All Around Windermere

After visiting Beatrix Potter's home and learning all about her on Sunday, we started the morning of Bank Holiday Monday by walking down the hill in Bowness to see her characters come to life at The World of Beatrix Potter, which includes scenes from each of her stories as well as a lovely little garden.

We then walked down to the water to ride Windermere Lake Cruises' MV Tern (built in 1891) from Bowness to Ambleside.

We explored the little lakeside town, visited the Bridge House (a former apple store built on a bridge to avoid taxes), and ate lunch at the Apple Pie Cafe & Bakery.

As the weather worsened, we headed back in the cold rain on the Miss Lakeland.

From the pier, we walked back to our car and drove around the lake, on very narrow roads (hardly wide enough for one car let alone two), to Wray Castle.  Designed to look old, this wannabe Camelot was actually built for a wealthy retired surgeon in 1840.

On such a cold, wet day, a nice hot cuppa tea was in order.  Unfortunately, since it was so late in the day we were thwarted by several tea rooms and pubs that were closed.  We did, however, happen to stumble upon the Cuckoo Brow Inn (muddy boots, wet dogs and children welcome) where we were Ava and Mommy were able to enjoy cream tea and Daddy was able to have a local ale from Coniston Brewery and sticky toffee pudding. 

We ended our day with a quick trip back to Bowness via the car ferry and dinner at home on our last night in the Lake District.