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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.
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 309
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Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Bowness-on-Windermere
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨
This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with a family-friendly documentary-style cinema experience.
Watch: Mystery of Windermere – Bownessie A captivating short documentary exploring the…
Newby Bridge
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our expert guide, Karen, leads you through the session in the picturesque River Leven.
Session Details:
Dates & Times: Thursday 13th August,…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Ambleside
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned. The farm tour offers a…
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…
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these deaths, and did Shakespeare have the knowledge to back them up?
This talk turns a scientific eye towards the Bard and the varied and creative ways…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life in a warm, sharply funny live show of storytelling.
From the wild early days at The Comedy…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Cumbria
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the southern Lakeland Fells. In Staveley the workshops, galleries, brewery, plant nursery and eateries offer food for both eyes and appetite. Return along the…
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,…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with Tom's soulful sounds, an acoustic singer and guitarist known for his lively classics.
Join us for a night to…
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
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
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL