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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
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style.
Late Nite Fiasco
Fuse ska, reggae & rock with unstoppable energy. With a huge local following & performances at festivals such as Solfest, CockRock, and Oxjam, LNF are…
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…
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.
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…
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work reshaped the landscape of British humour. But behind the joyous persona – the singer, the satirist, the sharp-witted writer – lay a young woman navigating…
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
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…
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Perfect for your work Christmas party, or a seasonal catch-up with family and friends. Whether you're a group of 4 or a party of 100, we've got the space to celebrate in style!
Choose from our ticketed festive party nights or create bespoke food…
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
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.
Newby Bridge
We're thrilled to welcome Helen Miller to The Swan on 27th December for a soulful evening of live music.
Keep the festive feeling going as Helen performs a beautiful mix of contemporary favourites, easy-listening classics, and laid-back acoustic…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors playing over 30 characters. Feel the spirit of Christmas as Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas film comes vividly to life!
It's Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls.…
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL