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.
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Guess who's back… back for good!✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 272
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park Cliffe. Set in a peaceful location in the fells above Windermere, you’ll get spectacular views, a great welcome and all the excellent amenities offered…
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 13th August,…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Alverston
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring locations in Europe. From the swim in Windermere, the bike past the iconic Coniston Water and the run to the summit of England's highest mountain and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Windermere
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 3–12 years, filled with giant bouncy castles, thrilling slides, obstacle courses and interactive games. Families book timed sessions where children can bounce, climb, race and…
Winderemere
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and deep relaxation in one of the Lake District's most peaceful valleys.
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.
Newby Bridge
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Founded by the visionary Lionel Black, Regatta Great Outdoors was designed to help everyone make the most of time spent in the great outdoors. Regatta offers a wide selection of waterproof jackets, fleeces, walking trousers, footwear and…
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…
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 3rd July for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful sound and…
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…
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL