This attractive location is a popular venue for weddings, parties and other special celebrations as well as for a relaxing vacation. Bowness has many shops offering a variety of quality goods, many restaurants, a cinema and theatre. For visitors arriving by train or coach there are plenty of taxis and self-drive cars can be rented. Frequent buses serve Ambleside, Grasmere, Kendal and Keswick and the railway station at Windermere town (about 1 mile distant) has frequent services to London, Manchester Airport and Glasgow. There is plenty to see and do. Relax and let the magnificent scenery roll by with commentary from a local driver with both Mountain Goat and Lakes Supertours offering a wide selection of half and full day mini-coach tours. Steamers on the lake provide a regular service to Ambleside and Lakeside as well as circular tours around Windermere and the islands. Boats can be hired and water skiing is a popular sport. Hot-air ballooning provides a leisurely way to view the Lake District for the more adventurous! Horse riding,archery,clay pigeon shooting and fishing are available . Windermere Golf Course is about 2 miles. Tourist Information Centres at Bowness Bay and Windermere Town can advise on a wide range of other local activities.