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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 Art Society Annual Exhibition
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
A KIND OF MAGIC TOUR Following the fantastic show in 2025 at Bowness, "Now I'm Here" Queen Tribute…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Swimming the…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Big news – Trenchers Bowness on Windermere has officially arrived! Building on over four decades of…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 252
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Bowness-on-Windermere
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back on Ash Street. As an Asian BBQ & Grill restaurant with playful dishes and bold flavours, enjoy the vibrant energy and that electric buzz that keeps you…
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.
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…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents an outstanding year-round programme of drama, classical music, folk, comedy and film.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
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…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
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