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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.
Get into the festive spirit with a live Christmas carols performance by Kendal Concert Band at…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Arrival Time: 6:30PM Finish Time: 01:00 AM Dress Code: Glamorous attire is strongly…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Enjoy some creative, festive family activities at Abbot Hall this winter! Festive…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 223
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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
Our Swanfire Night has always been about bringing people together – a chance for our local community, families and friends to gather, enjoy the fireworks and celebrate one of our favourite autumn traditions.
This year, we'll be introducing a small…
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Get into the festive spirit with a live Christmas carols performance by Kendal Concert Band at Windermere Jetty Museum on Wednesday 9 December.
Taking place indoors in the Link Space near Lakeshore Café, this free performance offers a cosy and…
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
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…
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Founded by the visionary Lionel Black, Regatta Great Outdoors was designed to help everyone make the most of time spent in the great outdoors. Regatta offers a wide selection of waterproof jackets, fleeces, walking trousers, footwear and…
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.
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…
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…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Festive Colouring activities
Available throughout December in the Café
Welcome the festive cheer to your family's table as you join us in the Jetty café this December. Pick up an activity sheet to get creative with some calming colouring-in while…
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Festive Quiz Night - Gather your friends, family, or colleagues and put your knowledge to the test in an evening filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition. Enjoy a festive atmosphere, great prizes, and plenty of Christmas cheer, all while…
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…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL