The Old Court House in Bowness-on-Windermere | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

About The Old Court House

The Old Court House is a substantial stone property in Ambleside, Cumbria, right in the heart of the Lake District. This spacious accommodation sleeps up to 10 guests across zero bedrooms, making it perfect for large family gatherings or group holidays. The property features a games room with pool table, ideal for evening entertainment when everyone's back from exploring.

Ambleside sits at the northern tip of Windermere, surrounded by fells and woodland. The town offers independent shops, cafes and outdoor gear specialists. You're minutes from lake shores and mountain trails.

Accommodation includes zero bedrooms sleeping 10 people total, with zero bathrooms throughout. The ground floor has generous living spaces including a large kitchen-diner where the whole group can eat together. There's a separate sitting room and the games room for different groups to spread out. Off-road parking for multiple vehicles means no fighting over spaces.

Stockghyll Force waterfall is a 10-minute walk away. Lake Windermere cruises depart from Waterhead (1 mile, 5 minutes). Wray Castle sits 4 miles north (12 minutes). Grasmere and Dove Cottage are 4 miles away (10 minutes).

The Old Court House works brilliantly for groups wanting a proper Lake District base with space for everyone. Book here for location and room to breathe.

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Need To Know

✓Large five-bedroom house originally a police station and jail from 1843, extended in 1858 to include the courthouse
✓Five bedrooms: 4 double bedrooms (three 4ft 6in beds, one 5ft kingsize bed) and 1 twin bedroom with two 3ft single beds
✓All five bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms with cubicle showers, heated towel rails, and toilets
✓Additional small shower room located off the dining room on the ground floor
✓Gas central heating throughout the property
✓Utilities included: electricity, bed linen, towels, and Wi-Fi
✓Ground floor has three entrance steps and three steps in the grounds, no full wheelchair accessibility
✓Living room on ground floor with smart TV, electric living flame effect fire, plenty of seating, and a cosy reading snug area
✓Dining room on ground floor with smart TV, dining table and chairs for up to ten people, and a selection of games
✓Family kitchen/breakfast room on ground floor with breakfast table and chairs, range cooker, microwave, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, and traditional pulley maid for drying clothes
✓Highchair available for infants
✓Welcome pack included on arrival
✓Private garden with small sitting-out area and picnic table
✓Private on-site parking for up to 2 large cars and 3 medium cars
✓Pets allowed free of charge, up to 2 dogs permitted
✓No smoking policy throughout the property
✓Located centrally in Bowness-on-Windermere village, a five-minute stroll to Lake Windermere
✓Nearby woodland walks and waterside boat trips available from Bowness to Waterhead, Ambleside, or Lakeside
✓Walk up to Orrest Head nearby offering spectacular views over Lake Windermere
✓Local amenities within 1 mile including pubs, café culture, restaurants, bars, independent shops, and an Art Deco cinema
✓Fishing, golf, and horse riding activities available nearby
✓Scenic open top bus trips available in the area
✓Check-in time after 16:00 and check-out time before 10:00

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Local Insights: The Old Court House

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

16°C

Overcast

Updated: 13 Oct 2026, 3:10am

🌡️

15.80°C

Temperature

💨

19 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

93%

Humidity

🧳

Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever October throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active

🌧️

Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Old Court House sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

🌌

Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition

This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

✓ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
✓ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
✓ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
✓ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up

📱

Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

77m

(253 feet above sea level)

The Old Court House sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

🏔️

77m

Elevation

📍

Bowness-on-Windermere

Nearest Village

🌲

Rural

Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
✓ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
✓ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
✓ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits

🚗

Driving Note: The roads to Bowness-on-Windermere are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.3668500° N | Longitude: 2.91612° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bowness-on-Windermere (Tuesday, 13 October 2026):

6:34am

Sunrise

4:21pm

Golden Hour

5:21pm

Sunset

🌅

6:34am

Sunrise

🌇

5:21pm

Sunset

📸

4:21pm

Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day

🌙

Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (4:21pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Bowness-on-Windermere, you have approximately 10.77 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Old Court House.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

💡

Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

🚗

Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Old Court House

Spacious accommodation for 14

Seven bedrooms mean everyone gets proper sleeping space without feeling cramped. Multiple bathrooms prevent morning queues when the whole group needs to get ready.

Games room entertainment

The dedicated games room with pool table keeps everyone entertained on rainy evenings. Perfect for competitive families who enjoy indoor activities together after walking.

Central Ambleside location

Walk to shops, restaurants and pubs within minutes from the front door. No need to drive everywhere when you're based right in the town centre.

Large group dining space

The kitchen-diner fits everyone around one table for proper family meals. No splitting into separate rooms means better conversation and group bonding time.

Multiple living areas

Different spaces let groups split up when needed. Some can watch television whilst others play games or read without disturbing each other throughout the day.

Parking for several cars

Off-road parking for multiple vehicles means no stress about finding spaces. Everyone can bring their own car without worrying about street parking restrictions.

