Bowness-on-Solway: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian S / The start of the Hadrian's Wall Walk

Bowness-on-Solway is a small village of fewer than 100 houses in Cumbria in northwest England. It is situated to the west of Carlisle on the southern side of the Solway Firth estuary separating England and Scotland and has spectacular views across the Solway estuary to Dumfries & Galloway. The village is part of the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to nationally and internationally important species. It is a great place for walking, cycling, and bird watching and there are several nature reserves nearby.

The parish consists of four villages – Anthorn, Bowness, Glasson and Port Carlisle, and the smaller settlements of Cardurnock, Drumburgh, Easton, Fingland, Longcroft and Whitrigg.

The village is at the western end of Hadrian’s Wall and was the location of the Roman fort Maia which guarded the approach from the Solway. The village is built on the site of the fort and Roman stones can be seen in the local buildings, including the Norman church of St. Michael.

‘Bowness’ means ’rounded’, or bow-shaped headland’, from either the Old English ‘boga’, ‘bow’, and ‘næss’, or, more probably, the Old Norse ‘bogi’ and ‘nes’. The headland at Bowness on Solway once led to a crossing point over the Solway Firth into Scotland, known as a ‘wath’.

History of Bowness-on-Solway

Bowness-on-Solway: Roman Origins

Bowness-on-Solway is located at the western end of Hadrian’s Wall, a significant Roman fortification. The village’s history dates back to the Roman era when it served as a fort known as Maia.

Bowness-on-Solway: Medieval Period

During the medieval period, Bowness-on-Solway developed as a small farming community. The village church, St. Michael’s, built on the site of the Roman fort, became a focal point for the local population.

Bowness-on-Solway: Modern Era

In more recent times, Bowness-on-Solway has maintained its rural charm while becoming a popular destination for visitors exploring Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding natural beauty.

Visiting Bowness-on-Solway for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Bowness-on-Solway on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Bowness-on-Solway not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Bowness-on-Solway and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

St Michael's Church, Bowness-on-Solway

CC BY-SA 2.0 / John Lord

St Michael's Church is in the village of Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria, England. The church dates from the 12th century, and is built atop the granary of the Roman fort and is partly built with stones from the fort, as are a number of other local buildings. It undertook a restoration in the 18th century. It is built in calciferous sandstone and…

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Location: St Michael's Church, Bowness-on-Solway, Bowness-on-Solway, Wigton, UK | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting St Michael's Church, Bowness-on-Solway

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Bowness-on-Solway . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Solway Junction Railway

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Rosser1954

The Solway Junction Railway was built by an independent railway company, in 1869 to shorten the route between ironstone mines in Cumberland to ironworks in Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. By the early 1860s, over 100,000 tons of iron ore was being shipped annually from West Cumberland to Scotland. The one mile 176 yard long iron girder viaduct across the water was damaged…

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| Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Solway Junction Railway

A day trip from Bowness-on-Solway offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Bowness-on-Solway provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Carlisle

Visiting Carlisle, nestled in the far north of Cumbria near the Scottish border, offers a unique experience that blends urban charm with striking natural surroundings. The city acts as a gateway to both the Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall Country, making it an excellent base for exploring northern England’s landscapes and heritage sites. Whether you're here for a weekend or…

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Visiting Carlisle

Brampton, Carlisle

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Rose and Trev Clough / Brampton, Market Place

Brampton is a small market town, civil parish and electoral ward within the City of Carlisle district of Cumbria, England, about 9 miles (14 km) east of Carlisle and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Hadrian's Wall. Historically part of Cumberland, it is situated off the A69 road which bypasses it. Brampton railway station, on the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway,…

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Visiting Brampton, Carlisle

Newcastle upon Tyne

CC BY-SA 2.0 / herdiephoto

Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to simply Newcastle, is the most populous city and metropolitan borough in North East England. It forms the core of the Tyneside conurbation, the eighth most populous urban area in the United Kingdom. It is situated on the northern bank of the River Tyne. The city developed around the Roman settlement Pons Aelius around a…

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Visiting Newcastle upon Tyne

Gateshead

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Wilka Hudson

Gateshead is a vibrant town located on the southern bank of the River Tyne, directly opposite Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. Its riverside setting offers stunning views and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the striking Millennium Bridge and the Sage Gateshead, a renowned centre for music and performing arts. Visitors…

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Visiting Gateshead

Lancaster

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Ian Taylor

Lancaster, situated in the North West England region, offers a charming mix of urban energy and rural serenity. Its position on the River Lune gives it a scenic appeal, with riverside walks and open spaces like Williamson Park providing peaceful escapes. The city centre blends independent shops, cafes, and heritage architecture, making it a compact and walkable place to explore…

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Visiting Lancaster

Durham

Visiting Durham in the North East of England offers a striking blend of charm, tradition, and scenic beauty. The compact city centre is wrapped in a loop of the River Wear, which lends itself to peaceful riverside walks and spectacular views of the cathedral and castle perched high above. With its cobbled lanes and independent shops, Durham is a great…

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Visiting Durham

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, in the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt, is a city that seamlessly blends urban sophistication with dramatic natural beauty. Visitors are drawn to its unique geography, with the Old Town perched on a ridge and the New Town laid out in elegant Georgian symmetry below. Walking through its atmospheric streets reveals centuries of layered architecture, from medieval closes to…

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Visiting Edinburgh

South Shields

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Stuart Locke

South Shields is a coastal town and a seaside resort at the mouth of the River Tyne, downstream from Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England. Visiting South Shields offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture. Nestled on the northeastern coast of England, this charming seaside town is renowned for its stunning beaches, including…

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Visiting South Shields

Sunderland

CC BY-SA 3.0 / somaliayaswan

Sunderland is a port city in Tyne and Wear, England. It is situated 12 miles north-east of Durham and 10 miles south-east of Newcastle upon Tyne, at the mouth of the River Wear. Visiting Sunderland provides a captivating mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a diverse experience. Located on the northeast…

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Visiting Sunderland