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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.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 25th September for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful…
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
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
Windermere
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, this small-group tour offers a deeper exploration into the fascinating history of the people and objects connected to the home where one family…
Winderemere
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
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…
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
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near Hawkshead.
The Cross Lake Shuttle operates daily throughout the summer, from 23 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. It's a great way to reach places like…
Windermere
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century home of the Browne family and get the rare chance to peer inside Townend barn, one of the few surviving examples of a Lakeland bank barn, on the…
Newby Bridge
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th July.
Enjoy sunshine on the terrace, live music, fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. We can't wait to welcome you with some spring time cheer!
Newby Bridge
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our expert guide, Karen, leads you through the session in the picturesque River Leven.
Session Details:
Dates & Times: Thursday 11th June, 6-7pm
What…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
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…
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
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL