Things to Do in Bowness & Windermere in The Rain

The Royalty Cinema

Lake Road, Bowness

Art Deco architecture meets the latest digital technology at The Royalty.

This charming traditional cinema has three screens showing everything from the latest releases to silent classics with live accompaniment on the Wurlitzer organ.

There are even ushers to serve up ice cream, just like the old days.

Lakeland

Thwaites Lane, Windermere

If it’s raining cats and dogs, go and look at some pots and pans. Yep, one of the most-visited places in Windermere is the Lakeland flagship store.

It’s right next to the station and packed to the rafters with all manner of things you didn’t realise you needed for the kitchen and home.

There’s a rather good café too – perfect for a spot of lunch while you wait for the weather to fair up.

Windermere Jetty Museum

Rayrigg Road, Bowness

When it’s a little too wet to get out on the water, at least you can celebrate the Lake District’s boating history at the award-winning Windermere Jetty Museum.

In interactive galleries built over the lake, you can see over 40 boats covering the history of sailing on Windermere from the late 18th century onwards.

Everything from record-breaking speed boats to Beatrix Potter’s rowing boat.

Blackwell: The Arts & Craft House

The Arts & Crafts house, Bowness

A fine, internationally significant example of Arts & Craft architecture, with nearly all of its original features intact, and filled with furniture and objects from the period, Blackwell provides a vivid portrait of early 20th century life and the Arts & Crafts movement.

And if it’s not raining too much when you visit, you can get outside and admire the Thomas Mawson-designed gardens and the view over the lake too.

Old Laundry Theatre

Crag Brow, Bowness

Sharing a building with the World of Beatrix Potter (handy that), the Old Laundry is a 260-seat theatre that’s become a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike over the past 30 years.

It hosts theatre, music, film, comedy and spoken word events, and has been supported by the likes of renowned playwright, Alan Ayckbourn, who regularly allows the theatre to host his latest play, hot from its premiere at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Crag Brow, Bowness

You won’t need your umbrella when you enter the magical World of Beatrix Potter.

Bringing to life Beatrix Potter’s much-loved characters, including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddleduck and their adventures in the Lake District countryside, this charming exhibition is fun for all the family and a perfect way to while away an hour or so when it’s not so pleasant on the weather front outside.

Bowness Escape Room

Quarry Rigg, Bowness

Will you go undercover in Cold War Russia and get away with your secrets safe before Russian Intelligence stops you in your tracks?

Or will you escape from the clutches of a serial killer and hunt him down before he strikes again? The choice is yours.

You’ll need to work logically to solve the clues and make your escape in time. Suitable for ages 10 and above (at parents’ discretion), the Bowness Escape Room is a great challenge for couples, families or groups of friends.

Afternoon Tea

Bowness & Windermere

Is there anything more quintessentially English than afternoon tea? And is there anything better than afternoon tea in the beautiful Lake District? We don’t think so.

Dainty finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off (usually). A selection of cakes – don’t mind if we do. Scones with jam and cream – which do you put on first? And a pot of piping hot tea to wash it all down – or perhaps a glass of fizz if you’re feeling a bit naughty. You can get afternoon tea in many hotels and restaurants in Windermere, but we’ve rounded up 6 of the best!