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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.
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 15th May for an evening of live…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 291
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Bowness-on-Windermere
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This superb one-woman play, full of both humour and pathos, has received great critical acclaim since its premier at the Swan Theatre Worcester in 2012.
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Nr Ulverston
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the land, with its bewitching mix of rugged mountains, deep gylls, shimmering lakes, bouncing waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages. Our solos…
Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is now brought to life by riveting physical theatre performer, Sam Blythe. A timeless allegory that rings out a warning about politics,…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Ambleside
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned. The farm tour offers a…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
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.
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 11th June, 6-7pm
What…
Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a different perspective.
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
Ambleside
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to explore this tranquil corner of the lake by boat.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers sight-seeing tours every day except Christmas Day.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL