You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
A very special festive Sunday at Merewood Join us for our Santa Luncheon on Sunday, 14th December…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
Pay and display car park with 56 spaces.Beech Hill car park is situated on the A592, midway between…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
Ian Doig is an official South Lakeland Private Hire Licence Holder. Ian is local to the area and…
nternational tribute "Fearlessly Taylor" is performed by the brilliant Ashleigh Stevens, who has…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is…
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 296
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Yourythmics is the ultimate live-band tribute to the legendary Eurythmics, led by the extraordinary Stacy Green, widely recognised as the UK's No. 1 Annie Lennox tribute and look-alike.
The show features the timeless Eurythmics hits like Sweet…
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full Afternoon Tea, Lunch, and Dinner menus available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Newby Bridge
We're thrilled to welcome Helen Miller to The Swan on 27th December for a soulful evening of live music.
Keep the festive feeling going as Helen performs a beautiful mix of contemporary favourites, easy-listening classics, and laid-back acoustic…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
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.
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Bowness on Windermere
Being a witch is super exciting. There's always so much to do and so much fun to be had.
Especially around Halloween. And maybe that's why Natascha The Witch can't sleep…
Can anyone, or anything, help her drift off?
Based on a story from Steven…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
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
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
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.
Newby Bridge
Hosted by Laura, of the Good Mood Club, we welcome you to start your weekend the right way with a calming 90-minute gentle yoga flow and breathwork session, designed for all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Piano Pete joins us from 7pm on Saturday 25th October, playing the best sing-along hits on the piano, the perfect soundtrack to your evening meal.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join textile artist Louise from Darcy Badger Designs, for a mindful, hands-on creative workshop where you'll craft your very own giant Christmas pudding-inspired cushion. Using chunky yarn, Louise will guide you step by step through the process,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Discover the work of pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur Annie Garnett, a leading figure in the British Arts & Crafts Movement.
Step into the vibrant world of Annie Garnett, a pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur of the British…
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL