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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.
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
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…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Stop by for a family day out with a creative Halloween twist! Enjoy self-led family-friendly Arts & Crafts inspired activities at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house.
This October Half Term, enjoy family-friendly Arts & Crafts inspired activities…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Get ready for a relaxing and sensory morning with a festive candle making workshop led by the team from Pure Lakes on Saturday 13 December, 10:30am–1pm.
Guided by experts in natural skincare and wellbeing, you'll unlock the secrets of essential…
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…
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…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Musical – Tommy (1975)
Ken Russell's flamboyant rock opera follows a "deaf, dumb and blind" boy who becomes a pinball prodigy and spiritual icon. Featuring music by The Who and star turns from Roger Daltrey, Elton John, and Ann-Margret.
Director:…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
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.
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
We're bringing Bonfire Night back to The Swan with a (literal) bang this year!
From 5pm – 8pm on Sunday 2nd November enjoy a fully-stocked bar, delicious barbeque, pizza van, full firework display and, of course, a brilliant bonfire to keep you…
Newby Bridge
Hosted by Laura, of the Good Mood Club, we welcome you to start your weekend the right way with a calming 90-minute gentle yoga flow and breathwork session, designed for all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Newby Bridge
Experience Magic in the Sky at the Swan Hotel's Spa Garden!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of relaxation and wonder on our own Swanfire Night on Sunday 2nd November.
Indulge in the ultimate spa retreat as you soak in our luxurious…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL