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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.
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
At 11am, gather round in the Boathouse for festive storytelling. Father Christmas' friendly elves…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location (…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Join us at the historic Townend Lakeland barn in Troutbeck, Windermere to design and create your…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Get into the festive spirit with our Christmas Luxury Wreath Workshop, hosted by the talented team…
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…
Experience Swanfire Night a little differently this year with our Sparkling Skies Experience at…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
Windermere
This Halloween, take an exclusive night time tour of Townend by candlelight, exploring the superstitious beliefs and macabre potions of the 17th century Browne family. £18pp (Suitable for children 11+)
This tour invites you to not only explore…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
Newby Bridge
Experience Swanfire Night a little differently this year with our Sparkling Skies Experience at Holte Spa.
Settle in for an autumn evening of relaxation as you make the most of our spa before the night sky lights up over The Swan. Take time to…
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
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
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…
Cumbria
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and returning via a ride across it on the car ferry.
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…
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Big news – Trenchers Bowness on Windermere has officially arrived! Building on over four decades of tradition, this exciting new location will bring their award-winning fish and chips and seafood to the heart of the Lakes.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Guided by experts in natural skincare and wellbeing, you'll unlock the secrets of essential oils, learning how to blend scents that suit your personal preferences and therapeutic needs. You'll then infuse your bespoke blend into natural coconut wax…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL