Virginia Cottage Guest House Bowness-on-Windermere Exterior photoVirginia Cottage Guest House Bowness-on-Windermere Interior photoVirginia Cottage Guest House Bowness-on-Windermere Exterior photo
Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From87US$ /night
Check-in
04Jun2026Select date
Check-out
05Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3EJ
-
Close to Bowness Bay
Perfect
9.3
/10
4.8
4.7
/5

Dog-Friendly Adult Only Guest House in Bowness-on-Windermere

Accommodation

Virginia Cottage offers dog-friendly accommodations with a variety of individually styled rooms. Notable options include rooms with unique four-poster beds, spa bathrooms, and picturesque views over Bowness. The property, nearly 200 years old, retains many original features, creating a distinctive lodging experience.

Dining

Breakfast is served daily from 8:30 am to 9:30 am, featuring options for dietary requirements. Guests can enjoy a full English breakfast with locally sourced ingredients. Lighter options and a selection of cereals and beverages are available.

Location

Located just a 3-minute walk from Lake Windermere, the guest house provides easy access to various local attractions. Nearby, guests will find shops, restaurants, and traditional dog-friendly pubs offering local ales. The picturesque landscape of the Lake District enhances the overall experience.

Pet-Friendly Policies

Virginia Cottage has a long-standing reputation as a dog-friendly guest house for over 45 years. All rooms accommodate pets at no additional charge when booked directly. The welcoming environment allows for enjoyment for both guests and their canine companions.

Local Attractions

Virginia Cottage is conveniently situated close to several attractions, including the Beatrix Potter Attraction, just 300 meters away. Guests can also explore Bowness and Windermere, known for their rich history and cultural offerings. Scenic boat cruises operate from nearby piers throughout the year.

Highlights

Location: 3-minute stroll to Lake Windermere

Rooms: Dog-friendly with unique four-poster beds

Dining: Breakfast served with locally sourced ingredients

Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed in all rooms at no charge

Must-do experiences

  • Take a scenic boat trip on Lake Windermere for stunning views.
  • Visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery to see her original illustrations.
  • Wander through the charming Bowness Bay shops for unique gifts.
  • Sample the famous sticky toffee pudding at Homeground Coffee.
  • Stroll the Windermere Jetty Museum for maritime history and exhibits.
View all

Select your room type

Virginia Cottage Guest House offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Deluxe Double Room Spa Bath
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room Four Poster Bed
2 persons
240 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Suite
2 persons
345 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
270 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Virginia Cottage Guest House offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Adults only
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Golf course
  • Fishing

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Tours/Ticket assistance

Dining

  • Picnic area/ Tables

Children

  • Board games

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Virginia Cottage Guest House Location

Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3EJ
Map view
Kendal Road, Bowness-on-Windermere, United Kingdom, LA23 3EJ
Nearby
Park
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
1000 ft
Windermere Marina Village Ferry Nab
Lake Windermere
1900 ft
Church
St Martin's Church
400 ft
Store
Love the Lakes
400 ft
Theatre
The Old Laundry Theatre
600 ft
Bowness Bay
1200 ft
Station Road
St Michael and All Angels Church
1600 ft
Square
The Glebe
2000 ft
Restaurants
Jackson's Bistro
300 ft
West End
Royal Oak Inn
100 ft
Brantfell Road
The Arts Bar & Grill
300 ft
Brantfell Road
The Country Hut
300 ft
45 St. Martins Square
Caffe Riva
400 ft
St. Martins Square
You and me
400 ft
Royal Square
The Albert
700 ft
Queens Square
Mela Spice Fusion
500 ft
Ash Street St Martin's Parade
The Brasserie
400 ft
3 Kendal Road
Explore Bowness-on-Windermere
Local Experiences
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
4 minutes walking
A charming indoor attraction showcasing Beatrix Potter's tales through interactive exhibits and beautifully themed gardens.
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats
10 minutes walking
A fascinating museum featuring historic boats and watercraft, providing insight into Windermere's maritime heritage.
National Trust Hill Top
National Trust Hill Top
16-minute drive
Beatrix Potter's beloved farmhouse, filled with her artwork and surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into her life.
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House
Blackwell The Arts and Crafts House
4 minutes driving
A superb example of Arts and Crafts architecture, featuring art galleries and beautiful grounds that host exhibitions and events.
Windermere Canoe and Kayak
Windermere Canoe and Kayak
15 minutes walking
An exciting watersport for all ages providing kayak and canoe rentals on the stunning Lake Windermere, perfect for adventurers.
Holehird Gardens
15-minute drive
Beautifully maintained gardens offering tranquility with diverse plant life, perfect for relaxation and leisurely walks.
Royal Oak Inn
Royal Oak Inn
1 minute walking
A traditional pub atmosphere where you can enjoy hearty British classics alongside a selection of local ales and wines.
Jackson's Bistro
Jackson's Bistro
1 minute walking
A cozy bistro serving seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends.
The Old Laundry Theatre
The Old Laundry Theatre
2 minutes walking
An intimate theatre hosting a variety of performances, from plays to comedy shows, great for all ages seeking live entertainment.
Aquarius Amusements
9 minutes walking
A fun arcade offering classic games and more, ideal for families and friends looking for relaxed, entertaining hours.
Getting around
City Centre
Bowness-on-Windermere4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Carlisle Lake District (CAX)124 min  ·  51.2 mi
Blackpool International (BLK)150 min  ·  62.0 mi
Bus
Bus stop27 min  ·  1.4 mi
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 11:00-17:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP10 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
13
Former name
Virginia Cottage

