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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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Number of results: 223
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Windermere
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your own natural Christmas wreath to decorate your home this festive season.
PLEASE BOOK TICKETS THROUGH THE NT WEBSITE https://www.nationaltrust.org…
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.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
One of the largest Lake District Hotel’s, located in the best village to discover the beautiful Lake District, with the most exciting variety of experiences on your doorstep and views of Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the bustling village…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
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…
Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Welcome to Herdy in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you’ll find a cheerful little shop inspired by the characterful Herdwick sheep that have roamed the Lake District fells for generations.
Step inside our Bowness-on-Windermere store and…
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
Windermere
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Windermere
If you can’t decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don’t, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Newby Bridge
Get into the festive spirit with a Christmas Spa-rty at Holte Spa – an evening of relaxation, music and plenty of Christmas cheer.
Enjoy a festive welcome drink on arrival before heading into our beautifully decorated spa garden, transformed for…
Newby Bridge, Lakeside
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and restore. Step into a sanctuary of stillness and sensory renewal, where floating water and healing sound vibrations come…
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Join us for a special evening of music, film and spoken word as we come together to mark Armistice Day and remember those who served and sacrificed during times of conflict.
Featuring Burneside Brass, strings, ensemble musicians and spoken word,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL