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Culture in South Lakes - Bowness-on-Windermere

Culture in South Lakes - Bowness-on-Windermere

On the shores of Windermere, the town of Bowness-on-Windermere is packed with arts and culture attractions just waiting to be explored. From architectural gems to modern museums, there’s plenty to discover. A rich hub of arts and culture in the South Lakes, join us as we take a trip through Bowness on Windermere and explore its heritage attractions.

Bowness-on-Windermere can be reached by car via the B2584; the A592; the A5074; and the A591 via Windermere village. Windermere train station is a short drive or bus journey away, with Stagecoach buses 599 and 755 serving the town.

1. Blackwell – The Arts & Crafts House

First up is a visit to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. A stunning architectural gem with sweeping views across Windermere towards the Coniston fells, this impressive Grade I listed building was designed by noted architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scot.

Marvel at the impressive arts and crafts architecture, and learn more about the arts and crafts story as you walk through the house. There are decorative features which reflect the arts and crafts movement, furniture by Morris & Co, and metalwork by Willian Arthur Smith Benson; while the gardens were laid out by arts & crafts garden designed Thomas Mawson.

Once you’ve explored the house and grounds, relax with coffee and cake in the Tea Room, located in the house’s old kitchen and scullery.

Open hours: daily, 10am – 4pm from November – March; 10am – 5pm from April - October

An on-site car park is available for those travelling by car. There is a 5-mile circular walking trail from Bowness-on-Windermere to Blackwell. Please note: Blackwell is not on the public bus route.
 

2. Windermere Jetty Museum

Enjoying a stunning location on the shores of Windermere, the Windermere Jetty Museum tells the story of England’s largest lake: its boats, people, and rich history. A modern, family-friendly attraction, there’s plenty for all to enjoy.

Discover interactive displays, arts exhibitions, workshops and more. The galleries and boathouse are home to a wide range of water vessels, from steam launches and motorboats to sailing yachts and record-breaking speed boats. Learn the story behind each one, before visiting the conservation workshop to see expert boatbuilders at work.

Outside, there’s a model boating pond; while the Lakeshore Café offers indoor and outdoor seating, both with stunning lake views thanks to the floor to ceiling glass windows and outside table area.

If you want to get even closer to the water, heritage boat tours are available on board fully restored Edwardian launches.

Open hours: daily, 10am – 4pm from November – March; 10am – 5pm from April - October

An on-site car park is available for those travelling by car; parking is free for visitors to the museum, café and gift shop for up to four hours. The museum is accessible by bus then on foot via a short walk from Bowness-on-Windermere’s town centre. Selected Windermere Lake Cruises services also stop at the museum, with timetables varying throughout the year; please check ahead before travelling.
 

3. The Old Laundry Theatre

Located in the heart of Bowness, The Old Laundry Theatre is a theatre in the round hosting a varied programme of shows and events. From theatre to comedy, music to film, there’s plenty to discover. British playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn supported the theatre’s establishment, and continues to send a play a year to be performed on its stage.

There is also a bistro, The Old Laundry Studio – Laundrama, which offers Dine Out Tickets including a two course meal and theatre ticket; and hosts smaller cabaret style events and dining experiences.

Parking is available in Bowness-on-Windermere; the closest car parks are Rayrigg Road Car Park and Quarry Mount Car Park.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Next to the Old Laundry Theatre, the World of Beatrix Potter offers a fun day out for all the family. Discover the author’s illustrated tales through a series of interactive exhibits, including Peter Rabbit’s garden and Miss Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen.

Open hours: daily, 10am – 4:30pm

Parking is available in Bowness-on-Windermere; the closest car parks are Rayrigg Road Car Park and Quarry Mount Car Park.

Download a printable PDF of this Cultural Itinerary

Blackwell - The Arts & Crafts House  Windermere jetty Museum. Photo: Tom Arran  The Old Laundry Theatre  The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.

Culture in South Lakes

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1 Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House
2 Windermere Jetty Museum
3 The Old Laundry Theatre
4 The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
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  1. Exterior and Grounds at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Exterior and Grounds at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Sitting area and fireplace at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Take a look around Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Family Activities at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Sitting area and fireplace at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Views and exhibitions at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    The Main Hall at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    The Main Hall at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    Chair by MH Baillie-Scott at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    Exterior and Grounds at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Sitting area and fireplace at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Take a look around Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Family Activities at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Sitting area and fireplace at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Views and exhibitions at Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    The Main Hall at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    The Main Hall at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.
    Chair by MH Baillie-Scott at Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District.

    Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

    Bowness-on-Windermere

    Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.

  2. The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    MV Jane in the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Interactive Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy the Views from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the History and Heritage at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Beautiful views over Windermere from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Excellent Service at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    The Heritage Boat Osprey at the Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    MV Jane in the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Family Days Out at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Interactive Exhibits at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy the Views from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the History and Heritage at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    See the Boathouse at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Beautiful views over Windermere from Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District
    Excellent Service at Windermere Jetty Museum in Windermere, Lake District

    Windermere Jetty Museum

    Windermere

    Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.

  3. Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Interior and Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Interior of The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    The Laundrama at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Entrance at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Performer on Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Friendly Staff at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Interior and Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Interior of The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    The Laundrama at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Entrance at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Performer on Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Stage at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Friendly Staff at The Old Laundry Theatre in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

    The Old Laundry Theatre

    Bowness on Windermere

    Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.

  4. Meet Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Meet Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Experience a magical world at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Purchase unique and special gifts at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Search for Peter Rabbit in the gardens at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy afternoon tea at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Exterior and Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibitions and galleries at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Meet the characters of Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Meet Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Experience a magical world at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Purchase unique and special gifts at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Search for Peter Rabbit in the gardens at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Enjoy afternoon tea at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Exterior and Peter Rabbit Garden at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Exhibitions and galleries at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
    Meet the characters of Peter Rabbit at The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District

    The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction

    Bowness-on-Windermere

    A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House (54.34315,-2.92341)Windermere Jetty Museum (54.37082,-2.92193)2.77
Windermere Jetty Museum (54.37082,-2.92193)The Old Laundry Theatre (54.36523,-2.91924)0.58
The Old Laundry Theatre (54.36523,-2.91924)The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction (54.36542,-2.91908)0.02
Total Distance *3.38 miles
Estimated Journey Time7 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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