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Virginia Cottage Guest House from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 159 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
93%
Recommend
Breakfast
9.9/10
Cleanliness
9.3/10
Comfort
9.4/10
Facilities
9.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.0/10
Location
9.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.7/10
Value for money
9.3/10
Guest reviews
based on 159 reviews
9.3/10
based on 234 reviews
9.3/10
Harper from United States
Single
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 11, 2026
9/10
comfy roomcentral locationfriendly host
the room was comfy and had everything i needed the location was central i could easily walk around town communication before arrival was great angus greeted me and was really friendly
the stay was slightly more expensive because of limited accommodation available
0 Helpful
Jonathan from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 25, 2026
9/10

Really good Stay with Great Hospitality

great locationbreakfast choicepublic parking
The location is great, with convenient access to many nearby attractions. The breakfast choice stood out with options like a full English, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and eggs Benedict. I appreciated the tea, coffee, cereals, juices, and toast also on offer. The room featured tea making facilities, a TV, WiFi, and USB ports on the wall sockets.
I experienced issues with parking as there is no immediate parking at the hotel. I parked in a car park a few minutes away which cost £20 for three nights. The public parking lot was full upon my arrival, and I waited for a parking space
Dining
9/10
The breakfast service includes a diverse selection with options like a full English, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and eggs Benedict. Tea, coffee, cereals, juices, and toast are readily available. It's a satisfying start to the day.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
William from United Kingdom
Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
9/10
tea facilitiesusb portsenglish breakfast
the room had tea making facilities, a TV, WiFi, and USB ports on wall sockets. a WARM shower and a separate toilet were available. breakfast choices included a full english, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, and eggs benedict.
the hotel lacks immediate parking, ALTHOUGH a public car park is nearby.
0 Helpful
Amelia from United Kingdom
Couple
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
6/10
central locationsmall roomsmall bed
The location was close to many shops and restaurants.
The room felt quite small the space was limited. The bed was also smaller than I expected. I had trouble getting comfortable. It felt overpriced for what it offered.
0 Helpful
Christian from United Kingdom
Single
Deluxe Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 16, 2025
6/10
decent locationlukewarm wateruncomfortable visit
the location was decent with a nearby bus stop and easy access to the pier so i suppose that was acceptable
the bathtub was consistently problematic i ran the water in the 'spa bath' but it barely worked also the water was lukewarm i didn't enjoy angus' attitude it made the visit uncomfortable he clearly does not like to be debated with
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Virginia Cottage Guest House
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Check-in is from 13:00 and check-out is by 10:30.
What nearby attractions can guests visit when staying at Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Nearby attractions include Lake Windermere (only a 3-minute walk), The World of Beatrix Potter (0.5 km), and Blackwell House (2 km).
What breakfast options are provided at Virginia Cottage Guest House?
The hotel offers a variety of breakfast options made using locally sourced produce.
What room amenities are included in rooms at Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Each room features a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
What leisure activities are available at Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Guests can enjoy golf, walking tours, and access to hiking and cycling opportunities.
Are there dining options close to Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Nearby dining options include Porto Restaurant, The Arts Bar & Grill, and Caffe Riva, all within 0.5 km.
What type of hotel is Virginia Cottage Guest House?
Virginia Cottage Guest House is an adults-only, dog-friendly establishment with a historic charm.
Does Virginia Cottage Guest House provide free Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the guest house.
What recognition does Virginia Cottage Guest House have?
The hotel features historic architecture and offers a personalized experience with complimentary items like sherry and biscuits.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
04Jun2026Select date
Check-out
05Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room