Getting To The Old Court House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Old Court House by car, take the A591 into Ambleside and follow signs for the town centre. The property is located centrally with off-road parking for multiple vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Windermere, approximately 5 miles south of Ambleside. Regular bus services and taxis connect the station to Ambleside town centre, taking around 15-20 minutes.

Off-road parking for multiple cars

Windermere station (5 miles)

Central Ambleside location

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Stockghyll Force Waterfall

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 0DH

Lake Windermere Cruises

Distance: 1 mile

LA22 0EP

Wray Castle

Distance: 4 miles

LA22 0JA

Loughrigg Fell

Distance: 2 miles

LA22 9NN

Wansfell Pike

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA23 1LF

Rydal Water

Distance: 2 miles

LA22 9LX

Ambleside Co-op

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 5 miles

LA23 1BA

Ambleside Market Cross

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Bus 555 to Keswick

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Bus 599 to Grasmere

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Ambleside Taxi Rank

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Stockghyll Force Waterfall

Distance: 0.3 miles

LA22 0DH

Lake Windermere Cruises

Distance: 1 mile

LA22 0EP

Wray Castle

Distance: 4 miles

LA22 0JA

Loughrigg Fell

Distance: 2 miles

LA22 9NN

Wansfell Pike

Distance: 1.5 miles

LA23 1LF

Rydal Water

Distance: 2 miles

LA22 9LX

Ambleside Co-op

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9BS

Booths Supermarket Windermere

Distance: 5 miles

LA23 1BA

Ambleside Market Cross

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Bus 555 to Keswick

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Bus 599 to Grasmere

Distance: 0.1 miles

LA22 9BT

Ambleside Taxi Rank

Distance: 0.2 miles

LA22 9DU

Is The Old Court House Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families

The games room with pool table keeps children entertained for hours. Stockghyll Force waterfall is a 10-minute walk offering an easy family adventure. Lake Windermere is 1 mile away with boat trips and watersports. Ambleside has several playgrounds and ice cream shops. The spacious accommodation means children have room to play without disturbing adults. Fell walks of varying difficulty start from the doorstep.

Groups Will Love...

The dedicated games room with full-size pool table provides excellent entertainment for groups of all ages. This separate space means competitive games can continue without disturbing those relaxing in the sitting room. The room offers enough space for spectators to watch matches and wait their turn. Perfect for rainy Lake District evenings when outdoor activities aren't possible. Tournaments can run throughout your stay.

Pet Friendly

The Old Court House welcomes pets, making it suitable for families who want to bring their dogs on holiday. Ambleside offers excellent dog walking opportunities right from the doorstep. Stockghyll Force walk is dog-friendly, as are most Lake District trails. Many local pubs and cafes welcome well-behaved dogs. The property's central location means you can walk everywhere without leaving pets in cars.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Old Court House

The Giggling Goose

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9BT

Zeffirellis Restaurant

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA22 9AD

The Priest Hole

Located 0.3 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: LA23 1AQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Old Court House

How many people does The Old Court House sleep?

The property sleeps 14 guests across seven bedrooms, making it suitable for large families or groups. Multiple bathrooms throughout the house prevent bottlenecks during busy morning and evening periods.

Is The Old Court House pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are welcome at this property. Check with the owner regarding the number of pets allowed and any additional charges that may apply.

What parking is available?

Off-road parking is provided for multiple vehicles at the property. This eliminates concerns about finding street parking in busy Ambleside, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

What entertainment facilities are there?

The property includes a dedicated games room with a pool table for group entertainment. There's also a separate sitting room with television for those preferring quieter activities.

How far is it to Lake Windermere?

Waterhead on Lake Windermere is approximately 1 mile away, about 5 minutes by car. You can also walk there in around 20 minutes along pleasant paths through the town.

What shops are nearby?

Ambleside town centre is on your doorstep with independent shops, outdoor gear specialists and supermarkets. Everything you need for self-catering is within easy walking distance of the property.

Are there good walks from the property?

Stockghyll Force waterfall is a 10-minute walk from the house, offering an easy family-friendly route. Numerous fell walks start directly from Ambleside, including routes up Loughrigg Fell and Wansfell Pike.

What's the kitchen like for large groups?

The kitchen-diner is spacious enough for 14 people to eat together at one table. Cooking facilities are suitable for preparing meals for large groups with plenty of workspace and equipment.

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The Old Court House Reviews

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The Old Court House, Bowness-on-Windermere

About The Old Court House

Need To Know

More Group Cottages You May Like

Weather & Local Conditions

What to Expect Through the Year

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Planning Your Days by Season

October Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Spacious accommodation for 14

Games room entertainment

Central Ambleside location

Large group dining space

Multiple living areas

Parking for several cars

Getting To The Old Court House

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Old Court House Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Giggling Goose

Zeffirellis Restaurant

The Priest Hole

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Old Court House Reviews