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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.
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Although Wray Castle is only 180 years old it is a grand and imposing building on the west shores…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 302
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Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd October for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with the Rob – a singer songwriter, purveyor of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, the old-time banjo sounds of…
Newby Bridge
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of live music.
Relax into the festive spirit as Becki brings her signature blend of vintage vocals, soulful classics, and modern favourites — the perfect…
Bowness on Windermere
nternational tribute "Fearlessly Taylor" is performed by the brilliant Ashleigh Stevens, who has been performing as a Taylor Swift tribute for many years, and now she is bringing a new show to theatres in the UK with her live band.
This all-new…
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.
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
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.
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…
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…
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.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Windermere:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle…
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
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Discover the work of pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur Annie Garnett, a leading figure in the British Arts & Crafts Movement.
Step into the vibrant world of Annie Garnett, a pioneering textile designer and entrepreneur of the British…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
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
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL