Pure Lakes, the Far Sawrey skincare maker, has opened a shop in Victoria Buildings, Ash Street, Bowness, selling its full handmade range of skincare and gifts.

Pure Lakes, the skincare company that makes its products by hand in Far Sawrey, has opened a shop in the middle of Bowness-on-Windermere. It is in Victoria Buildings on Ash Street, LA23 3EB.

The company announced the opening on Instagram on 21 October: “OUR SHOP IS OPEN!” Its website now leads with the shop and invites people to “come in, say hello and browse our full range of skincare, home range and gifts”.

What the shop sells

The company says the full range is on the shelves, including:

  • bath and body products and skincare
  • home fragrance
  • gifts
  • its BEATRIX collection

Everything is made in the company’s workshop at Bryers Fold in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s former home at Hill Top, on the western side of Windermere. Pure Lakes says its products contain no synthetic ingredients, parabens or SLS (Pure Lakes).

Who is behind it

Pure Lakes was founded in 2006 by Sandra and Iain Blackburn. Sandra, a trained chemist, began making her own products for sensitive skin. Claire and Gareth McKeever, among its earliest customers, bought the business in 2016 (Pure Lakes, about us).

“By making everything ourselves, we are able to create well-paid, year-round jobs and support our local economy,” Claire McKeever says on the company’s website.

The company won the Makers and Producers award at the 2025 Cumbria Tourism Awards. It says it was a finalist for Experience of the Year at this year’s awards. It also runs candle and soap making sessions at the Far Sawrey workshop.

What it means for you

  • The shop carries the whole range. The company’s other Bowness stockists are Love the Lakes and the World of Beatrix Potter, which carries the BEATRIX range only (stockists).
  • Opening hours are not published. Neither the website nor the announcement gives them, so check before making a special trip.
  • In Kendal, the company’s online orders can be collected from Rin’s, and its stockist list names Ivy Bank Home & Gift, Sizergh and Levens Hall.
  • Refills: bring back an empty bottle for up to 30% off the next purchase, under the company’s refill service.

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