more private owners in the area, take a look at our campervans for hire in Roecliffe, campervans for hire Boroughbridge, campervans for hire Knaresborough, campervans for hire Bishop Monkton, campervans for hire Markington, campervans for hire Harrogate, campervans for hire Ripon and campervans for hire Pannal.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Welcome to our Luxurious Campervan, Reiver, equipped with all you need to have a fantastic trip. We hope that you will have a relaxing and memorable holiday in our much-loved, and carefully-used second home.
Book a campervan in Newby Bridge, and rumble out to the southern end of Lake Windermere to get a taste of what the Lakes has to offer. Explore the fascinating collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia that tell the history of motorhomes in the National Park at Lakeland Motor Museum, a stunning space for gearheads of all ages. Take a drive out for more history at Muncaster Castle, which boasts lovely gardens, gorgeous vistas, and falconry displays. Fell Foot Park is a lakeside park perfect for picnicking, walking, and admiring views of the lakes. There is a small pebble beach ideal for refreshing dips on warm days. Just a short drive away, the Grizedale Forest beckons active types and nature lovers with a range of walking and biking trails, a treetop adventure course, and art installations. Check out 63 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Newby Bridge, or find more campervans in Backbarrow, campervans in Grange over Sands, campervans in Hawkshead and campervans in Windermere.
Ulverston is a vibrant market town in the beautiful Lake District with plenty to offer the adventurous sorts. Take a break from driving and stretch out your legs on relaxing walks around the Ulverston Canal, home to thriving wildlife and lovely scenery. Hikers can tackle the Hoad Hill and Hoad Monument, which boasts jaw-dropping Ulverston and Morecambe Bay views. Sir John Barrow Monument is also great for climbers who enjoy sweeping views. Take your Ulverston campervan for a drive around the spectacular gothic mansion of Conishead Priory, which has lovely gardens and coastal views and serves as a Buddhist temple. With plenty to do and 63 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Ulverston, you'll find the perfect ride for a Bowness-on-Windermere road trip. You can also check out our campervans for hire in Kirkby In Furness, campervans for hire in Askam In Furness, campervans for hire in Cark In Cartmel, campervans for hire in Flookburgh, campervans for hire in Millom and campervans for hire in Broughton In Furness.
Age: 25-70
Travel: UK Only
Gearbox: Manual
Retro ‘90s VW T4 camper with heating, cosy wood panelling, red and black leather seating, and a carpeted living area. Sleeps 2. A fun, compact van—small enough to park in regular car parks and drive on narrow roads.
Bye Bye to Bowness
This is the end of our campervan road trip guide to Bowness-on-Windermere, we hope this helps to build a picture of this stunning part of the Lake District, home to breathtaking landscapes, charming settlements, and the thrill of the open road. Whether it’s tranquil forests, the warmth of local hospitality or the thrill of discovering hidden gems, this campervan road trip guide should help to demonstrate the adventure to be had. We’re not done yet, and we have more places to explore. Next, we drive to the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on our A Campervan Road Trip Itinerary for the Lake District, where we’ll help you plan an itinerary through this gorgeous part of the country.
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