Bowness

10:44am Tuesday 17th April 2007

With its rich history and spectacular lakeside setting, it is not difficult to see why Bowness is one of Cumbria's most popular tourist destinations.

The town is busy for most of the year as revellers flock from near and far to enjoy the abundance of pubs, clubs, cultural centres and spectacular scenery and to soak up the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the area.

Bowness is home to the Old Laundry, the only professional in-the-round theatre in Cumbria which, for three months during the autumn, is home to a festival of performing arts.

There are numerous Victorian and Edwardian buildings and those interested in history should take a walk to Lowside, behind St Martin's Church, where the houses and little narrow streets paint a picture of how the area was before the advent of the railway.

There will always be a place in Bowness for good, old-fashioned fun, and the boats and steamers that crowd the jetties offer visitors a waterborne perspective of the surrounding fells.

As well as being one of the liveliest spots in the Lakes in terms of nightlife, Bowness also has its own share of pretty walks and is a good base for those wanting to explore the Lakeland fells Main attractions: L The World of Beatrix Potter. Meet the likes of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck and peruse the exhibitions and displays of the famous children's author's books. 015394-88444.

L Windermere Lake Cruises - named best large tourist attraction 2003 by Cumbria Tourist Board. 015395-31188.

L Housed in an Edwardian laundry building, the Old Laundry Theatre is home to a stimulating and exciting autumn festival, attracting theatrical heavyweights such as Sir Alan Ayckbourn. It also offers comedy and music. 015394-88444.

And if it's wet.

Blackwell, a house designed by Hugh Baillie Scott which lies close to Bowness, is a stunning example of the Arts and Crafts Movement. It hosts a variety of interesting exhibitions throughout the year, there is an excellent tea room and book shop, and the gardens are also superb. 015394-46139.

Walks...

Long - 8km. Get on the ferry at Glebe and cross Windermere. Walk along the lakeshore before doing a circular walk up through the spectacular Claife Heights to admire the breathtaking views across the lakes and fells. Continue along the path and return to the ferry.

Short - Take a short walk to the vantage point of Brant Fell, which is popular with local residents seeking to escape the crowds in the town and offers spectacular views of the lake below. Start at Quarry Mount Car Park near the cinema in Bowness.

Events...

WOW - Windermere of Water, on the shores of the lake, is packed full of water-themed activities plus performers and pyrotechnics. 015394-40021 -June.

Windermere Festival - July.

Langdale Gala - Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling, slate-riving and stick-making make this summer fete, set against the stunning backdrop of the Langdale Valley, a traditional favourite. 015394-37320.

For more information: Bowness Tourist Information Centre at Glebe Road, 015394-42895.