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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.
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 10th…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Pay and display car park with 56 spaces.Beech Hill car park is situated on the A592, midway between…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Staying at The Swan this Easter? Why not join us on Sunday 5th April, for our very own swanderful…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
Newby Bridge
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel!
Taking place on Sunday 5th April from 3pm – 5pm with pizza, chips and live entertainment. Tickets are just £14 per child – Supervising adults go free.
Please note the pizza and…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
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.
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Newby Bridge
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Join Magician Chris Frostie Frost, for an afternoon of magical mayhem, comedy and nonsense. Be prepared to sing, dance and laugh your way through a magic show filled with Silly Spells, Hilarious Puppets and all round fun for the entire family
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Bowness-on-Windermere
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit for excellent food and drink. Newly opened following an exciting refurb, take in the views with a glass of frothy real local ale or settle back with a…
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive 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…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL