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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.
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Musical – Tommy (1975) Ken Russell's flamboyant rock opera follows a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy who…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010)! Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh…
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…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Hardwicke Circus - Live in Concert @ The Royalty (Bowness)- 21 March 2026 Get ready for one of…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Ursula Leveaux, bassoon | Martin Hughes, violin Fay Sweet, viola | Deborah Findley, cello …
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 236
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Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
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
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 Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and continues to hols Visit Britain Quality Assured status as a Visitors…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This exhibition of paintings and photography celebrates the people, stories and heritage of Windermere — from boatbuilders and our conservation team to community…
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…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
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…
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.
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
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
Bowness-on-Windermere
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and everything in between, Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One.
When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously…
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.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL