Bringing Bownessie to Life!
As the sun beams down on Lake Windermere, making the water glisten and reflect the surrounding mountain ranges like a sheet of splintered glass dancing under the blue skies, it seems to whisper its secrets from the deep.
A distant splash murmurs to the water’s edge, instinctively you turn towards the sound, curiosity getting the better of you.
Cumbria has always been a place for creatives. A county that encourages the exploration of the arts, tourism and hospitality. Whether that be through the medium of painting, poetry, photography, or perhaps creating the perfect cup of tea, muesli, or sweet treat, all seem to be captivated by the spirit of the landscape, people and places.
Feeling inspired and wanting to share an original Lake District story brand, Naz Haque, Director of Bownessie Ltd, founder and creator of Bownessie™. set out to capture that spirit in a way that feels both personal and authentic. This new tale of a mysterious serpent-like creature that lurks in the depths of Lake Windermere, affectionately known as Bownessie, is captivating and attracts believers and sceptics alike.
Cumbria and the Lake District are more than a pretty picture, but an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left, and with Naz’s unique tale, it is sure to add lasting memories for the whole family.
“Tourism should feel magical and inclusive, and Bownessie was born from the idea of adding storytelling, mystery and creativity into the visitor journey. It’s also memorable, fun, affordable and enjoyable for all ages, cultures and backgrounds.”
Working with local creatives, artists and business partners, Bownessie quickly came to life.
Having a deep dive into the Bownessie Website, I can clearly see the vision that Naz has created. With colouring sheets, activity books, guided walks, plushies, and storybooks all encouraging people to really experience Bowness-on-Windermere, the lake, and the surrounding towns, it’s clear that this is a far more immersive and playful world, where every sheet, walk, and story feels like a doorway into something larger than the page.
Sharing moments and experiences, creating wonder, exploring together, and seeing families engaging with themselves as well as the area are things that both Naz and I are aligned on. Slowing down and noticing those small details that make the area so special, whilst managing to blend it with a touch of mystery and intrigue. It really is a time to put your phone down and look around.
There’s a sensitivity to the way Bownessie sits within Cumbria, never overpowering the landscape, but echoing its mood: gentle, mysterious, and deeply rooted in place.
This emotional sensitivity carries through from Naz herself:
“My late mother was a huge force, always there to encourage my creativity and ability to build something meaningful. She remains one of my greatest inspirations.”
The charm of this mysterious character that lives in the depths of Lake Windermere is already capturing the hearts of many families and tourists who visit. And as Naz begins to work with more local businesses to spread the word about Bownessie, with the talk of developing the Bownessie storybooks, the possibility of a screenplay, as well as themed accommodation and family visitor experiences, is all in the pipeline. The brand is developing beyond its already hugely successful creations.
The official guidebook, The Mystery of Windermere, has a wonderful knack for sparking curiosity about the Lakes while doubling as an educational storytelling tool. It introduces children to the beauty, folklore, and heritage of the region, gently weaving these elements into something more lasting, an experience that begins to feel like part of Cumbria’s identity.
Naz’s passion for supporting the local economy and inspiring creativity doesn’t stop there, as she looks ahead to further collaborations with local partners across Cumbria. By continuing to work alongside independent makers, storytellers, and businesses, her vision feels not only sustainable but deeply rooted in community.
There is a sense of continuity in it all, as though each partnership adds another thread to a wider, evolving story of the Lakes; one grounded not in scale, but in connection.
Let your imagination and curiosity draw you to the shore of Lake Windermere. Take an extra moment, and let yourself wonder what might be moving just beneath the surface.
