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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.
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
Free car park with 15 spaces. Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
An unforgettable escape to Merewood, with a deliciously dark twist… Step into the glamour and…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Mark, once half of legendary radio double-act Mark and Lard, has been on the national airwaves…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 263
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
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.
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.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Ambleside
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray.
Designed for families and children of all ages, Wray's outdoor spaces will become a hive of activity.
Let your imagination run wild with natural play at Wray this summer.…
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake!
Enjoy live music, a delicious buffet, and breathtaking views as you cruise the full length of Windermere.
What's Included?
• Full Lake Cruise – A 2½ hour journey showcasing the best…
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.
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 7th August for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful sound…
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
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…
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