Pharmacists in sport - Royal Pharmaceutical Society

T R AV E L T H E L A K E D I S T R I C T
Tranquillity Perfect watery vistas wherever you look
If you are interested
in history head for
the Windermere
Steamboat Museum
on Rayrigg Road
for a look at “Dolly”,
said to be the world’s
oldest mechanicallypowered
boat
called simply Windermere and the prettier
lakeside section properly called Bowness-on-
Windermere, provides a natural touring base
for much of the Lake District but it is just as
magnificent as a destination in its own right,
at least for a few days, or even longer if you
really want to unwind.
The downside is that, in high summer at
least, you cannot expect to have Windermere
to yourself. It’s a fairly small but extremely
charming town. Small wonder, then, that it is
firmly established on the tourism map. That
said, however, even the presence of, perhaps a
few too many, enthusiastic tourists does little
to dampen the town’s charm.
Windermere, and close by Bowness-on-
Windermere, have been popular destinations
since Victorian times when the development
of the railways made the area more easily
accessible than before -- and with good reason.
There’s a useful range of shops, many
aimed at tourists admittedly, and a few bars
but overall the wonderful views across the lake
are the real reason why experienced travellers
keep going back year after year.
Scenery aside, Windermere is perhaps
the most important inland boating centre in
the UK, as you will see from the number of
boathouses which line part of the lakeside.
If you are interested in history head for the
Windermere Steamboat Museum on Rayrigg
Road for a look at “Dolly”, said to be the
world’s oldest mechanically-powered boat.
And if that has awakened the sailor in
you, you can call the Bowness Bay Boating
Company (015394 43360) or the Windermere
Iron Steamboat Company (015395 31188)
to arrange for a cruise round the lake. There
can be few more romantic ways to take in the
outstanding views.
The Lake District is not a place to go to
party all night, rather this is the perfect area
to relax, chill out and absorb the wonderful
views, the peace and quiet. That said,
Windermere does have a few pubs and inns if
you fancy a stroll in the evening after dinner.
Chances are, though, you will be happy to just
sit outside your hotel and take in the view.
You can virtually forget using your car once
you have arrived in this area. Walking is by far
the best way to get around and with the kind
of scenery you will find here that will be no
hardship. Otherwise there are taxis to be found
and bus services to a number of nearby towns
and villages. If you fancy crossing the lake
there is usually a ferry service from Bowness
to Far Sawry, which takes just a few minutes.
Make time, if you can, for to visit
Ambleside, at the northern end of Lake
Windermere, an ideal base for walking and
hiking. Try the stroll up to Grasmere, where
William Wordsworth lived. He apparently
regularly walked from Grasmere to Ambleside
to collect his post.
If you fancy a touch of luxury with the
beautiful countryside check into the Miller
Howe Hotel and Restaurant, Rayrigg Road,
Windermere (015394 42536), which provides
not only outstanding accommodation but
a view, which has been enchanting visitors
for the past 1,000 years, right across Lake
Windermere to the Langdale Pikes and
Bowfell. Apart from comfortable rooms,
many with lake views, there is one of the best
restaurants in the area, The Conservatory, plus
three lounges, ideal for relaxing over afternoon
tea of with a pre-dinner drink.
If you are staying at the Miller Howe
Hotel you may not want to eat anywhere
else, and it is easy to understand why. If
you do fancy a change, however, there are
a handful of restaurants in Windermere and
Bowness, such as the Porthole Eating House
and the Mortal Man, both of which come
recommended. n
44 Pharmacy Professional | February 2010
February 2010 | Pharmacy Professional
45