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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.
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the…
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
Ian Doig is an official South Lakeland Private Hire Licence Holder. Ian is local to the area and…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
Bowness on Windermere
Hauntings is a spellbinding evening of three classic ghost stories. The award-winning Gerard Logan will take you to world of invisible, but terrifyingly present, spirits.
The evening includes MR James' Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad in…
Bowness on Windermere
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will
Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell but with audience…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Yourythmics is the ultimate live-band tribute to the legendary Eurythmics, led by the extraordinary Stacy Green, widely recognised as the UK's No. 1 Annie Lennox tribute and look-alike.
The show features the timeless Eurythmics hits like Sweet…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
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
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…
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
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.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cumbria's biggest comedy club, Planet Mirth (est 2010) heads to Windermere!
Featuring four award-winning, Edinburgh Fringe-storming, prime time TV-smashing, rib-splitting, side-tickling, extremely funny acts
Larry Dean
"Sensational" – Michael…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL