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Welcome To Windermere
Windermere is more than just the crown jewel of the Lake District; it is its living, breathing soul. Stretching over 10.5 miles (17 km) long and about 1 mile (1.6 km) wide, Windermere holds the honour of being England’s longest natural lake. Spanning 6 square miles (16 square km), its vast glacial waters have inspired poets, puzzled historians, and stirred the imaginations of all who stand on its shores.
Windermere lies at the heart of Cumbria in Northwest England, nestled within the breathtaking Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its dramatic fells, literary legacy, and glacial ribbon lakes.
With easy access by road and rail, and just a short journey from major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, Windermere serves as both a gateway and a destination. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a brush with mystery, it is no wonder this enchanting place remains one of Britain’s most beloved retreats.
Guidebook With A Difference
This isn’t just a travel guide, it’s an invitation to step into the soul of Windermere.
Guidebook Based on The Mystery of Windermere – Bownessie is your key to more than picturesque views and popular attractions. It’s a journey into the heart of this legendary landscape, where misty myths meet real-world wonders, and every quiet corner holds a story.
You’ll find all the essentials for planning your perfect visit to Bowness-on-Windermere, from charming hotels and cosy cafés to scenic walking trails, historical landmarks, and hidden gems known only to locals. But this book goes beyond the usual tourist tips. Along the way, you’ll uncover local folklore, nature’s best-kept secrets, and the quiet magic that lingers in the air, especially near the water’s edge.
And who knows? As you pause by the lake during the golden hour, eyes scanning the rippling surface, you might just catch a glimpse of something… unusual. Yes, this is a guidebook. But it’s also a mystery. An adventure. And above all, an unforgettable way to experience Windermere.
Available in Paperback £12.99 [Launch October 2025].
Witnesses – Reported Sightings
The modern legend of Bownessie began in 2006 with an encounter that still sends ripples across Windermere’s calm surface. Since then, sightings of a mysterious creature beneath the lake have continued to surface, each one adding weight to the legend and mystery of the water.
Steve Burnip – 2006: While walking near Wray Castle with his wife, journalism lecturer Steve Burnip saw something strange gliding beneath the surface, “around 30 feet long,” with several distinct humps rising and falling smoothly through the water. Tom Pickles – 2007: During a kayaking session near Belle Isle, IT worker Tom Pickles snapped a photo of a shadowy, hump-backed figure on the lake. John McKeown – Filmmaker: McKeown devoted years to documenting the mystery. In one of his recordings near Bowness Bay, a long dark shape can be seen just beneath the surface. The footage aired on regional television and revived widespread interest in Bownessie.
Thomas Noblett – Swimmer & Hotelier: While on a routine endurance swim, Noblett felt a sudden shift in the water beneath him. A large, dark shape moved silently under his body, displacing the water. His safety paddler, Andrew Tighe, saw it too: “a long shadow that slipped away into the deep.” Noblett later said, “I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Read all about these incredible sightings, and many more…
Take a Lake-Themed Cruise
Several local operators offer lake cruises, and while not always officially ‘Bownessie tours,’ some captains will share local legends and sightings if you ask. Sit on the open deck for the best chance of spotting unusual ripples, shadows, or disturbances. Some companies offer sunset or twilight cruises, perfect for myth-themed exploration and spotting wildlife that becomes active as light fades.
Accommodation and Places Around Windermere
From grand historic hotels with sweeping lake views to tucked-away B&Bs brimming with charm, many of Windermere’s accommodations come with a story of their own. Some claim unusual sightings from their dining terraces, and others have staff who speak of unexplained ripples seen at dawn. Whether you prefer elegant luxury or homely comfort, you’ll find a place that not only welcomes you but draws you deeper into the mystery.
Fancy a hearty breakfast where poets once gathered, or a cosy fireplace where explorers of the unknown swap tales? Windermere’s eateries are more than just places to eat. They’re windows into the region’s folklore, serving local delicacies with a side of storytelling.
In this book, you’ll discover carefully selected recommendations, including charming inns nestled by the water’s edge. Boutique hotels with a reputation for both comfort and curiosity. Local cafés and tea rooms are known for their friendly welcome and the occasional ghostly rumour. Evening pubs where locals may just share a sighting story over a pint
Whether you’re seeking romance, relaxation, or the thrill of the unknown, the perfect place awaits. All you have to do is check in… and keep an eye on the lake.
Bownessie Comes Alive
Not all legends stay beneath the water. Some pop on a cap, pack a rucksack, and set off with binoculars and curiosity. Bownessie, once a mysterious ripple on Windermere, now steps into the sunshine as a character full of wonder, kindness, and a deep love for the Lake District.
Created by Naz Nina Haque and brought to life through the illustrations of Robin Grenville Evans, Bownessie, an amphibious character, is now part of a growing family of stories and activities that inspire children and families to explore, learn, and protect the natural beauty of the lakes and fells. With a cheerful grin and a tag that reads ‘Name: Bownessie; Address: Lake Windermere; Favourite Game: Hide and Seek, he’s sure to delight new friends of all ages.
Come Meet Bownessie
Whether it’s exploring forest trails, taking tea breaks on tree stumps, snapping pictures of butterflies, or helping tidy up the lakeshore, Bownessie shows that even the smallest adventurer can make a big difference.
The character Bownessie makes several appearances during the seasons, and he is always happy to smile for the camera with you. Look out for the Hide and Seek Adventure Game for some family fun.
For times and dates of when you can meet Bownessie, please visit his official website using the button below. [Please note this link will take you out of the Merlinus website].
