There’s something rather special about Bowness-on-Windermere in autumn.

The summer crowds begin to thin, the fells take on their golden and russet colours, and there’s a noticeable change of pace around the lake. Crisp mornings are perfect for a walk, the lake can look wonderfully atmospheric beneath an autumn sky, and there’s always the promise of somewhere warm and cosy to retreat to afterwards.

If you’re planning an autumn break at The Westbourne, here’s our idea of the perfect day in Bowness-on-Windermere.

8.30am – Start the day with a Westbourne breakfast

There’s no need to rush. Start your morning at The Westbourne with a leisurely breakfast before heading out to make the most of the day. One of the great things about staying in Bowness is that so much is within easy reach, meaning you can leave the car behind and explore on foot.

Once you’re wrapped up in your walking shoes and waterproof jacket, it’s time to head towards the lake.

9.30am – Take in the autumn views

Autumn is one of our favourite times of year for exploring Windermere on foot. A walk up to Orrest Head is a great way to start the day. It’s a relatively short climb, but the reward is a wonderful panorama across Windermere and the surrounding Lakeland fells. On a clear autumn morning, the combination of blue water, changing woodland and the fells beyond can be spectacular.
And don’t worry if the weather is a little moody. One of the joys of the Lake District is that the scenery can look just as beautiful beneath a dramatic sky.

Local tip: Give yourself plenty of time rather than treating Orrest Head as something to tick off a list. Stop, take in the view and enjoy the fact that you’re in the Lake District.

11.30am – Wander down to the lake

After your walk, make your way back towards Bowness and down to the lakeshore. This is a lovely time of year to simply wander around the waterfront. Watch the boats coming and going, take a few photographs and enjoy the changing colours around the lake. If you’ve worked up an appetite, this is also the perfect time for a coffee and something sweet in one of Bowness’s cafés. And if the weather has turned decidedly autumnal, that’s no bad thing either. A warm drink and somewhere cosy can be every bit as enjoyable as a sunny lakeside afternoon.

12.30pm – See Windermere from the water

No autumn visit to Bowness would be complete without getting out onto Windermere. Windermere Lake Cruises operates cruises from Bowness, including the 45-minute circular Islands Cruise, which offers views across the lake, its wooded islands and the surrounding fells. Autumn is a particularly lovely time to see the landscape from the water.
Alternatively, make the boat trip part of a bigger adventure. Depending on the timetable and time of year, you can combine a cruise with attractions around the lake, or travel across to the western shore. The Cross Lakes service provides access towards Ash Landing and walks to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home.
Remember: Cruise timetables change throughout autumn, so it’s worth checking the current timetable before setting off.

2.00pm – Lunch in Bowness

Back in Bowness, it’s time to refuel. There are plenty of places to choose from, whether you’re looking for a relaxed lunch, something quick before your next adventure or somewhere to linger over a long, lazy meal.
For a casual option, you could head to Cafe No4, or for something a little more substantial, The Albert is a popular choice. If you’d rather keep things simple, the important thing is not to over-plan this part of the day. Autumn in Bowness is about enjoying the slower pace.

3.30pm – Choose your afternoon adventure

This is where your perfect autumn day can go one of two ways.
If the sun is shining… Make the most of it.
Take another stroll along the lakeshore, explore some of the quieter streets around Bowness or head out towards one of the nearby viewpoints. Autumn light can be beautiful in the Lake District, particularly later in the afternoon when the low sun catches the hills and woodland.
If it’s raining… Welcome to the Lake District!
A rainy afternoon doesn’t have to mean the end of your plans. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit an indoor attraction. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness brings 23 of Beatrix Potter’s stories to life and includes the Peter Rabbit Garden. It’s also conveniently located close to the centre of Bowness and can be combined with a lake cruise.
Another option is the Windermere Jetty Museum, where you can discover more about the history of Windermere and its boats before enjoying a drink at the lakeshore café.

Sometimes, of course, the best rainy-day activity is simply finding somewhere cosy, ordering a hot chocolate and watching the rain roll across the lake.

5.00pm – Back to The Westbourne

After a full day outside, there’s something particularly satisfying about arriving back at The Westbourne. Kick off your walking shoes, warm up and take a little time to relax before heading out for the evening. This is one of the reasons we love autumn stays. You can spend the day exploring, come back and get cosy, then head out again when you’re ready.

6.30pm – Dinner in Bowness

When it comes to dinner, you’re spoilt for choice. For something special, Porto offers modern British cooking, while there are plenty of more relaxed restaurants, pubs and bars around the centre of Bowness.
For a traditional pub atmosphere, Hole in t’ Wall is right in the heart of the village.
And if you’re looking for somewhere for a drink after dinner, Quayside Bowness is right by the lake.
We always recommend booking ahead for popular restaurants, particularly at weekends.

8.30pm – One last stroll

Before heading back to The Westbourne, take one final stroll. Bowness feels very different in the evening. The daytime bustle has disappeared, the lights begin to reflect on the water and the fells become silhouettes against the night sky. You don’t need a big plan. Just walk down towards the lake, take a deep breath of that cool autumn air and enjoy being somewhere completely different from home.

Then it’s back to The Westbourne for a good night’s sleep.

Why autumn is such a wonderful time to visit Bowness

There are plenty of reasons to visit the Lake District at any time of year, but autumn has a particular charm. The landscape changes almost daily. The woodland around Windermere develops richer colours, the mornings become crisp and fresh, and there is something wonderfully atmospheric about seeing mist sitting over the lake.

It’s also a season that suits a slower kind of break. You can enjoy a proper breakfast, go for a walk, stop for coffee, take a boat across the lake, discover somewhere new for lunch and finish the day with a good meal – without feeling as though you have to squeeze everything into a few hours.

And if the weather doesn’t quite go to plan? That’s all part of a Lake District adventure. Just bring a waterproof, embrace the weather and remember that there will always be a warm welcome waiting for you back at The Westbourne.

Planning your autumn stay in Bowness-on-Windermere?

If you’re looking for a comfortable base for exploring Windermere, The Westbourne is ideally placed for enjoying Bowness on foot, with the lake, restaurants, cafés and local attractions all close by. Whether you’re planning a romantic autumn escape, a walking weekend or simply a few days away to enjoy the scenery, we’d love to welcome you.

Book your autumn stay at The Westbourne and discover Bowness-on-Windermere at its most atmospheric.