heritage of windermere...
St Martin's Church, Bowness
Built in 1483, this is one of the earliest surviving churches in Cumbria. Its spacious interior with hand-painted biblical texts on the walls and roof beams immediately captures attention. The magnificent east window contains remnants of stained glass from Cartmel Priory (brought here after the Dissolution of the Monasteries) and believed to be among the oldest surviving traces of stained glass in Britain. The window also incorporates the coat of arms of John Washington (1403), an ancestor of the first president of the USA (George Washington). His heraldry of stars and stripes is thought to have inspired the American flag.
Hill Top
Near Sawrey, Ambleside,www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Step into the world of Beatrix Potter in this 17th century farmhouse, which provided the inspiration for 13 of her books including The Tale of Tom Kitten and The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck. It remains much the same as when she lived here, with many of her paintings, furniture and china on view. Admission charge and timed entry system (to avoid overcrowding). Accessible by ferry and bus from Bowness. Open Easter-October, 10.30-4.30 (Sat-Wed). Open Thursdays as well in June, July & Aug.
