You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
Although Wray Castle is only 180 years old it is a grand and imposing building on the west shores…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Welcome to Herdy in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you’ll find a cheerful little shop…
Wake District is a family-run watersports business on Lake Windermere offering wakeboarding,…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 249
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
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.
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Our third season of classic films highlights the exciting film career of Victoria Wood - writer, director and star in a wide variety of fascinating films showcasing her amazing talent. Each screening will be introduced, and you're invited to join…
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
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…
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
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…
Bowness-On-Windermere
ACDC Black Ice Tribute Band - formed by brothers Gary (Angaz) Robertson as Angus Young playing lead guitar and Mike Robertsonas Brian Johnson singing lead vocals.
The band formed in 2009 with Mike's two sons Ash and Elliott Robertson supplying the…
Windermere
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake. Whether you're a local resident or a visiting tourist, we are excited to welcome you aboard for a fantastic boating experience.
Windermere
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all visitors who arrive by car, however please note that during peak season our car park can reach full capacity.
ULVERSTON
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a short walk up to the beautiful tarns of High Dam. It is also a good base for walks around the area.
28 spaces, pay and display. Charges apply every day…
AMBLESIDE
Free car park with 15 spaces.
Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of Windermere, situated southeast of High Wray.
WINDERMERE
Tariff type: Multi Tariff.
Public toilets on site.
WINDERMERE
Tariff type: Multi Tariff.
Public toilets on site.
WINDERMERE
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic and a paddle in the lake.
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of climbing throughout the fells. We have developed a range of venues that make it easier to access rock climbing for people with additional needs.
WINDERMERE
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on the particular location. No height restrictions.
Public toilets located at the entrance to the car park, next to the touirst information centre.
WINDERMERE
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL