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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.
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special summertime performance from 6pm – 8pm…
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Pick your authentic Shakespearean genre: Epic History, Romantic Comedy, or Gruesome Tragedy! Pen…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Afternoon Tea at The Belsfield is a quintessentially English experience, offering delicious…
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Windermere
WEEKEND RETREAT - an inspiring and transformative weekend with Satish Kumar in the beauty of the English Lake District
As Satish shares deep wisdom from his life of campaigning for ecological regeneration, social justice peace and spiritual…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Bowness on Windermere
Founded in 2006 by Leonid Tritus, the Kammerphilharmonie Europa is an orchestra of talented young musicians from 18 European nations; nine of these musicians (seven strings, oboe and trumpet) join this exciting UK chamber music tour. The musicians…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Ulverston
112km and 3,209ft elevation with a total ascent of 6,916ft A totally unique Triathlon race from Windermere to the top of Englands' highest mountain and back again. Taking THE ROC into the Lake District, this is an opportunity to test your resolve…
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 14th August,…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Lake Road, Windermere
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular with people looking for lakeside holiday homes. The park is nestled in an ancient woodland of mature oak trees, offering over a mile of private…
BOWNESS
Embark on a thrilling journey with Wild Deer Events, where a diverse range of triathlon challenges await athletes of all levels. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to test your limits or a seasoned competitor seeking your next conquest, Wild Deer…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Bowness-on-Windermere
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment experiences that you can share with loved ones, leaving everlasting memories you’ll cherish.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Jon Dawes to The Swan on Friday 12th September.
Singer-Songwriter hailing from the South of the Lake District. Forming conventional acoustic guitar playing with the ideology and rhythm of a drummer, this unique…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 27th June for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with the Tom's soulful sounds, an acoustic singer and guitarist known for his lively classics.
Join us for a night to…
Windermere
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL