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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…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 15th May for an evening of live…
Guess who's back… and this time we're going totally 80s. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning —…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…
Discover Lakelovers – Your Trusted Local Experts in Lake District Holiday Letting For over 40…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location (…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 298
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Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Bowness-on-Windermere
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨
This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with a family-friendly documentary-style cinema experience.
Watch: Mystery of Windermere – Bownessie A captivating short documentary exploring the…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour.
The exhibition follows her evolution from monochrome pieces to vibrant, intricate designs, featuring her latest collection Unfixing, rarely seen archive…
Windermere
Discover Lakelovers – Your Trusted Local Experts in Lake District Holiday Letting
For over 40 years, Lakelovers has been a trusted name in Lake District holidays. With local offices in Windermere, Keswick, and Ambleside, we combine unrivalled…
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with Tom's soulful sounds, an acoustic singer and guitarist known for his lively classics.
Join us for a night to…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of thousands of people across the UK and Europe over the past decade.
The Lancashire born singer-songwriter is deservedly gaining attention on both…
Bowness-on-Windermere
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This superb one-woman play, full of both humour and pathos, has received great critical acclaim since its premier at the Swan Theatre Worcester in 2012.
…
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.
Brockhole, Windermere
Design, build and decorate a colourful home for the precious insects in your garden.
£9.50 per child - please book via Brockhole website.
Children age 5-11 years.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 adults per family.
Creative…
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.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
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.
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Cumbria
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the southern Lakeland Fells. In Staveley the workshops, galleries, brewery, plant nursery and eateries offer food for both eyes and appetite. Return along the…
ULVERSTON
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a short walk up to the beautiful tarns of High Dam. It is also a good base for walks around the area.
28 spaces, pay and display. Charges apply every day…
Windermere
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake. Whether you're a local resident or a visiting tourist, we are excited to welcome you aboard for a fantastic boating experience.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL