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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.
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 22nd…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 5th April for an evening of live…
Guess who's back… back for good!✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about…
Join Magician Chris Frostie Frost, for an afternoon of magical mayhem, comedy and nonsense. Be…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Guess who's back… and treating you with kindness. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — and on…
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨ This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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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…
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
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
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.
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.
Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer a wide selection of real ales, wines, and spirits, as well as a delicious menu of pub classics. Our friendly staff are always happy to chat and offer…
Newby Bridge
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 22nd May.
Enjoy sunshine on the terrace, live music, fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. We can't wait to welcome you with some spring time cheer!
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
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
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.
Ulverston
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
A gripping neo-noir crime drama set in 1950s Los Angeles. Three very different cops uncover corruption, scandal, and murder in the city's glamorous yet seedy underbelly.
This film is part of our Screen Classics series of hand-picked films over a…
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
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL