The Howbeck Guesthouse - Things to do

"Our first time in the Lakes. What a find. Staff, food and room were excellent. Can't wait to return."

Just a two minute stroll from our guesthouse in Windermere brings you to the cafes, bars and restaurants in centre of Windermere Village; or a five minute walk in the other direction brings you to the bustling village of Bowness, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Windermere and the Lake District Fells

Bowness boasts an array of attractions, including Windermere Lake Cruises, the World of Beatrix Potter, Blackwell Arts & Crafts House and the Windermere Steamboat Museum.

If walking is your thing, then we are perfectly situated. A short walk from the Howbeck and you can be at the top of Orrest Head, enjoying the views of Lake Windermere and the fells beyond that started Wainwright’s love affair with the Lake District. Or if you want to travel further afield, Keswick and the northern and western Lakes are within easy reach by car. We can provide information on a number of walks in and around Windermere and Bowness, or if you are feeling more adventurous we can arrange for a walking guide.

Our staff can arrange any number of activities for you to enjoy while you’re staying with us. From canoeing and kayaking to off road driving and treasure hunts, there really is something for everyone. There’s more information below on some of the attractions, as well as a link to the Cumbria Tourism website where you will find an exhaustive list of all the events taking place during your stay.

 • Hill Top, Near Sawrey - former home of Beatrix Potter
 • Beatrix Potter Gallery - Hawkshead
 • Windermere Steamboats & Museum
 • Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole
 • Townend, Troutbeck - 17th century statesman farmers house
 • Rydal Mount & Gardens, near Ambleside
 • William Wordsworth's Dove Cottage, Grasmere
 • The Ruskin Motor Museum, Coniston
 • Sizergh Castle & Garden, nr Kendal
 • Low Sizergh Barn, Farm Shop, Tea Rooms & Craft Gallery nr Kendal
 • Stott Park Bobbin Mill
 • Holker Hall, Gardens & Lakeland Motor Museum
 • South Lakes Wild Animal Park
 • Rheged, The village in the Hill, near Penrith & Helly Hansen
 • National Mountaineering Exhibition
 • Trotters World of Animals, Keswick
 • Honister Slate Mine
 • Blackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
 • Muncaster Castle & Owl Centre
 • Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
 • Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill
 • Fell Foot Park
 • Wordsworth House

It's easy to get away from the crowds too with stunning countryside just a short distance away and drives over Wrynose & Hardknott pass will bring you to the Roman fort.

The historic market towns of Kendal & Keswick are within easy reach, as is Ambleside with it's fine array of outdoor clothing shops.