At the beginning of May we decided to venture back to the Lake District after a break of 15 years – choosing to stay in Bowness on Windermere – with a bit of trepidation I must admit, having read reviews about how busy it could be, but we wanted to be able to walk to the lake and hop on a boat, and walk into a village.
We found Ada’s Retreat on various websites, and in the end after reading really good reviews, booked direct. It fitted the bill perfectly. A six minute walk from the lake and from the village (not busy at all at the beginning of May).
Ada’s Retreat is immaculate, beautifully decorated and equipped, spotlessly clean, very spacious with a lovely big bed and en suite bathroom, comfy sitting room. The garden is a bonus. Like a peaceful oasis, and well tended by the owners of the main house who are very friendly, and happy to pass on tips when we asked.
Bowness itself didn’t disappoint, we walked to the lake and took boats north and south, and even went across the lake on the ferry as foot passengers, then caught a minibus courtesy of Mountain Goat, to Hawkshead and Coniston. There’s a service called Boat and Goat I believe, which made us laugh.
There are some nice places to eat in and around Bowness, we walked to a hotel called Lindeth Howe for a delicious and very reasonable afternoon tea, and there are good restaurants within a short drive. We particularly enjoyed The Punchbowl at Crosthwaite, the Black Labrador at Underbarrow, and Fellinis in Ambleside where we saw a streamed opera – the icing on the cake.
All in all a very restful few days in beautiful accommodation, surrounded by stunning scenery, and with lovely walks from the door.
We intend to go back to Ada’s Retreat next year, and drive a bit further afield this time, if we can be bothered!