Cottages in Bowness on Windermere, Cumbria

Bowness on Windermere is a great place to stay for a short break or a holiday with kids, because of it’s position on Lake Windermere and the amount of things there are to do nearby.

Holiday cottages are always a super choice with kids. They offer so much flexibility – everyone can have a bedroom if you want, you can go back for naps if you’re in that stage of life, and you can cook and eat at the cottage which can make it easier (and cheaper) all round.

There are a massive amount of holiday cottages in Bowness on Windermere to choose from, with all kind of different things going for them. Some have games consoles or play facilities, some have electric vehicle charging, and some even have a swimming pool!

Using my local knowledge of the area, I’ve rounded up the best family friendly holiday cottages in Bowness on Windermere for you to look through, so you can choose the best one to suit you and your family.

Cottages in the Centre of Bowness on Windermere

Bowness is a busy, thriving village especially in the more popular holiday months of May – September, and in the school holidays. You might like to be right in the heart of the action, and base yourself in walking distance of the cafes, restaurants, shops and (maybe most importantly) Lake Windermere.

Being in the centre of Bowness means that you don’t always have to use your car, and that you can pop back to your accommodation if you’re having a day where you stay local.

Fold Head House is a Grade II listed cottage dating back to 1751, just a short walk from the shore of Lake Windermere. It sleeps 4 and has parking for 2 cars which is a bonus in the middle of Bowness!

Queens Square Cottage sleeps 6 and has space to park, and has a great location.

Best for Lake Windermere

Windermere is the largest lake in England, and is a playground for families. There is so much on offer here, from paddling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, to boat hire and lake cruises. Being close enough to walk easily to the lake makes for a fun break!

A top recommendation is Loubi’s Lakeside Lodge. Based on Fallbarrow, this lodge is right next to the lake, meaning you can paddle right outside where you’re staying. Fallbarrow is where my extended family have stayed whenever they’re visiting, and I highly recommend it.

Another recommendation on the same park is Beech Hill Lodge. This holiday lodge is in a quiet area of the park, just a couple of minutes from Lake Windermere. Fallbarrow Park is just a few minutes walk from the centre of Bowness on Windermere, with all it has to offer.

Best for traditional character

Sometimes it’s lovely to stay somewhere that really captures the character of a place, and Bowness is full of traditional cottages. Some have been around for centuries! Luckily the interiors are much more modern, and make for a super comfortable stay.

For a very traditional holiday cottage, Partridge Holme dates back to the 19th century, and is in the very heart of Bowness on Windermere, so everything is within walking distance.

No 3 Pear Tree Cottage was built in the mid 1700’s and is in one of the oldest parts of Bowness. It sleeps 5 people and is a 3 minute walk from Lake Windermere.

Best for EV charging

Electric vehicles are great (we have one) but if you’re staying away somewhere, it’s really handy to be able to charge them at the place you’re staying. These are lovely properties even if you don’t need EV charging, but it’s a bonus to have it if you do.

Berkeley House sleeps 6, has a balcony with stunning views, and is a short walk from the centre of Bowness on Windermere. It has parking for 3 cars along with electric vehicle charging. Please note this holiday cottage is not suitable for children under 4 years old.

In a quiet part of the village, Little Close is a beautiful holiday cottage that sleeps 6. A travel cot and highchair are available, and you can also charge your electric vehicle while you’re there.

Best for toddlers

Ahh, toddlers. Trying to keep them safe in a strange new cottage, full of things they want to investigate. Lots of the cottages featured on this page say they are baby friendly, but specifically finding cottages for toddlers is tricky.

Lucerne sleeps 7, allows 2 dogs, and has plenty of open floor space inside for roaming toddlers. It has an enclosed back garden with space to play, and a bath for the end of a busy day in the Lake District.

Best for families with teenagers

Having a teenager of my own, I know they often bring their own entertainment on holiday (i.e. their phone). These properties have been chosen because they each offer something different, but each are designed to add a little bit of interest for teenagers, whether that’s through gaming, active sports or the freedom to explore independently.

The state of the art Maison on Windermere has a cinema room, a PS5 and a hot tub. It’s located just outside of Bowness on Windermere, and is a 15 minute walk from the village centre.

If you have active teenagers, Fairfield has a large garage with plenty of storage for mountain bikes, kayaks and paddleboards, and has mountain bike trails from close to the house.

If your teenager enjoys being in the heart of the action, Lexington House is a very short walk to the centre of Bowness and the shore of Lake Windermere. It sleeps 6 and has parking for 4 cars.

Best for large family groups

You might be going away with extended family, or with a few families together. Or there might just be lots of you! These properties are all large enough to fit plenty of people in.

Sleeping 12, Post Knott Lodge is an absolutely epic house, just a short walk to the shores of Lake Windermere. It has 6 bedrooms, a sauna, steam room and gym, and views across the Lake District.

The Boundary is located on the outskirts of Bowness on Windemere, and sleeps 14. It has a cricket theme (all the bedrooms are named after famous cricketers!), parking for 5 cars, and accepts one pet.

For a super huge group, The Oaks is enormous and sleeps 25 people. This mega-house has 12 bedrooms, a sauna and a games room, and would suit big family gatherings or a few families going away together. A walk up Brant Fell goes directly from the gardens, which is perfect for a family hike.

Best for views

The Lake District is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for a reason. These cottages make sure you can soak up the views for the maximum time possible.

Up a fairly steep hill but a very short walk to the centre of Bowness, is Tanna Hill Cottage. With amazing views over Lake Windermere, Tanna Hill sleeps 6 and allows 2 dogs.

Cleabarrow view is a stunning property. With far-reaching views across the Lake Windermere and the Lake District fells, it sleeps 6, and has a hot tub and a wood burning stove. This is a luxury choice, and would be an unforgettable stay!

Best for boats

Often a bit forgotten about in Bowness on Windermere, Ferry Knab is where you can see a whole load of boats moored up for storage, and watch sailing and motor boats coming in and out of the marina.

A short walk from Ferry Knab, Glebe Holme sleeps 6 and even has a hot tub in the garden.

Another choice is The Nook, which is ideally located to walk to Ferry Knab and Bowness village centre. Formally a stables, this is a lovely holiday cottage although it has a few steps so probably wouldn’t suit very young children.

Best for peace and quiet

Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and the Lake District is the perfect place! Bowness on Windermere can get really busy, but these cottages are a short distance away and offer all the peace and quiet you could want.

Located just a short distance (1.5 miles) outside Bowness on Windermere, Upper Lodge sleeps 6. It has a lovely enclosed garden for children and/or dogs to enjoy, and a woodburning stove. The location of this cottage really feels like you’re in the countryside!

Also outside of Bowness on Windermere, past Windermere Golf Club, is Juniper Cottage. Set in beautiful large gardens, this cottage sleeps 6 and has plenty of local walks nearby. Pop to Bowness from here and then return to peace and tranquility!