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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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Lakeside
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm
Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist.
Our festive deluxe afternoon tea is available from 1st December 2025 - 1st January 2026. Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New…
Staveley, Kendal
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare breed beef and pork, saltmarsh lamb and seafood from the sands of Morecambe Bay. Lakeland eateries are proud to present local food and this route takes…
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
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…
Kendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
Victoria Street, Windermere
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the Furness Peninsula and North Lancashire. Single and return services are available from all main UK airports and ports throughout the year.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Bowness on Windermere
Directors: Stanley Donen, Gene Kelly. Starring: Gene Kelly, Debby Reynolds, Donald O'Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse
Originating from a plan to make use of MGM's large back catalogue of songs from the twenties, a simple story of two silent…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Gerald recently lost his wife of many years. Amy was the light of his life, almost heaven-sent.
It's tricky thinking about life without her but he's trying his best to put a brave face on things, accepting help from fussy neighbours and muddling…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate Halloween by the lake with spooky stories, monster-making and our refreshed wildlife trail. All activities included with Windermere Jetty Museum admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual pass holders go free.
Windermere
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages.
The Cross Lakes Experience operates daily throughout the summer, from Saturday 24th May 2025 until Sunday 28th September 2025. This service connects…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea room. Featuring glorious Windermere views, Blackwell is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delightful festive treat.
Savour a carefully curated…
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 Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Piano Pete joins us from 7pm playing the best sing-along hits on the piano, the perfect soundtrack to your evening meal.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL