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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.
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Bowness-on-Windemere
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District.
If you have never looked at a map or would be unsure about planning and following a route along paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Bowness-on-Windermere
An evening of the very best music for Brass Band performed by the celebrated Dalton Town Band.
Dalton Town band are renowned for their entertaining concert programmes and this promises to be no exception, with traditional brass band marches as…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Windermere
Travel in style with your own private driver to visit four of the best country pubs that surround Lake Windermere.
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…
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…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Millie Mac joins us on Saturday, 18th October, for an evening of live acoustic music from 7 pm. A talented solo singer, Millie will provide beautiful sounds to accompany your evening meal or a few drinks.
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Top Fun! is a roller coaster ride of laughter, surprise and genuine amazement. Hitting all the nostalgic 80s notes, this high energy show will challenge what you think about hypnotism. Matt will unlock the hidden talents of his willing participants…
Ambleside
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations that Potter visited during her time in the Lake District.
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.
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.
Newby Bridge
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy Ash's smooth blend of acoustic favourites, soulful covers, and laid-back classics – the perfect soundtrack for those…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL