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For many visitors, the Lake District is synonymous with Windermere, which is both the largest lake in England and its most popular. It’s been a major tourist centre since 1847, when the trains first steamed into town carrying passengers eager for the fresh air and stunning scenery, and it’s been pretty much the same ever since. Transport options have improved, and there’s a broader choice of leisure activities both on and off the water. Access to the lake is from Bowness-On-Windermere, which is just a short hop from Windermere town.
There are 14 islands in the lake, the largest of which is Belle Isle (formerly known as Longholme). In 1250 it was the seat of the Lord of the Manor and a Royalist stronghold during the Civil War. In 1774 an unusual circular house was erected on the island, which was sold (along with the island) to the wealthy Curwen family who renamed the island after their daughter, Isabella.
The lake has long been used as a highway for the transport of stone, minerals, charcoal and woollen cloth. A ferry service has operated across the narrowest point of the lake (Bowness to Ferry House on the western shore) since the 15th century.
The earliest craft were large rowing boats that carried people and animals, with passengers expected to help with the rowing. In 1870 the first ferry to run on underwater cables was introduced; a 20-minute service now provided by the modern Mallard ferry.
By the 19th century, wealthy businessmen from the urban areas began to regard the Lakes as a haven of scenic tranquillity, acquiring grand country retreats. Belsfield (now a hotel) was bought by the iron magnate, Henry William Schneider, in 1869 as a commuter home (he built a jetty at the bottom of the garden so he could sail to Lakeside in his steamboat, Esperance).
Storrs Hall was acquired by John Bolton in 1806 on proceeds from the slave trade. Brockhole, built in the late 1880s by Henry Gaddum, a wealthy silk merchant from Manchester, became a convalescent home before opening as the National Park Visitor Centre in 1969.
And lastly, Blackwell, an architectural gem from the Arts and Crafts era, was commissioned by Sir Edward Holt, a wealthy brewer from Manchester.
Bowness-on-Windermere is one of the most popular holiday locations in the Lake District and the easiest way to access the lake, most notably by steamer. It is an excellent base for water activities, including boating and leisurely water attractions, as well as boat hire or family watersports.
Newby Bridge - At the southern end of Lake Windermere adjoining the River Leven, Newby Bridge is a small village, with a selection of hotels and B&B's. It got its name from the five-arched stone bridge built across the river in 1651. The famous Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway connects you to Haverthwaite on a 3.5 mile journey, there is also the Lakes Aquarium to visit at Lakeside.
Did you know?
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
The laid-back ‘Gilpin Spice’ has an open kitchen serving tapas-style pan-Asian dishes inspired by…
Make your own lovely mosaic decorations using traditional mosaic techniques. Choose from festive…
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Discover the excitingly surreal work of contemporary artist and sculptor Jocelyn McGregor. Inspired…
Come along for some festive fun and create a lovely handmade festive wreath with us. Tickets are…
Afternoon tea served overlooking Windermere or in our comfortable lounge bar. Our restaurant,…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Theatre Trip (Inc.of Coach Travel) to see the Olivier Award-winning play, 'The Life of Pi' at the…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
The Kammerphilharmonie Europa gives a guest performance in Bowness-on-Windermere for this very…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 239
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Windermere
Want something fun and a little bit different this holiday? Try something new and exciting in the adventure playground of the Lake District. Take it at your own pace and make your time with us as action packed or relaxing as you want.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Kammerphilharmonie Europa gives a guest performance in Bowness-on-Windermere for
this very special concert. The ensemble is made up of some of the most talented young
musicians from across Europe who tour and perform around the world with…
Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and paddleboard hire.…
Ulverston
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun action game played outside in the fresh air by all ages from age 6 upwards. Our forest Laser Tag is ‘no-impact’ (unlike Paintball) and it’s suitable for…
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells. They are maintained to high standard so on arrival you can…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette 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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious!
Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats, freshly baked by our talented cafe team. Pop in for a morning coffee, lunch or an afternoon treat. Our signature afternoon tea is famous with our visitors,…
Graythwaite
We may be biased but genuinely believe we run watersports from one of the best locations in the Lake District; Grubbins Point on Windermere. From this sheltered bay on the southwest shore, we offer both instructed lessons and canoe hire. Journeying…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
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
Tents can pitch in one of two areas. - Our Ghyllside camping area, allows you to reserve your pitch, with electrical hook-up (6amps) suitable for lighting, recharging devices and small appliances such as a travel kettle. These pitches are allocated…
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake District. We make a wide range of skincare products including ‘Bath and Body’, ‘Facial Skincare’ and ‘Home.’ We also do an ‘Active & Therapeutic’ range…
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.
We offer a range of private group experiences near Windermere, including ghyll scrambling, canyoning, canoeing and kayaking, rock climbing and more. We also provide outdoor team building experiences, so get in touch today to start building your…
Bowness-on-Windermere
"Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy".
So begins 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', the first of C S Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" – seven books about the wondrous Narnia and its inhabitants.…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us day or night for delicious American Soul Food oozing with flavour right in the heart of Bowness. Combining small plates and sharing dishes, as well as lighter options at lunch, means we have something for everyone.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL