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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.
Did you know?
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature, without…
Trail running weekends and guided trail running in the Lake District National Park.
Activities in Lakeland take the hassle out of arranging activities and events in the Lake District…
Single en suite rooms, private bunk rooms, self-catering lodges, 400 acres of private land/woodland…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
The unique Burn How Hotel has individually designed rooms set in the privacy of our gardens. An…
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter…
Denehurst is a traditional Lakeland stone house built in 1898 and full of Victorian charm and…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Broadoaks is set in the beautiful and tranquil Troutbeck valley yet is central for the centres of…
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and…
Learn how to mix it up! With our expertly trained, globally recognised mixologists. Discover a…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
We are passionate about the Lakes, and strive to produce a local, sourcing as much produce as…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Rockside is a quirky 4-star quality guest house, located less than 2 minutes walk from the bus and…
The Beech Hill Hotel is situated on the banks of lake Windermere. We have 55 bedrooms that have…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature, without sacrificing on those all-important home comforts.
Activities in Lakeland take the hassle out of arranging activities and events in the Lake District.
With 20 years' experience of organising activity packages, breaks and events exclusively around the Lake District, we have the local knowledge to…
Windermere
The unique Burn How Hotel has individually designed rooms set in the privacy of our gardens. An oasis in the middle of bustling Bowness but only a 2-minute stroll to the village or lake Windermere.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Ambleside
Tower Bank Arms is a small country inn featured in the tale of Jemima Puddleduck by Beatrix Potter and next door to Hill Top her former home. A traditional country pub with log fire and flag floors.
Windermere
Denehurst is a traditional Lakeland stone house built in 1898 and full of Victorian charm and character. Situated in a quiet area away from the main road and with ample and convenient parking, we are just a 10-minute walk from Bowness.
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
Windermere
Head to Blackwell to see the UK's finest Arts & Crafts house in a perfect winter wonderland. With dazzling Christmas trees, an imaginative art exhibition, a local cultural experience and a perfectly crisp view overlooking Windermere and the Coniston…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Explore previously unchartered territory as you navigate our wildflower meadow trail just like the children in Arthur Ransome's classic children's tale. Learn how to read the wind to set sail, plan your very own adventure and see the landscape…
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.
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+.
Ulverston
Widely recognised as one of the the toughest open water swimming events on the UK calendar, the Windermere One Way is proper bucket list stuff.
Learn how to mix it up! With our expertly trained, globally recognised mixologists. Discover a world of classic and modern cocktails with your friends, family or colleagues in our incredible, new and exclusive venue, The 3rd floor. Whether it’s a…
Windermere
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
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…
Windermere
Why not join us every Friday night between 5pm – 8pm, in August for a special Pizza Night?
With a view of Windermere and the fells, enjoy a well-deserved family night out or, safely catch up with friends, after a busy week.
For just £10* choose…
Windermere
The Beech Hill Hotel is situated on the banks of lake Windermere. We have 55 bedrooms that have been refurbished to a high standard. Our AA rosette-awarded restaurant offers 2 delicious menus of local and seasonal produce.
Newby Bridge
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Windermere
5* Holiday Park offering excellent facilities and self-catering stone conversions for weekly let. Lakeshore access and boat launching on Windermere.
Ambleside
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