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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.
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 21st August for an evening of…
★★★★★ "Doctors should prescribe it as an antidepressant" – Broadway Baby ★ SELL-OUT show at the…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks…
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
The Windermere Record Fair SUNDAY 26th July 2026 Marchesi Centre Holly Road Windermere LA23…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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
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
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 25th September for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
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.
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
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
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.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Windermere
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the Lake District, where rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by iconic dry-stone walls and quaint country lanes. Immerse yourself…
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
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
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
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.
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