by Parkdean Resorts on 26/11/2021
The Lake District is well known for its fabulous countryside views, fantastic walks and cosy pubs. If you’re staying in beautiful Bowness, you’ll find lots of lovely places to eat, from dog friendly pubs to gourmet restaurants that feature stunning views of the breath-taking Lake Windermere. Popular among hikers, this great location attracts thousands of visitors every year from couples escaping the hustle and bustle of real life, to families enjoying a relaxing countryside break.
What to do in Bowness?
There’s plenty of things to do in Bowness including lake cruises, scenic walks and water sports. Home to popular attractions such as The World of Beatrix Potter and Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, you’ll struggle to run out of things to do during your holiday here. There’s even a huge Go Ape with a giant zip line for more daring visitors. One of the best and simplest things you can do in Bowness is enjoy some of the outstanding dining options it has to offer, creating a holiday to remember.
Where to eat in Bowness?
Bowness is home to a lot of great places to eat with a huge variety of eateries including places you’re welcome to bring your dog along, places where the food is as good as the view and traditional pubs where you can relax. Discover what Bowness has to offer when it comes to food, from outstanding breakfast cafés to authentic Indian restaurants and everything in between. We’ve put together a list of our favourite restaurants in this popular area for you to enjoy whilst on holiday.
Boardwalk Bar & Grill
Best Restaurant with a View in Bowness
Address: Gillys Landings, Glebe Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3HE
Affordability: £££
Trip Advisor: 4.5
With panoramic views of the marina and the picturesque landscape, the Boardwalk Bar & Grill in Bowness is set right on Lake Windermere. People who visit are crazy about not only the views but the food as well, enjoying delicious meals including steak, Piri Piri chicken, burgers and hotdogs. Offering locally sourced food and most well-known for its giant hotdogs, the Boardwalk serves up outstanding burgers too. With plenty of vegan and vegetarian options as well as gluten free options, this place has a wide range of options to cater for everyone.
This modern, contemporary lakeside venue, gets very busy in peak season so it’s best to book a table online. If you’re out with the kids there are plenty of delicious options on the children’s menu including Cumbrian corn dogs and popcorn chicken with waffle fries. Your four legged companion will be welcomed with open arms at this dog friendly restaurant which offers a cosy decking area where you can relax and enjoy the views. If you’re driving, you can park in Glebe Road car park which is just across the road.
The Ship Inn Bowness
Best Dog Friendly Restaurant
Address: Glebe Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3HE
Affordability: £
Trip Advisor: 4.0
The Ship Inn offers quality pub food, with the added bonus of stunning views of Lake Windermere. This dog friendly restaurant offers a delicious menu along with great drinks, live sports and spectacular views. You can access by car should you chose to drive here with parking close by in Glebe Road carpark. With a lengthy menu, you can order anything from pasta to seafood from this restaurant. On the kids' menu you’ll find chicken nuggets, carbonara and bolognese while the adults can enjoy dishes such as beef and ale pie, chilli con carne, meatballs, a ‘catch of the day’ dish or a steak cooked to perfection. Vegetarian options include vegetable curry, lasagne or pizza and you can check out the chef’s daily specials on the chalkboards inside.
The Flying Pig Pub
Best Cosy Pub Food in Bowness
Address: Rayrigg Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3BZ
Affordability: ££
Trip Advisor: 4.0
If you’re looking for a traditional, cosy Lake District pub, then head to The Flying Pig in Bowness to enjoy fantastic food, just a stone’s throw away from the shores of Lake Windermere. With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly service, enjoy a variety of quality, freshly made dishes from a Sunday roast with all the trimmings, to pie of the day or a delicious plant based burger. The traditional countryside décor is complemented by the hearty food options on the menu. Enjoy the cosy wood burner as you admire the unique furnishings including a brass flying pig hanging above the bar. Dogs are welcome in the bar area which means they’ll not miss out on the fun!
Vinegar Jones
Best Fish and Chips in Bowness
Address: Royal Square, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3DB
Affordability: £
Trip Advisor: 4.0
If you’re holidaying in Bowness and looking for really high quality fish and chips, then look no further! Vinegar Jones has been around for over 20 years and serves up delicious fresh fish, coated in superb batter, served with delightful chunky chips. Whether you sit inside and enjoy the traditional café aesthetic, or takeaway and find a nice spot by the lake, you can indulge in fresh cod or haddock from Thursday to Monday. Only 100 metres from Lake Windermere, Vinegar Jones is located perfectly to grab lunch or have dinner after a day of scenic strolls and activities.
Royal Oak Inn
Best Sunday Roast in Bowness
Address: Brantfell Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3EG
Affordability: ££
Trip Advisor: 4.0
Finding the perfect place for a Sunday roast can be challenging when you’re visiting somewhere new, but we’ve got you covered. The Royal Oak Inn serves outstanding Sunday roasts and they’re well known for their hearty food, large portions and fabulous menu. Enjoy lunch in the sun, or sit inside and admire the traditional British pub décor. If you’ve been on a hike with your four legged friend or are enjoying a dog friendly holiday, then don’t be shy to bring them into this pub with you. Other than Sunday Roasts, this pub also offers a variety of other wonderful choices including pub favourites such as steak and ale pie, lasagne and they’ve even got a full vegan and vegetarian menu.
The Magic Roundabout
Best Breakfast in Bowness
Address: 8 Queens Square, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BY
Affordability: ££
Trip Advisor: 4.0
Start the day right by indulging in one of The Magic Roundabout’s breakfast dishes, served between 8:30am and 12pm every day. They’ve got a vast breakfast menu including pancakes, waffles and a traditional full English breakfast. If you’re on a health kick then they’ve got a selection of tasty smoothies, and if you’re a vegetarian you can look forward to a veggie breakfast or poached eggs on toast with hollandaise sauce. By day this great venue is a café and coffee house, but by night it becomes a smokehouse and gin bar. There’s lots of impressive dishes on offer if you visit for an evening meal too including tacos, gourmet burgers and steaks. With quirky décor, quality food and friendly staff, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Mela Spice Fusion
Best Indian Restaurant in Bowness
Address: Ash Street, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, LA23 3EB
Affordability: ££
Trip Advisor: 4.0
After a long countryside walk, tuck into some authentic Indian cuisine in the heart of Bowness at Mela Spice Fusion Indian Restaurant. Visitors love the chef specials such as the Tikka Bhuna Masala, but you can also expect to see all of your favourite traditional Indian curries including Madras, Korma, Dansak and Rogan Josh. Kids are more than welcome at Mela Spice Fusion, with plenty of choice on the children’s menu. If you’ve got an occasion to celebrate or just fancy treating yourself, this is the perfect option.
Where to stay in Bowness?
Located in the heart of Bowness, on the shores of Lake Windermere is the wonderful Fallbarrow Holiday Park. An ideal base for any kind of Lake District holiday, you can enjoy luxury lodges, modern cottages and caravan holidays. Make the most of the brand new Willow Bar and Restaurant that’s just recently had a new make-over, or pop into the Barn Deli & Café for a quick snack. From family picnics, to burning energy in the adventure playground, the kids will love everything about a Lake District holiday.
Just steps away from Bowness town centre, Fallbarrow is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy a drink or two when you dine out as you can leave your car in the car park. You can enjoy lots of local produce in the Barn Deli and you can buy all of the essentials from the shop too. The woodland setting of this peaceful park is beautifully picturesque making it fantastic for a romantic break or an adventure holiday with the kids.
Do you agree that these are the best places to eat in Bowness, or have you been somewhere even better? Let us know by following us on Instagram or Facebook.