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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.
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour. The…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 302
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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.
Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a different perspective.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd October for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with the Rob – a singer songwriter, purveyor of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, the old-time banjo sounds of…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
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.
Newby Bridge
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Begins in The Ballroom, The Swan Hotel
Join us for a spine-chilling evening of live storytelling, inspired by real Cumbrian legends and historic horrors. This immersive experience unfolds across several locations in and…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors playing over 30 characters. Feel the spirit of Christmas as Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas film comes vividly to life!
It's Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls.…
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
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
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…
Newby Bridge
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
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.
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Nr Ulverston
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the land, with its bewitching mix of rugged mountains, deep gylls, shimmering lakes, bouncing waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages. Our solos…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us for a Sunday of live music at the Marina as Luke Betts joins us from 4pm, singing all the best in sing along acoustic anthems, the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday Roast.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL