Things to do in Windermere for couples
A few days away just for the two of you. Sounds heavenly, right? And we can’t think of anywhere better to spend it than in the Lake District.
This post is part of the Lakeland Retreats guide to Windermere & Bowness >
Romantic things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere
So how about setting your sat-nav to bustling Windermere or Bowness where you can take in invigorating walks and Michelin-starred restaurants, historic houses and treat-yourself spa days, buzzy bars and peaceful boat trips, adventure-filled bike rides and characterful pubs, and so much more. Ready?
Lake District activities for couples
Lake District attractions for couples
Romantic dining
Couples spa Lake District
Pubs & Bars
Lake District activities for couples
Climb Orrest Head
If you like jaw-dropping views that don’t involve too much effort on your part, then Orrest Head is made for you. It’s relatively short (about 20 minutes to the top) so you can easily be up and down before breakfast – Homeground would be our choice to tuck in.
Starting on a path next to the Windermere Hotel, it’s a gentle meander up through Elleray Wood, with a couple of steepish bits on the final pull. But when you get to the top, the 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding fells will take your breath away – you can see right down the length of Windermere, and there’s also a panorama telling you what else is visible on clear days, including the Old Man of Coniston and Scafell Pike. Selfie time.
Need more ideas? Read our guide for other walks near Windermere.
Hire a boat
Climb aboard a traditional rowing boat or an easy-to-drive motorboat from Windermere Lake Cruises and you can spend a couple of hours exploring the UK’s largest lake at your own pace – taking in the spectacular mountain views, intriguing wooded islands (there are 18 of them) and secluded bays.
You’ll find the boats down at Bowness Dock but you’ll need to book one online in advance. And you don’t need to be a salty old sea dog to get started as you’ll be told everything you need to know before you set sail.
Pedal Power
If you fancy exploring the local area on two wheels, right next door to Windermere railway station you can find Country Lanes Cycle Centre, where you can hire road bikes, mountain bikes, and even e-bikes if you feel like you’re going to need a bit of extra oomph on the hilly bits.
The bike-mad team will help you choose the right bike (they only hire out top-quality brands and change the bikes regularly) and they’ll also kit you out with helmets, locks and maps, and suggest some easy-to-follow routes for you if you’re not familiar with the Lake District.
Country Lanes Cycle Centre website >
Windermere Railway Station
Station Precinct
Windermere
LA23 1AH
Romantic dining in the Lake District
Homeground
So after you’ve worked up an appetite clambering up Orrest Head, get yourself to Homeground in Windermere for a breakfast (or brunch if you got up late – well, you are on holiday) that’ll set you up right and proper for whatever the rest of the day might bring.
Chances are you’ll have to queue but it’s worth it – and you can peruse the menu and get your mouth watering in drooly anticipation while you wait.
We highly recommend the Homeground Sarnie – a towering stack of smoked back and streaky bacon, smashed avocado, hash browns, caramelised red onion, leaves, and a fried egg on sourdough ciabatta.
You could probably skip lunch after that little lot – although that would be a shame as there are plenty of great places to choose from.
Homeground website >
Their socials are more useful!
Walk-ins only
01539 444 863
Main Road
Windermere
LA23 1DX
Lindeth Fell Country House, Bowness
Not only do you get a treat for the taste buds with your afternoon tea at the Lindeth Fell Country House Hotel – you get a treat for the eyes too with the incredible views over Windermere.
You can indulge yourself with their selection of finger sandwiches, warm buttermilk scones and sweet treats, and choose any tea you fancy – from traditional English Breakfast tea to smoky Lapsang Souchong. Or you can add a glass of fizz if you’re feeling decadent.
Source at Gilpin, Bowness-on-Windermere
Fancy a sophisticated, Michelin-starred culinary treat for your dinner? Of Source you do? Head chef, Ollie Bridgewater, came from the legendary Fat Duck. The seasonal ingredients come mostly from local suppliers. And the oohs, aahs and mmmmm that tastes good will be coming from you.
With three and six-course tasting menus to choose from, and the wonderful setting of the Gilpin hotel to enjoy it in, if you feel like splashing out, this is the place to do it.
Couple friendly bars and pubs in the Lakes
Hole in T’Wall, Bowness
Tucked away in the heart of Bowness you’ll find the oldest pub in the area – built way back in 1612. Walk into the Hole in T’Wall and it’s like stepping back in time and that’s the way locals and visitors like it.
Bursting with old-fashioned charm and character, it serves a good range of beer and a selection of hearty home-cooked pub classics in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. What more could you ask for?
Up for a pub crawl or staying locally for a while? Try some of these welcoming hostelries too.
The Crafty Baa, Windermere
Cosy, quirky and characterful, the Crafty Baa is the perfect spot to indulge in a craft beer or two – there’s a huge range to choose from – and fill up on some tasty food before waddling back to your holiday cottage.
Eclectically decorated using upcycled and recycled materials, this funky little gem of a place serves up craft beers aplenty, a wide range of spirits, including 100 whiskeys from around the world, and a menu of nibbles and sharing plates plus pizzas, wraps and hot dogs to die for.
The Fizzy Tarte, Bowness
They take their cocktail mixing seriously at the Fizzy Tarte. Chock-full of fresh ingredients and the finest spirits, the drinks are impressively crafted, the mixologists are expertly trained, and the results are unforgettable – if you don’t have one too many, that is.
There’s all the classics on offer – Porn Star Martini, Long Island Iced Tea, and Rum Punch – but you can also take it up a notch and order one of their Top Tarte cocktails, which include extra ingredients to tease your taste buds into submission.
Designated drivers needn’t despair either – there are mocktails too. Got enough energy for more nights out on the town? Glam up and head to one of these lively joints.
Lake District attractions for couples
Blackwell: The Arts & Craft House, Bowness
Take a gentle stroll around the Arts & Craft architecture, with nearly all of its original features intact. The view is bound to put you both in a good mood and, unlike a trip to Ikea, the period furniture and decorations won’t cause an argument during some meatballs!
There’s a tea room where you can get all Pride and Prejudice over an afternoon tea, or a craft shop to elevate your own humble abode!
If it’s not raining too much, you can head outside and admire the Thomas Mawson-designed gardens and the view over the lake.
And, if it is raining, maybe you can re-create that scene from the end of Four Weddings and a Funeral?
Townend, troutbeck
A short drive from Windermere or Bowness takes you to the peaceful village of Troutbeck, where you can find Townend – a grade 1 listed slate and stone 17th-century farmhouse lived in for 400 years by the Browne family.
Now owned by the National Trust, it offers a fascinating glimpse of an ordinary but well-to-do farming family’s life through the years.
Full of interesting objects and furniture (much of it carved by George Browne, a contemporary of Beatrix Potter), and a library of rare books (some of which are the only copies), the house has been kept much as it was when the Browne family lived there. Don’t forget to take a stroll round the charming cottage garden while you’re there too.
Book a Couples spa in the Lake District
Beech Hill Hotel & Spa
For a view of the lake and the fells beyond, a few gentle laps in the indoor pool, a chill in the spa pool (bubbles included, bubbly optional), a rejuvenating couple’s treatment or massage, head to the Beech – the Beech Hill Hotel and Spa, that is.
Located on the hillside overlooking the lake, the Lakeview Spa is open to non-residents who want to relax and unwind and spend a couple of hours getting pampered. Bliss.
Cottages in Windermere & Bowness
Get away from it all in one of our cosy Windermere cottages.
Experience the natural beauty of The Lake District with high-quality accommodation and unique amenities for couples, groups, and families!
Book today
The Lakeland Retreats guide to Bowness & Windermere
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