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The setting
The Belsfield Hotel is on the shores of Windermere Ferry in Bowness, just a few minutes' walk from the lakeshore and the marina. It is situated in a green, picturesque setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet just a few minutes’ walk from the village’s main shops and cafes, as well as the pier, where boat tours depart. With free on-site parking, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Lake District by car.
What to expect
At this 4-star country-style hotel, which features a bar, restaurant, and café, you can enjoy drinks and light snacks between walks. Hotel guests can use the sauna and solarium; the hotel also features a fitness centre and a gym. On-site amenities include a library, a picnic area, and a barbecue area; free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Rooms are equipped with tea- and coffee-making facilities, a desk, a TV, and bottled water.
Things to do nearby
Since Bowness Pier is right at the hotel’s entrance, it’s especially convenient to get to the sightseeing boats and passenger ferries on the lake. The Old Laundry Theatre is just a few minutes’ walk from the village, and the Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories (a museum dedicated to boats, steam engines, and local history) is also located nearby, right on the lakefront. Take the Windermere ferry or visit the Clough Viewpoint on the opposite shore of the lake to enjoy the more tranquil scenery of the western shore.
Best for
Families and couples after a Lakes weekend with lake access, walks from the door and a proper hotel base. Suitable for children, with a bar, restaurant and café on site plus grounds to roam. Golfers will find a course on site.
How to get to the hotel
From Manchester Airport, it takes about 90 minutes to drive north on the M6. Windermere Train Station is about 10 minutes away by taxi or bus, with onward connections via Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line. Those arriving by car can use the on-site parking for free. Free on-site parking is especially welcome given how heavy village traffic gets in peak season.
Choose your room
âś“ Your selectionStandard Family room
Spacious room with a king-size bed, a sofa, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
View room →- Free Internet
- 24-hour reception
- Parking
- Golf course
- Hiking
- Picnic area
Property, in pictures
Latest reviews
Great location, great staff !
We had a great stay ! great location went out for food,, we've stayed her a couple of times, had our room upgraded, wonderful ! staff very good, breakfast was very… Read full review on ZenHotels →
Your 3 days, loosely planned
Suggestions, not orders. Tour ideas to mix and match for your trip.
Arrival and the Bowness lakeshore
After checking in and dropping off your luggage, take a stroll to Bowness Pier and enjoy the view of the lake. Wander the through the village streets, pop into some shops, or have a cup of coffee. If you still have some time before dinner, you can take a boat ride on Windermere Ferry in the early evening or visit the Old Laundry Theatre to check out the current lineup. End the day with a cocktail at the hotel bar, then enjoy dinner at the restaurant.
Boats, museums and the west shore
Spend the morning at the Windermere Ferry of Boats, Steam and Stories (a museum of boats, steam engines, and stories) and explore the exhibits dedicated to the history of industry on the lake. After lunch in Bowness, take the “Windermere” ferry to the quieter western shore, hike up to the Crayford Viewpoint, and enjoy the breathtaking view with the lake behind you. Before dinner, visit the sauna, and then treat yourself to a glass of wine at the bar before bed.
Fells, gardens and a slow finish
Spend your last morning strolling around the hotel grounds, working out in the gym, or enjoying a cozy breakfast on the terrace. You can drive to Ambleside or Grasmere, take a short hike in the mountains, and then have lunch in the village—or stay in the area around the hotel and rent a rowboat at the dock. When you return to the hotel, you can pack your bags in a relaxed atmosphere and stop by the picnic area or the library before you leave.
Where you'll be
Windermere, UK
FAQ
Is The Belsfield Hotel suitable for children?
Yes, this hotel is ideal for families and is marketed as a child-friendly hotel. In addition to restaurants and cafes, it features a picnic and barbecue area, as well as a library where you can enjoy some quiet time. Since the hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Bowness Pier, it’s easy to include a stroll along the lake or some ice cream on your itinerary.
What is there to do on site?
The complex features a golf course, a sauna, a solarium, a fitness centre, a gym, a library, and a picnic area with a barbecue area. In addition, there are bars, restaurants, and cafes where you can enjoy meals and drinks. For a stroll before dinner, the hotel recommends the short path leading from the grounds to the lake.
When is the best time to visit Windermere?
Mid-September—the very time you’ll be here—is the perfect time to visit. The summer hustle and bustle has died down, the rolling landscape still delights the eye with its vibrant colours, and the lake is so calm that you can enjoy boat rides. Since the weather on the lake shore can change quickly, the hotel recommends bringing a change of clothes and a raincoat, as well as reserving a table at a restaurant in advance for the weekend.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, this hotel offers free on-site parking. Given the limited number of parking spaces in the village of Bowness during peak season, this is very convenient. In addition, it’s a great base for comfortable day trips to Ambleside, Grasmere, or the Fells to the west, and you can also leave your car, walk to the pier, and take a boat cruise.
How close is the hotel to the lake and boat trips?
Very close. Bowness Pier is moments from the hotel on foot, so guests can walk down for lake cruises, the passenger boats and the Windermere Ferry across to the west shore. The Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories is a short walk further along the shore.
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