Braithwaite Fold Car Park
1 Glebe Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3HE
Braithwaite Fold Car Park is a premier, spacious multi-use parking facility located on Glebe Road in Bowness-on-Windermere (LA23 3HE). Operated by the Westmorland and Furness Council, it is widely regarded as one of the most accessible and accommodating locations for visitors exploring Lake Windermere, featuring roughly 400 general parking bays and zero height restrictions. The terrain consists of flat, gravel, and stone surfaces, which makes it particularly popular for larger vehicles.
Motorhome and Campervan Stopover Details
Unlike most parking areas in the Lake District National Park where overnight stays are strictly prohibited, Braithwaite Fold formally permits overnight motorhome and campervan stopovers.
How It Works: The car park differentiates between daytime parking and overnight stopovers. To stay legally through a 24-hour cycle, you must buy a daytime ticket and a separate overnight ticket.
Overnight Fee: £11.80, covering the hours from 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
Daytime Fees (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM):Up to 3 hours: £5.80
Up to 4 hours: £7.40
Up to 6 hours: £8.80
All day: £10.60
Payment Methods: You can pay using cash, credit/debit card at the automated machines, or via mobile using the PayByPhone App (Location Code: 9575).
Important Regulations: You must park within the designated sections or bays allocated for motorhomes. This is strictly an "overnight sleep stopover" rather than a campsite setup. You are not allowed to erect awnings, set out camping furniture, or use external generators. Quiet hours are enforced between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Facilities On-Site
Toilets: A dedicated public toilet block sits near the entrance. It operates 24 hours a day and costs 50p to 60p per entry, payable exclusively via contactless digital payment (no coins accepted).
Waste & Utilities: There are no services for touring vehicles. The car park does not provide fresh water fill-ups, electric hookups (EHU), greywater drainage, or chemical toilet disposal points.
Local Information and Dining
The primary appeal of Braithwaite Fold is its exceptional location. It sits just a 5-minute walk from the edge of Bowness Bay on Lake Windermere, giving you immediate access to water activities and local culture.
Local Attractions: From the nearby piers, you can board the Windermere Jetty Museum steamboats or take a passenger ferry across the lake to explore the western fells. The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction and the bustling town centre of Bowness are also within easy walking distance.
Dining & Pubs: The surrounding area is packed with highly-rated eateries. Local favorites include the Marina View Bar & Restaurant down at the Windermere Marina Village for scenic lunches, and traditional lakeside pubs serving classic ale and locally sourced pub pies.
