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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.
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of…
Join us in the Learning Centre this Easter Holidays for free, hands-on activities designed to spark…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 289
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Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
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.
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of thousands of people across the UK and Europe over the past decade.
The Lancashire born singer-songwriter is deservedly gaining attention on both…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️
Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — bigger beats, bigger energy, and full Ibiza House vibes.
Join us on 21st August, 6–9pm for our Ibiza House Spa-rty — an evening of…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never looked at a map or would like to learn more about planning and following a route using paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Nr Ulverston
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the land, with its bewitching mix of rugged mountains, deep gylls, shimmering lakes, bouncing waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages. Our solos…
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.
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Looking for something creative to do with the family this Easter? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house for hands on Easter activities inspired by spring, pattern, colour and the beautiful details on display throughout the house.
Paper…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full Afternoon Tea, Lunch, and Dinner menus available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Brockhole, Windermere
Design, build and decorate a colourful home for the precious insects in your garden.
£9.50 per child - please book via Brockhole website.
Children age 5-11 years.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 adults per family.
Creative…
Bowness-on-Windermere
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This superb one-woman play, full of both humour and pathos, has received great critical acclaim since its premier at the Swan Theatre Worcester in 2012.
…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL