The Belsfield has been looking out over Windermere from the same spot on Kendal Road since 1845 — a Victorian mansion turned hotel, with six or seven acres of garden running down towards the lake and the cruise jetties practically at the end of the lawn. It's one of the more historic addresses in Bowness, and one of the closest to everything: the World of Beatrix Potter, the piers, the village shops, all a five-minute walk. This guide covers the doorstep and the touring days that make the rest of the Lakes just as reachable.
Quick Facts
Built in 1845 and set in acres of landscaped garden, The Belsfield is Bowness at its most established — the kind of address that was already a going concern when the Lake District's tourist trade was still finding its feet. The gardens run down towards the water, and the short walk from reception into the middle of the village takes you past most of what Bowness is known for: the World of Beatrix Potter, the piers, the independent shops along the main street.
Windermere Lake Cruises depart from the piers a short walk away, and a loop of the lake — Ambleside for lunch, back by mid-afternoon — is one of the easiest good days out from this address. Rowing boats and motor launches for hire sit along the same stretch of shore.
A historic hotel with its own grounds is a lovely base for a day or two of rest, and a limited view of the wider Lake District without at least one touring day. Scheduled departures leave Windermere station, Bowness Pier 1 and Ambleside library, all close by; private days collect you at the hotel door.
The grand sweep: ten lakes, the high passes between them, and an Ullswater Steamers cruise exclusive to this tour. The full-day introduction most guests wish they'd booked first.
See dates & bookCollected at the door, your party only, the day shaped to you — literary landscapes, hidden valleys, or simply the most beautiful roads we know. Well-behaved dogs are welcome aboard in our vehicle crate.
Enquire about a private dayDove Cottage at Grasmere — entry included as standard — and the valleys that made the poems, with Dora's Field carpeted gold in daffodil season.
See dates & bookAcross the lake to Hill Top and Near Sawrey, with our illustration-matching walk through the village lanes — back for a long lakeside lunch.
See dates & bookThe afternoon version crosses the lake by boat rather than by road — worth choosing if you'd like the crossing itself to be part of the day.
See dates & bookA slow start, then eight lakes and their valleys at a seven-seat pace — one of the most civilised ways to spend a Lakeland afternoon.
See dates & bookThe same eight lakes as the afternoon tour, run the opposite way round in the morning — ideal if you'd rather keep your afternoon free.
See dates & bookA full literary day east to Haworth — the Parsonage, the cobbled village, and the moors that gave Wuthering Heights its weather, newly magnetic with the recent film. Oxenholme pickup available.
See dates & bookInto the Dales for Grassington's "Darrowby", the Wensleydale Creamery, Kilnsey Crag and Bolton Abbey — filming locations brought to life around you.
See dates & bookThe gardens are at their best through spring and early summer, and a genuinely good spot for a wedding or celebration in that window. High summer brings Bowness at its busiest, with the village's restaurants and the piers in full swing just beyond the gates. Autumn turns the grounds and the lakeshore beyond spectacular as the colour comes through, and winter is for the hotel's own fires and short bright walks rather than long fell routes.
For a wedding or celebration stay, a private day is usually the better fit — collected from the hotel, no fixed departure, and a route built entirely around your party. It's a popular choice for anniversaries at heritage addresses like this one, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to come along in our vehicle crate.
Not sure which route suits your plans, or want a day built entirely from scratch? See our guide to celebrating a special occasion for ideas, or get in touch directly.
Without a car: entirely comfortable — the village, the piers and the World of Beatrix Potter are all a short walk, and tour days cover the distances beyond.
If you drive: Bowness parking fills by mid-morning in season; Braithwaite Fold and Glebe Road are the sensible choices.
Timing: book your tour day when you book the room — seven seats, and summer and celebration-season dates fill two to three weeks out.
Ages: our tours suit adults and older children, about seven and up.
Bowness Pier 1, one of our three main pickup points, is a short walk away; Windermere station and Ambleside library are the other two. On private tours we can usually collect you at the hotel itself.
Yes — it's a similar short walk to the village centre, easily combined with an afternoon at the attraction or a stroll along the shore.
Couples and celebration parties tend to choose the 10 Lakes Full-day Tour for the grand sweep, or a private day collected from the hotel and shaped entirely to the group.
Very comfortably. The village, the piers and the lake cruises are all a short walk, and guided tour days handle the further valleys and high passes.
We are an independent local tour operator. This guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Belsfield.