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discover Top 5 cosy family friendly cafés around Windermere
Days Out and Things To Do

Top 5 cosy family friendly cafés around Windermere

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Winter by the lake has a calm and simple beauty. You might find quiet mornings, frosty paths, mist drifting across Windermere and the welcoming glow of cafés nearby. Whether you are here for a festive day out or a crisp lakeside cruise, these family friendly cafés close to our piers are ideal for warming up with a hot drink and a hearty treat.


Peter Rabbit Café, Bowness

1. Peter Rabbit Café, Bowness

Step into a storybook winter escape at the Peter Rabbit Café, beautifully designed to mimic the warmth of a woodland burrow. With dim lighting, soft glow accents, and a charming Peter Rabbit chandelier, this café feels especially magical in the colder months.

  • 10-minute stroll from Bowness Pier
  • Seasonal cosiness: Hot chocolates, themed winter bakes, and warm carrot-inspired treats.
  • Perfect for: Families, Beatrix Potter fans, and anyone looking for a cosy nook on a chilly day.
Peter Rabbit cafe
Café No 4, Bowness

2. Café No 4, Bowness

Warm up this winter at Café No 4, a laid-back, dog-friendly spot serving fresh, feel-good food daily. It’s the kind of place where you can shake off the cold, settle in with a hot drink, and enjoy hearty breakfast or brunch.

  • 10 minute stroll from Bowness Pier
  • Seasonal cosiness: Comforting brunch dishes, great coffee, relaxed vibes.
  • Why it stands out: Rated 5 stars on TripAdvisor, a real achievement!
Café No 4
Windermere Jetty Café

3. Windermere Jetty Café

Winter views don't get better than this. Overlooking Windermere with panoramic vistas across to the Coniston fells, the Lakeshore Café at Windermere Jetty Museum is ideal for a snug winter warm-up.

  • 15-minute walk from Bowness Pier
  • Seasonal cosiness: Hot soups, warm lunches, fresh cakes, festive treats.
  • Opening: Tuesday–Sunday (6 Oct 2025–23 Mar 2026), daily from 24 Mar–4 Oct 2026.
  • Perfect for: Pairing a winter museum visit with a comforting meal.
Windermere jetty museum cafe
Toast, Windermere

4. Toast, Windermere

If you enjoy a brisk winter walk, Toast makes the journey worthwhile. With its soft shokupan loaves and indulgent toasties, it’s a warm hug in café form.

  • 30–40-minute walk from Bowness Pier
  • Seasonal cosiness: Grilled toasties, baked pastries, warming coffees.
  • Perfect for: A cosy brunch after a winter wander.
Toast
The Apple Pie Café & Bakery, Ambleside

5. The Apple Pie Café & Bakery, Ambleside

A true Lakeland classic, The Apple Pie Café & Bakery has been family-run since 1975. Its warm, welcoming atmosphere and freshly baked goods make it an ideal winter stop.

  • 45-minute walk from Waterhead Pier
  • Seasonal cosiness: Hot pies, freshly baked cakes, hearty breakfasts, and indulgent treats — all made on site with local ingredients.
  • Perfect for: Families looking for a comforting winter treat or a sweet reward after a lakeside stroll.


The Apple Pie Café & Bakery

These five cosy cafés offer the perfect winter warm-up during your time around Windermere. Whether you're visiting with family, heading out for a festive cruise, or simply enjoying a peaceful winter day by the water, each café provides a welcoming, heartwarming stop along the way.