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.
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 303
, currently showing 181 to 200.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Bowness-on-Windermere
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of Bowness, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Thursday 11 December, 2–4pm.
Get ready to let your hair down, meet new people and experience this charming, modern revival of a…
Bowness
Step into the world of Fleetwood Nick'd—where timeless hits, rich harmonies, and '70s rock & roll collide.
Fleetwood Nick'd is more than just a tribute—they're a full-bodied revival of the magic and mystique of Fleetwood Mac.
Lose yourself in a…
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…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
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…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
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
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Gerald recently lost his wife of many years. Amy was the light of his life, almost heaven-sent.
It's tricky thinking about life without her but he's trying his best to put a brave face on things, accepting help from fussy neighbours and muddling…
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
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
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
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.
-
Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
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
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL