Christian Holiday Apartment, Bowness-on-Windermere — Above England’s Largest Lake
This Christian holiday apartment, Bowness-on-Windermere, is a first-floor flat in a small block of four, tucked up a quiet cul-de-sac above the bustle of the village. The elevated, peaceful position means genuinely stunning views over Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells from the lounge, dining area, and balcony alike. It sleeps four across a double and a twin room, and it’s a short walk down into Bowness itself for restaurants, shops, and the lake shore, with the Dales Way running through the field directly opposite the apartment for those wanting to head straight out on foot.
At the heart of the village stands St Martin’s Church, a Grade I listed building with a history stretching back further than almost anything else in Bowness. A church has stood on this site since at least 1203, originally as a chapel of ease to Kendal before becoming its own parish in 1348. The building burned down in 1480, and the church seen today, rebuilt in 1483, is one of the earliest surviving churches in Cumbria, its low, lead-covered roof unusual for a region where slate is the norm.
The church’s real treasure is its east window, widely regarded as the finest collection of medieval stained glass in northwest England. Much of the glass came originally from Cartmel Priory, rescued and brought to Bowness after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, with one panel believed to date from as early as 1260, among the oldest surviving stained glass anywhere in Britain. It also carries the coat of arms of the Wessington family, ancestors of George Washington, a small transatlantic footnote in a very Cumbrian building.
The church’s patrons, the le Fleming family of nearby Rayrigg Hall, once hosted the abolitionist William Wilberforce as a guest, a detail easy to miss on a first visit. More poignantly, the churchyard also holds the grave of Rasselas Belfield, a freed slave who lived out his life and was buried in Bowness, a quiet but genuinely significant thread of history to find in a small Lake District churchyard, and a reminder of how far this corner of England was ever really separate from the wider world.
Those pleasure steamers, mentioned above, have their own Victorian pedigree. The Tern, launched in 1891 for the Furness Railway and built in Essex before being shipped north in pieces and assembled at Lakeside, still sails today as the oldest working vessel in the Windermere fleet. She once carried up to 633 passengers at a time and has since carried the Olympic torch, on the very same water visible from the apartment’s own balcony.
Windermere itself, England’s largest natural lake at over ten miles long, is the reason most people come to Bowness in the first place, whether for a walk along the promenade, a pleasure cruise up to Ambleside, or simply the view from the apartment’s own window. The wider North West and Lake District region is worth browsing for anyone planning a longer trip, and the St Martin’s Church self-guided tour is worth a read before visiting in person, whether the weather cooperates for the fells or not.
Perfect for:
- Couples and small families wanting a quiet, elevated base with real lake views
- Walkers keen to start straight from the door on the Dales Way
- History lovers drawn to St Martin’s Church and its medieval glass
- Clergy and church staff, who receive a 10% discount here
- Anyone happy to leave the car and walk down into the village for the evening
- Anyone keen to spot the Tern steamer from the balcony as she crosses the lake
Location
Looking for a place to Retreat to, have some down time or a family holiday, Swallows Rest could be the place for you. Swallows’ Rest is a first floor apartment in a block of four, situated in Bowness-on-Windermere up a steep hill away from the bustle of the village and at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. It’s elevated and peaceful location affords stunning views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells.
The main West Coast railway line runs through Oxenholme, Cumbria, where a connecting train takes you to Windermere Station approximately 30 minutes away. Trains also run from Manchester International Airport direct to Oxenholme
By road Bowness is 18 miles from Junction 36 of the M6 motorway and well sign posted to South Lakes.
Various coach companies offer travel to Windermere from many locations throughout the UK.
Local Area
Bowness-on-Windermere is situated midway along Lake Windermere and is one of the most popular Lake District holiday destinations. Bordering the lake is a long promenade with views over the small harbour and the lake, from where pleasure steamers take visitors cruising the length of the lake, to Ambleside in the north and Lakeside in the south. Although the scenery is beautiful driving around the lake, you can take the car ferry across to the far side of lake where it is possible to explore further afield. Walking up the hill from the lake you will find the bustling village of Bowness on Windermere. Down the hill from the apartment the village offers a good selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs as well as a variety of shops, small supermarkets and a larger Booths supermarket in nearby Windermere.
There are many and varied things to see and do from exhibitions, parks, an 18 hole pitch and put golf course, tennis courts, to climbing, water sports, cycling and walking as you explore the immediate area, National Parks and National Trust sites in the area and beyond. There are country walks directly from the apartment, the Dalesway runs through the field opposite the apartment and there are more challenging walks and climbs in the Lake District National Park
Facilities
The front door of the property is reached by a short flight of steps and on entry there is an internal staircase leading into the apartment.
The kitchen is well equipped and the inner hall opens into the spacious and airy lounge with smart TV, broadband WiFi, and dining areas with patio doors and picture windows from which to enjoy the beautiful views.
The patio doors provide access to a good sized balcony for enjoying outdoor living.
Both the double bedroom and twin-bedded rooms are of good size and also have pleasant views.
The bathroom is modern with white sanitary fittings, fully tiled and a shower over the bath.
There is a single garage as well as on road parking directly outside the property.
All bedding and towels are provided, cleaning and laundry service following departure.
Sleeps four people.
Additional Photos
Click to expand
The Lake and Mountain views are from the apartment balcony. The countryside and lanes are a short walk and within sight of the property.
Costs
Our aim is simply to provide high quality holiday accommodation at the most affordable prices. All prices include towels and bedding and are for one week running from Friday to Friday.
| Month | Season | Tariff |
| November – March | Low Season | £450 |
| April, May, June, September & October | Mid Season | £520 |
| July & August | High Season | £595 |
Clergy and Church staff are offered a 10% discount on the above rates
Energy towels and bedding are included in the above charges. Available all year round.
Availability
Available all year round.
Arrival and Departure times: Arrival from 1 pm, depart by 10 am
Booking arrangements: Friday to Friday bookings
Pets: Sorry – no pets.
Contact the Owner
For further information or availability please contact:
Name: Nick Edge
Phone Number: 07719 966990
Email Address: info@swallowsrest.org
or visit our website: swallowsrest.org