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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.
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 296
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Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This exhibition of paintings and photography celebrates the people, stories and heritage of Windermere — from boatbuilders and our conservation team to community…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Windermere
Travel in style with your own private driver to visit four of the best country pubs that surround Lake Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
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…
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Please come along and support the Windermere Food Bank and of course some amazing local crafters.
We are very happy to announce we will be hosting local crafters who will be selling handmade items that will make the most wonderful Christmas gifts,…
Bowness on Windermere
DiCillo's classic insider rendering of the world of low budget films. An independent film maker trying to make his first feature film encounters rebellious catering crews, flaky actors and much more!
This film evening is part of our 'Reversing the…
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
Bowness on Windermere
Founded in 2006 by Leonid Tritus, the Kammerphilharmonie Europa is an orchestra of talented young musicians from 18 European nations; nine of these musicians (seven strings, oboe and trumpet) join this exciting UK chamber music tour. The musicians…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Windermere
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa Gornall.
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…
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of climbing throughout the fells. We have developed a range of venues that make it easier to access rock climbing for people with additional needs.
ULVERSTON
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
AMBLESIDE
Free car park with 15 spaces.
Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of Windermere, situated southeast of High Wray.
Ambleside
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces.
Park at Wray Castle for access to Windermere west shore for gentle walks and cycle tracks. Toilets and tea room available. This pay-and-display or pay-by-phone car park is…
WINDERMERE
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place for a family picnic and a paddle in the lake.
WINDERMERE
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point is located in the top disabled car park by the main house. Tokens can be purchased at the shop counter in the Visitors Centre. All charges go towards…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL