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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.
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Welcome to Herdy in the heart of Bowness-on-Windermere, where you’ll find a cheerful little shop…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Terrifying Tarns, Wicked Waters & Loathsome Lakes Join us at The Swan for a chilling evening of…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
Free car park with 15 spaces. Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of…
Get into the festive spirit with a live Christmas carols performance by Kendal Concert Band at…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Experience Swanfire Night a little differently this year with our Sparkling Skies Experience at…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 223
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Windermere
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and fitness classes all under one roof. Bring the whole family down for a swim, use us to keep up with your home fitness routine whilst…
Windermere
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head Chef Kevin Scanlan, their tasting menus combine exquisite ingredients, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with…
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…
Bowness
Enjoy a carefully curated 2-course menu of seasonal dishes, with comforting festive flavours and, of course, a Christmas cracker. Includes mulled wine or non-alcoholic alternative.
Festive Lunch is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
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.
Kirkland, Kendal
Eilish Briscoe is an artist and designer from Lancashire, now based in London. Her multidisciplinary practice spans graphic design, printmaking, sculpture and installation, exploring the relationship between art, language and health.
After…
Bowness-on-Windermere
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit for excellent food and drink. Newly opened following an exciting refurb, take in the views with a glass of frothy real local ale or settle back with a…
Newby Bridge
The Swan's Santa's Grotto, a festive wonderland awaits your little ones!
Every weekend from November the 14th (coinciding with our Christmas Markets!), we invite children of all ages, up to 14, to experience the joy of meeting Santa Claus himself.…
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Event Details
Enjoy 15% off your festive shopping at Windermere Jetty Museum on Saturday 5 December.
Exclusive to Lakeland Arts Members, this offer can be used on most products in Windermere Jetty Museum's Gift Shop, making it a lovely…
Bowness on Windermere
Step into the world of Fleetwood Nick'd—where timeless hits, rich harmonies, and '70s rock & roll collide.
Formed in 2021 by lifelong fans, Fleetwood Nick'd is more than just a tribute—they're a full-bodied revival of the magic and mystique of…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Lakeside
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL