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For many visitors, the Lake District is synonymous with Windermere, which is both the largest lake in England and its most popular. It’s been a major tourist centre since 1847, when the trains first steamed into town carrying passengers eager for the fresh air and stunning scenery, and it’s been pretty much the same ever since. Transport options have improved, and there’s a broader choice of leisure activities both on and off the water. Access to the lake is from Bowness-On-Windermere, which is just a short hop from Windermere town.
There are 14 islands in the lake, the largest of which is Belle Isle (formerly known as Longholme). In 1250 it was the seat of the Lord of the Manor and a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. In 1774 an unusual circular house was erected on the island, which was sold (along with the island) to the wealthy Curwen family who renamed the island after their daughter, Isabella.
The lake has long been used as a highway for the transport of stone, minerals, charcoal and woollen cloth. A ferry service has operated across the narrowest point of the lake (Bowness to Ferry House on the western shore) since the 15th century.
The earliest craft were large rowing boats that carried people and animals, with passengers expected to help with the rowing. In 1870 the first ferry to run on underwater cables was introduced; a 20-minute service now provided by the modern Mallard ferry.
By the 19th century, wealthy businessmen from the urban areas began to regard the Lakes as a haven of scenic tranquillity, acquiring grand country retreats. Belsfield (now a hotel) was bought by the iron magnate, Henry William Schneider, in 1869 as a commuter home (he built a jetty at the bottom of the garden so he could sail to Lakeside in his steamboat, Esperance).
Storrs Hall was acquired by John Bolton in 1806 on proceeds from the slave trade. Brockhole, built in the late 1880s by Henry Gaddum, a wealthy silk merchant from Manchester, became a convalescent home before opening as the National Park Visitor Centre in 1969.
And lastly, Blackwell, an architectural gem from the Arts and Crafts era, was commissioned by Sir Edward Holt, a wealthy brewer from Manchester.
Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular holiday locations in the Lake District and the easiest way to access the lake, most notably by steamer. It is an excellent base for water activities, including boating and leisurely water attractions, as well as boat hire or family watersports.
Newby Bridge - At the southern end of Lake Windermere adjoining the River Leven, Newby Bridge is a small village, with a selection of hotels and B&B's. It got its name from the five-arched stone bridge built across the river in 1651. The famous Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway connects you to Haverthwaite on a 3.5 mile journey, there is also the Lakes Aquarium to visit at Lakeside.
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Enjoy the stunning views of the Kentmere valley and capture the natural beauty of the Lake District…
Beautiful, award-winning Victorian guest house with many original features situated within a few…
Broadoaks is set in the beautiful and tranquil Troutbeck valley yet is central for the centres of…
Anyone Can is an adventure for all company – we welcome those with additional needs. We have a wide…
Boutique Nursery Shop in Bowness, The Lake District, stocking beautifully luxurious baby and…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Shibori is the Japanese art of indigo resist dyeing. In this hands-on art and craft course, you…
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and inspiring choice of…
Small contemporary hotel close to Windermere with 16 en suite guest rooms. Bar/Lounge and…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Inspiring art and craft workshops based in a stunning open plan studio. Treat yourself to a special…
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take…
Come along and capture warm autumnal colours in a personal collage to enjoy throughout the winter…
This well-planned town house is located in a quiet residential cul-de-sac just a short stroll from…
Holiday house with lake and mountain views, a short walk from Bowness and Windermere.
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
In a ravine behind The Lodore Falls Hotel. 40ft fall surrounded by woods and crags. Parking 0.5…
Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 12 miles long and has delightful towns…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Enamel is a decorative coating of coloured glass fused to metal. It is a really exciting process …
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
Paddleboarding- SUP or stand up paddleboarding is the country’s fastest growing paddle sport and we…
Caffe Riva brings the heart and soul of Italy to the shores of the Lakeland Riviera. The Caffe…
Welcome to Beatrix Potter country! This magical 17th century Lakeland cottage nestles in the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 360
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Staveley, Kendal
Enjoy the stunning views of the Kentmere valley and capture the natural beauty of the Lake District landscape and the early autumn colour, using opaque water colour gouache. The course will combine practical painting and drawing exercises in the…
Windermere
Broadoaks is set in the beautiful and tranquil Troutbeck valley yet is central for the centres of activity at Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside. It boasts beautiful views, a croquet and boules lawn and a luxurious Victorian ambience.
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Boutique Nursery Shop in Bowness, The Lake District, stocking beautifully luxurious baby and toddler clothing, gift, soft toys and nursery accessories.
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full afternoon tea, snacks & cold platters available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Staveley, Kendal
Shibori is the Japanese art of indigo resist dyeing. In this hands-on art and craft course, you will learn the basics of Shibori inspired folding, binding, clamping and stitching techniques. Dipped in Indigo, you will create your own stunning…
Windermere
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and inspiring choice of guided sightseeing tours around the Lake District. We also offer Airport Transfers, Private Hires and Short Breaks.
Windermere
Small contemporary hotel close to Windermere with 16 en suite guest rooms. Bar/Lounge and restaurant. Free Parking on site and free Wi-Fi throughout. Guests also have free use of Leisure spa and pool in Bowness on Windermere
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Staveley, Kendal
Come along and capture warm autumnal colours in a personal collage to enjoy throughout the winter months. Base your design on an interior scene; a still life, vase of flowers or arrangement of autumn fruits. Working with collage gives you the…
Windermere
This well-planned town house is located in a quiet residential cul-de-sac just a short stroll from the centre.
Windermere
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree canopy. Featuring over 1500m2 of bouncy trampolines, aerial walkways, tunnels and slides. A great family day out suitable for ages 3yrs+.
Keswick
In a ravine behind The Lodore Falls Hotel. 40ft fall surrounded by woods and crags. Parking 0.5 mile from entrance to falls behind Hotel or take the launch down Derwentwater. On property owned by hotel - small charge for access.
Lake Windermere is the largest natural lake in England at 12 miles long and has delightful towns and villages nestled on the shore.
Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Enjoy an interactive fun evening with singing, laughter and a murder!
Staveley, Kendal
Enamel is a decorative coating of coloured glass fused to metal. It is a really exciting process experimenting with coloured powder, stencils and sgraffito, then firing your own work to see how the glass melts to the silver or copper, with jewel…
Ulverston
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
Near Hawkshead
Paddleboarding- SUP or stand up paddleboarding is the country’s fastest growing paddle sport and we are massive fans! Our instructors will tailor the session to suit you and will quickly have you standing up and travelling in a straight line. For…
Hawkshead
Welcome to Beatrix Potter country! This magical 17th century Lakeland cottage nestles in the picturesque hamlet of Far Sawrey, conveniently placed between Hawkshead and Windermere.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL