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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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Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Saturday 13th December
11am
Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa!
Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.
Each child's ticket includes:
A breakfast barm
A soft drink
A festive gift
✨…
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 delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy Ash's smooth blend of acoustic favourites, soulful covers, and laid-back classics – the perfect soundtrack for those…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Bowness on Windermere
Martyn Joseph is a completely unique and mind-blowing artist. Take everything you think you know about singer songwriters and rip it up. For one man and a guitar he creates a performance with a huge far-reaching sound that is energetic, compelling,…
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…
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…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Windermere
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
Bowness on Windermere
Journey to medieval Scotland for this perfect introduction into Shakespeare for audiences young and old. Just Macbeth is by far the stupidest version of Shakespeare's great big gory tragedy you might ever see. Our story follows school-aged Andy,…
Windermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Bowness on Windermere
Dylan Thomas' wonderful festive story and other magical works brought vividly to life!
Written by Dylan Thomas | Performed by Guy Masterson
Centred around Dylan's seasonal masterpiece A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, Masterson also gives us two other…
Newby Bridge
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those without. We have a wide range of adaptive and inclusive equipment to make adventure possible for our clients.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the heart of the Lake District. Windermere has attracted visitors for centuries, and today it is still a great escape for water activities, boat rides,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child!
(Adults go free!)
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Royalty, where Father Christmas awaits in his enchanting winter wonderland!
Upon arrival, one of our cheerful elves will greet you at the…
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Newby Bridge
Join us on Friday 17th October for a performance by Socially Awkward.
Socially Awkward (also known as Lauren and Martin) are an acoustic duo based in The Lake District. They put their own stamp on acoustic covers across various eras spanning from…
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL