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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.
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
PENN & TELLER: FOOL US WINNER OVER 100 MILLION ONLINE VIEWS BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – 4 YESES & A…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Pay and display car park with 56 spaces.Beech Hill car park is situated on the A592, midway between…
Get ready for laughs as the loveable, bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show!…
Come to a place where the earth's natural material meets with children's imaginations, a world of…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Alex McAleer possesses the uncanny ability to apparently tap into his audiences minds and read…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
It's been 17 years since the release of Elio's critically acclaimed debut album of his own songs, 'A Seat At My Table'. The wait is over!
Taking a break from his smash hit, award-winning 'The Billy Joel Songbook' tours, which continue to soar to…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood and her observational wit and wisdom?
What would she make of an Air Fryer? The Repair Shop? K-Pop Demon Hunters?
Paulus The Cabaret Geek is on hand to help us…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… back for good!✨
Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about Robbie Williams & Take That. No support acts, no warm-ups… just pure 90s & 00s pop perfection.
Join us on 18th September, 6–9pm for a night that'll…
Kendal
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Windermere
Discover BeWILDerwood Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere. Explore woodland adventures, indoor play at Minty Land, family events and magical days out for all ages.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
Cumbria
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the southern Lakeland Fells. In Staveley the workshops, galleries, brewery, plant nursery and eateries offer food for both eyes and appetite. Return along the…
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Bowness-on-Windermere
PENN & TELLER: FOOL US WINNER
OVER 100 MILLION ONLINE VIEWS
BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT – 4 YESES & A STANDING OVATION
"You FOOLED us!" – Penn & Teller
"Ace. Brilliant. Authentic." – Amanda Holden
★★★★ "Two immensely engaging and talented performers." –…
Bowness-on-Windermere
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit for excellent food and drink. Newly opened following an exciting refurb, take in the views with a glass of frothy real local ale or settle back with a…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Thirty years. One seaside tradition. A lifetime of love.
John Godber's September in the Rain is a nostalgic, heart-warming and richly comic love story that captures the joy, humour and heartache of a marriage played out over three decades.
Follow…
Bowness-on-Windermere
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back on Ash Street. As an Asian BBQ & Grill restaurant with playful dishes and bold flavours, enjoy the vibrant energy and that electric buzz that keeps you…
Windermere
If you can’t decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don’t, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Newby Bridge
Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Swimming the length of the most iconic and longest lake in the country from one end to the other guarantees legendary status with the knowledge that the highly…
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Big news – Trenchers Bowness on Windermere has officially arrived! Building on over four decades of tradition, this exciting new location will bring their award-winning fish and chips and seafood to the heart of the Lakes.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL