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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.
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 291
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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
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
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 23rd July, 6-7pm
What…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Lake Road, Windermere
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular with people looking for lakeside holiday homes. The park is nestled in an ancient woodland of mature oak trees, offering over a mile of private…
Bowness - On - Windermere
The World's Leading Ed Sheeran Tribute!
Jack Shepherd has been performing as Ed Sheeran since 2014, making him the most established Ed Sheeran tribute act in the world!
With his ginger hair, tattoos, and a stage presence remarkably similar to…
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 7th August for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful sound…
Cumbria
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and returning via a ride across it on the car ferry.
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
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…
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
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.
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with Tom's soulful sounds, an acoustic singer and guitarist known for his lively classics.
Join us for a night to…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL