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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.
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful…
INTERNATIONAL DRAG ROYALTY Direct from prestigious theatres and luxury cruise ships around the…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
Although Wray Castle is only 180 years old it is a grand and imposing building on the west shores…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 244
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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.
Newby Bridge
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs, with a special interest in jazz 'n' blues. Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano styles make her live performances a great experience.
We're looking…
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
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
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.
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.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of live music.
Reuben Tighe fingerpicks his way through an eclectic mix of blues, foot stomping folk and original music, delivering a euphonious…
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.
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Cumbria
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a gentle out and back introduction to this quiet corner of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
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.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
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 Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Welcome to Herdy in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you’ll find a cheerful little shop inspired by the characterful Herdwick sheep that have roamed the Lake District fells for generations.
Step inside our Bowness-on-Windermere store and…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL