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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?
High Fold Guest House, surrounded by breathtaking Lake District scenery, green rolling hills,…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Our fleet of self-drive electric hire boats accommodates anything from 2 up to 10 passengers and…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Our sauna, lovingly nicknamed Yan, has L-shaped seating on two levels providing perfect views of…
Judith and Gerald look the perfect couple – he's a successful businessman, she's an aspiring…
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Enjoy an…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
No visit to The Lake District, Cumbria, would be complete without a visit to England’s largest…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
The house overlooks lake Windermere, 3 miles from Ambleside. Situated through the main gates of…
Visitor centre with interactive exhibitions, Mawson gardens, adventure playground, shop and…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Boat Hire and Kayaking at Brockhole Visitor Centre on the shore of Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Bowness Bay Blues is a 3 day music festival on March 31st to 2nd April.There is music in venues in…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 266
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Windermere
High Fold Guest House, surrounded by breathtaking Lake District scenery, green rolling hills, valleys and mountain peaks must have one of the best breakfast views in the Lake District. Our 3 beautifully presented, comfortable bedrooms have amazing…
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of England’s longest and most beautiful lake you will find Cragwood Country House Hotel, set in its own twenty-acre estate of beautiful landscaped gardens and woodland, with stunning views overlooking Lake Windermere
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Windermere
Thuline opened a Studio-gallery in Windermere where she sells art and related gifts, paints and run's art workshops. She is known for her original take on animals. and takes commissions. She also runs art workshops.
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
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for everyone.
Near Hawkshead
From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions and boat hire. Journeying in these Canadian style boats is the ultimate in relaxation as you paddle around the small islands and bays off…
Newby Bridge
Our sauna, lovingly nicknamed Yan, has L-shaped seating on two levels providing perfect views of Lake Windermere and the fells beyond. With locally sourced wool and kiln-dried logs providing insulation and heat, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Judith and Gerald look the perfect couple – he's a successful businessman, she's an aspiring counsellor, they live in a stylish suburban home and it seems nothing can spoil their happy marriage… that is until Jo and Ashley arrive on the…
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Windermere
Thuline opened a Studio-gallery in Windermere where she sells art and related gifts, paints and run's art workshops. She is known for her original take on animals. and takes commissions. She also runs art workshops.
Ambleside
Make your way along the trail and find nature-inspired activities for the whole family. Enjoy an Easter treat at the end! The trail takes place between 1-23 April 2023, from 10am to 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm. The price of the trail is £3 per…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Windermere
No visit to The Lake District, Cumbria, would be complete without a visit to England’s largest lake, Windermere; And what better way to experience it than from onboard a world-famous Windermere Lake Cruises ‘steamer’? Steamers and launches sail…
Near Hawkshead
We may be biased but genuinely believe that we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay situated on a private stretch of shoreline we offer both instructed sessions…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
Near Hawkshead
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate on the shores of Windermere, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance…
Bowness-on-Windermere, 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.
Ambleside
The house overlooks lake Windermere, 3 miles from Ambleside. Situated through the main gates of Wray Castle and up the drive. A bird-watcher's paradise.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL