You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Free car park with 15 spaces. Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
This Halloween, take an exclusive night time tour of Townend by candlelight, exploring the…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 251
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
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…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Come to a place where the earth's natural material meets with children's imaginations, a world of fabulous forms, amazing animals and morphing monsters.
Each Claytime is totally unique - creating its own world, characters and stories drawn directly…
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Get ready for laughs as the loveable, bumbling Baffo returns in a riotous, cycle-themed clown show! Wondering how to blow up a tire or ride a bike? Baffo's got you covered - sort of.
Expect wildly silly stunts, ridiculous feats, and plenty of…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop which will stock a huge range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, gifts and accessories.
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…
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Windermere
This Halloween, take an exclusive night time tour of Townend by candlelight, exploring the superstitious beliefs and macabre potions of the 17th century Browne family. £18pp (Suitable for children 11+)
This tour invites you to not only explore…
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL