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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.
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 301
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Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
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…
Windermere
A very special festive Sunday at Merewood
Join us for our Santa Luncheon on Sunday, 14th December 2025, from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.
Settle into a specially decorated country house setting and get ready to indulge in a delightful three-course à la carte…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
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.
Windermere
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Bowness on Windermere
Journey to medieval Scotland for this perfect introduction into Shakespeare for audiences young and old. Just Macbeth is by far the stupidest version of Shakespeare's great big gory tragedy you might ever see. Our story follows school-aged Andy,…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Newby Bridge
Can you solve the crime?
"Here we go again"! Murder is the "Name of the Game", and we need you to be a "Super Trouper" and "Take a Chance" on finding the killer who is hiding out in an Abba Tribute Band! Was Benny the Bad Guy? Agnetha the Assassin?…
Bowness-on-Windermere
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child!
(Adults go free!)
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Royalty, where Father Christmas awaits in his enchanting winter wonderland!
Upon arrival, one of our cheerful elves will greet you at the…
Newby Bridge
We're bringing Bonfire Night back to The Swan with a (literal) bang this year!
From 5pm – 8pm on Sunday 2nd November enjoy a fully-stocked bar, delicious barbeque, pizza van, full firework display and, of course, a brilliant bonfire to keep you…
Bowness on Windermere
Listen and watch the Hatter as he tells the story of Alice's journey in Wonderland through puppets, beautiful painted scenery, music , song and of course hats!
Along the way meet some strange and magical creatures, get to wear one of the Hatter's…
Windermere
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and fitness classes all under one roof. Bring the whole family down for a swim, use us to keep up with your home fitness routine whilst…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Windermere
Travel in style with your own private driver to visit four of the best country pubs that surround Lake Windermere.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL