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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.
Join us for a special evening of music, film and spoken word as we come together to mark Armistice…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Eilish Briscoe is an artist and designer from Lancashire, now based in London. Her…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Thirty years. One seaside tradition. A lifetime of love. John Godber's September in the Rain is a…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Enjoy some creative, festive family activities at Abbot Hall this winter! Festive…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
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…
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
Ambleside
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of the Wray team.
Starting on the Castle terrace, you'll stop at key points around the perimeter to hear how the Dawson family created the estate,…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Set on the shores of Windermere, this relaxed family day invites children and their grown-ups to enjoy storytelling, creativity and a little seasonal magic beside England's largest natural lake.
Join us for winter-themed storytelling sessions with…
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Add some handcrafted charm to your festive celebrations this year by creating your very own unique traditional Christmas Wreath.
You'll learn how to use locally sourced foliage, natural materials and decorations to make an original wreath 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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works by its architect, the Arts & Crafts designer Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott (1865-1945).
This exhibition brings together significant works by Baillie…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event, competition and collaboration between Grasmere Gingerbread® and
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The first-ever national celebration and bold reimagining of a…
Kendal
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Guided by the experienced team from Kendal-based Willowpool Designs, you'll spend the day creating your own handmade willow deer decoration to take home and display during the festive season.
Taking place in the Learning Centre, with…
Windermere
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the Lake District, where rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by iconic dry-stone walls and quaint country lanes. Immerse yourself…
Cumbria-wide
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL