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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.
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026 Try something new and have a splashing time! We've again…
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs…
Something is rotten in Old London Town… In Victorian England, a rotten, raspberry blower is…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
BounceFest is a high-energy inflatable play experience for children aged 3–12 years, filled with…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
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.
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,…
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…
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
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.
Windermere
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your own natural Christmas wreath to decorate your home this festive season.
PLEASE BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE NT WEBSITE https://www.nationaltrust.org…
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
Windermere
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park Cliffe. Set in a peaceful location in the fells above Windermere, you’ll get spectacular views, a great welcome and all the excellent amenities offered…
Windermere
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near Hawkshead.
The Cross Lake Shuttle operates daily throughout the summer, from 23 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. It's a great way to reach places like…
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
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…
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September 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
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of 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…
Bowness - On - Windermere
Who likes to rock?!
ACDC Black Ice Tribute Band - formed by brothers Gary (Angaz) Robertson as Angus Young playing lead guitar and Mike Robertsonas Brian Johnson singing lead vocals.
The band formed in 2009 with Mike's two sons Ash and Elliott…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL