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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.
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Get ready for a huge night of stadium-sized rock at The Royalty! Two powerhouse tributes: EMUS &…
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens…
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 240
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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…
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.
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…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life in a warm, sharply funny live show of storytelling.
From the wild early days at The Comedy…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event, competition and collaboration between Grasmere Gingerbread® and
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The first-ever national celebration and bold reimagining of a…
Cumbria
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a gentle out and back introduction to this quiet corner of the Lake District.
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…
Windermere
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, where you'll see the beauty of ten stunning lakes—including the iconic Windermere, the tranquil Brotherswater, the majestic…
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
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
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…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a delightful musical spectacular! With beautiful puppets and enchanting songs, this theatrical treat is perfect for the whole family.
️ Thanks to the…
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.
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…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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…
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop which will stock a huge range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, gifts and accessories.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL