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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.
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Join us for a special evening of music, film and spoken word as we come together to mark Armistice…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 224
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
Lakeside
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
Birkdale House is a beautifully restored Arts and Crafts country home, near Windermere, sleeping 10. Set in private grounds on our organic farm, it combines timeless charm and elegance in your own corner of the Lake District.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Event Details
Enjoy 15% off your festive shopping at Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 5 December.
Exclusive to Lakeland Arts Members, this offer can be used on most products in Windermere Jetty Museum's Gift Shop, making it a lovely…
Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
Windermere
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District.
Perfect for couples, families and groups, these relaxed and enjoyable experiences combine exploration, creativity and practical photography tips in some…
Newby Bridge, Lakeside
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and restore. Step into a sanctuary of stillness and sensory renewal, where floating water and healing sound vibrations come…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event, competition and collaboration between Grasmere Gingerbread® and
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The first-ever national celebration and bold reimagining of a…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Windermere
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and fitness classes all under one roof. Bring the whole family down for a swim, use us to keep up with your home fitness routine whilst…
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.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL