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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.
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
Step inside to discover a cosy, storybook Christmas at Hill Top. Where Beatrix Potter's characters…
Festive Colouring activities Available throughout December in the Café Welcome the festive cheer…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Enjoy some creative, festive family activities at Abbot Hall this winter! Festive…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Discover BeWILDerwood Lake District at Brockhole on Windermere. Explore woodland adventures, indoor…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and for 2026, there's even more to enjoy as the fair takes place across two consecutive weekends!
Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind gift,…
Cumbria-wide
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our luxury family run country guest house, situated opposite lake Windermere.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Windermere
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your own natural Christmas wreath to decorate your home this festive season.
PLEASE BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE NT WEBSITE https://www.nationaltrust.org…
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
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
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…
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.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Big news – Trenchers Bowness on Windermere has officially arrived! Building on over four decades of tradition, this exciting new location will bring their award-winning fish and chips and seafood to the heart of the Lakes.
Windermere
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near Hawkshead.
The Cross Lake Shuttle operates daily throughout the summer, from 23 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. It's a great way to reach places like…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Festive Quiz Night - Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and put your knowledge to the test in an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Enjoy a festive atmosphere, great prizes, and plenty of Christmas cheer, all while…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL