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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.
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
New Year. . . same problems! It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 236
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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…
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…
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
Nr Ulverston
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the land, with its bewitching mix of rugged mountains, deep gylls, shimmering lakes, bouncing waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages. Our solos…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a relaxed and creative family day out this February half term at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. Our family-friendly activities are inspired by Blackwell's architecture and Frances Priest: Motif | Line | Colour exhibition.
Origami…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Bowness-on-Windermere
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment experiences that you can share with loved ones, leaving everlasting memories you’ll cherish.
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-Windermere
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson
Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning Edinburgh Festival Fringe premiere, Biff To The Future is now touring the UK!
The iconic villain of "Back to the Future" takes centre stage in this…
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
New Year. . . same problems!
It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has been reset for our post Covid times. Bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, Salty, Gail and Hobby use their B.Tech Performance…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
Newby Bridge
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials on the way. An enjoyable morning to be had by the whole family!
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
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop which will stock a huge range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, gifts and accessories.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL