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Just over a mile from England’s largest lake, Windermere, stands Windermere town. While not on the lake shores itself, it combines with the nearby lakeside town of Bowness-on-Windermere to form one urban area.
Windermere enjoys easy access to lake Windermere, whether by foot; car; bike; or bus. This stunning lake, surrounded by rolling hills, offers a serene escape for water activities, leisure boat rides, and lakeside strolls.
Windermere’s rich history is reflected in its historic roots and the growth spurred by the Victorian era. The arrival of the town’s train station in 1847 boosted tourism to the area; today, it is popular thanks to its location, and the abundance of places to eat, drink, and visit.
Indulge in the diverse offerings Windermere presents, from enjoying local food and drink in welcoming establishments to discovering local attractions and experiences. There are excellent accommodation options nearby as well, whether you’re looking for a cosy inn or a luxurious spa hotel.
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 is believed to be among the oldest surviving traces of stained glass in Britain.
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.
The short walk to Orrest Head is well worth the uphill effort, for at the top is an outstanding panoramic view of the lake and surrounding mountains. There are a number of ways of getting to the top all passing through Elleray Woods, noted for its varied bird and insect life (booklet available from the Tourist Information Centre in Windermere).
The gardens at Brockhole, stretching down to the shores of Windermere, were laid out by Thomas Mawson, the internationally acclaimed landscape gardener from Windermere. A wide variety of interesting trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants can be seen against the dramatic backdrop of the lake.
An attractive walk that starts at Ilkley in West Yorkshire and finishes in Bowness-on-Windermere following ancient trackways and riverside paths and passing through many interesting villages on its 80 mile (129 km) route and taking in the best of the natural enviroment along the way.
This 17-acre hillside garden, managed by the Lakeland Horticultural Society since 1971, has been transformed from an abandoned rock garden into a ‘garden for all seasons', with specimen trees, a walled garden with herbaceous borders and displays of alpine plants.
An imposing mock Gothic castle built by James Dawson in the 1840s. Beatrix Potter stayed here in 1882 while on holiday with her parents.
William Wordsworth came here in 1779. His adolescent experience of the natural world had a lasting effect, and was recalled in his poetry of later years.
Beatrix Potter’s traditional Lakeland farm at Hill Top was a special place for Beatrix, and was the inspiration for the setting in many of her books.
In earlier times it was the custom to call for a rowing boat when one was required. One stormy night, a call was answered by a ferryman who rowed across the lake to Bowness only to return in a state of shock. The next morning he developed a rapid fever and died. Thereafter, on stormy nights whenever there were strange calls for a boat from Ferry Nab, no-one would dare go. Eventually a priest exorcised the Crier of Claife to a quarry on Claife Heights, but occasionally the ghostly calls for a boat can still be heard.
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Newby Bridge
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening of live music.
Sink into the in-between-days bliss as Rob performs a mix of acoustic favourites, feel-good classics, and modern crowd-pleasers – the…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Windermere
4 October 2025
9:45-12:30
The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year.
To tie in with our exhibition focusing on "Beatrix Potter's summers in the Lake District", our walks will be taking place in some of those key…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Windermere
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Bowness on Windermere
Founded in 2006 by Leonid Tritus, the Kammerphilharmonie Europa is an orchestra of talented young musicians from 18 European nations; nine of these musicians (seven strings, oboe and trumpet) join this exciting UK chamber music tour. The musicians…
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate Halloween by the lake with spooky stories, monster-making and our refreshed wildlife trail. All activities included with Windermere Jetty Museum admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual pass holders go free.
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL