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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.
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Please come along and support the Windermere Food Bank and of course some amazing local crafters…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 296
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A591, Windermere
A family experience for the bravest of participants is coming to Zip World Windermere this October as Arachnophobia takes over Treetop Nets from 25 – 31 October 2025.
This Halloween encounter for all the family will see eight-legged monsters crawl…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Get ready for a relaxing and sensory morning with a festive candle making workshop led by the team from Pure Lakes on Saturday 13 December, 10:30am–1pm.
Guided by experts in natural skincare and wellbeing, you'll unlock the secrets of essential…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our luxury family run country guest house, situated opposite lake Windermere.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour.
The exhibition follows her evolution from monochrome pieces to vibrant, intricate designs, featuring her latest collection Unfixing, rarely seen archive…
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Bowness on Windermere
The animals have taken over the farm.
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is now brought to life by riveting physical theatre performer, Sam Blythe. A timeless allegory that…
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
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
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…
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Newby Bridge
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening of live music.
Sink into the in-between-days bliss as Rob performs a mix of acoustic favourites, feel-good classics, and modern crowd-pleasers – the…
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL