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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.
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 298
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️
Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — bigger beats, bigger energy, and full Ibiza House vibes.
Join us on 21st August, 6–9pm for our Ibiza House Spa-rty — an evening of…
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨
This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with a family-friendly documentary-style cinema experience.
Watch: Mystery of Windermere – Bownessie A captivating short documentary exploring the…
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Newby Bridge
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our expert guide, Karen, leads you through the session in the picturesque River Leven.
Session Details:
Dates & Times: Thursday 18th June, 6-7pm
What…
Windermere
Discover Lakelovers – Your Trusted Local Experts in Lake District Holiday Letting
For over 40 years, Lakelovers has been a trusted name in Lake District holidays. With local offices in Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside, we combine unrivalled…
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 3rd July for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful sound and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Windermere
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near Hawkshead.
The Cross Lake Shuttle operates daily throughout the summer, from 23 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. It's a great way to reach places like…
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
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.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
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,…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Every hospital, medical-based, Doctors-and-Nurses cliche-ridden drama onstage in a comedy mash-up spoof!
It's Dr Ann Fleming's first day at St David's, where her unfortunately-named mentor Dr Death, is determined to show her who's boss. As medical…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
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…
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