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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.
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
ONE FOR THE NORTHERN SOUL AND TAMLA MOTOWN LOVERS! 12pm - 2am! Colin Curtis and Ian Levine back…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. Our family-friendly activities are inspired by Blackwell's architecture and Frances Priest: Motif | Line | Colour exhibition.
Origami…
Windermere
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day of competition in aid of St John's Hospice in our 40th Anniversary Year.
To enter a team of 4 or to find out more, visit our website or contact the…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Kirkland, Windermere
Join us for an action-packed weekend of hands-on STEM activities, fascinating talks and interactive workshops suitable for all ages, set across Windermere Jetty Museum's spectacular lakeside site.
Enjoy live shows and demonstrations from leading…
Bowness - On - Windermere
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) returns to Windermere after 2 sold out shows!
Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe-storming, prime time TV-smashing, rib-splitting, side-tickling, extremely funny acts.
Andy Askins
As…
Newby Bridge
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs, with a special interest in jazz 'n' blues. Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano styles make her live performances a great experience.
We're looking…
Newby Bridge
Celebrate Mother's Day with relaxation, smoothies and quality time at Holte Spa.
This Mother's Day, swap the usual gifts for something truly meaningful — time together.
Our Mother & Teen Spa Experience invites mums and their teens (aged 16–18) to…
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…
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Newby Bridge
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th July.
Enjoy sunshine on the terrace, live music, fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. We can't wait to welcome you with some spring time cheer!
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL