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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.
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Musical – Tommy (1975) Ken Russell's flamboyant rock opera follows a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy who…
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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…
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Bowness on Windermere
Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly. Starring: Gene Kelly, Debby Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse
Originating from a plan to make use of MGM's large back catalogue of songs from the twenties, a simple story of two silent…
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…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Thursday 11 December, 2–4pm.
Get ready to let your hair down, meet new people and experience this charming, modern revival of a…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
A Christmas Carol – Live Reading by Graham Tyson
Step into the timeless world of Charles Dickens as Graham Tyson brings A Christmas Carol to life in our cosy festive setting. With over eight years of captivating performances, Mr Tyson's reading is…
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
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…
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Newby Bridge
Hosted by Laura, of the Good Mood Club, we welcome you to start your weekend the right way with a calming 90-minute gentle yoga flow and breathwork session, designed for all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi…
Staveley, Kendal
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare breed beef and pork, saltmarsh lamb and seafood from the sands of Morecambe Bay. Lakeland eateries are proud to present local food and this route takes…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Treat yourself or someone special to a mindful, hands-on experience crafting a luxurious wreath using sustainably grown and dried British foliage and festive florals. Guided by Ashley from The Floralistas, you'll create a wild and whimsical design…
Bowness-on-Windermere
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and everything in between, Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One.
When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
Bowness
"The best of British theatre on a cinema screen near you"
Showtimes
Sunday 5 October 2025
19:30
Thursday 9 October 2025
19:30
Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind…
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL