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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.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the heart of the Lake District. Windermere has attracted visitors for centuries, and today it is still a great escape for water activities, boat rides,…
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Windermere
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District National Park. We are a husband and wife team and provide guest accommodation at the highest level. We have…
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
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…
Newby Bridge
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere
Full event details here: https://www.secrethillswalking.co.uk/tour/windermere-ring-walk-the-fells-and-valley-around-lake-windermere/
The Lake District is England's only true…
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate Halloween by the lake with spooky stories, monster-making and our refreshed wildlife trail. All activities included with Windermere Jetty Museum admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual pass holders go free.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
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,…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Millie Mac joins us on Saturday, 18th October, for an evening of live acoustic music from 7 pm. A talented solo singer, Millie will provide beautiful sounds to accompany your evening meal or a few drinks.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Soul Survivors are Cumbria's leading Soul and Motown band, playing all the classics from Wilson Pickett to Jackie Wilson, Van McCoy and many more.
This magnificent 10 piece band from Barrow-In-Furness consist of many well known local musicians and…
Newby Bridge
Get ready to jingle all the way at our Santa's Spa-rty!
Celebrate the season in style at our Christmas Spa Party Nights! For just £65 per person, immerse yourself in festive cheer from start to finish. Upon arrival, enjoy a festive drink that sets…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL