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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.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
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 Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Wednesday 31st December (NYE)
Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax
7pm - 1.30am
️ Tickets - https://buytickets.at/marinaview/1855407
We're ringing in the New Year with another huge lineup of live music and entertainment!
We kick off the…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate Halloween by the lake with spooky stories, monster-making and our refreshed wildlife trail. All activities included with Windermere Jetty Museum admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual pass holders go free.
Newby Bridge
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere
Full event details here: https://www.secrethillswalking.co.uk/tour/windermere-ring-walk-the-fells-and-valley-around-lake-windermere/
The Lake District is England's only true…
Windermere
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes, mountains, caves, waterfalls, rivers and streams. An ideal activity for those with an adventurous nature and passion for the outdoors. The tour is customer…
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…
Newby Bridge
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy the cosy festive atmosphere as Rob fills the room with his unique blend of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, and the…
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Perfect for your work Christmas party, or a seasonal catch-up with family and friends. Whether you're a group of 4 or a party of 100, we've got the space to celebrate in style!
Choose from our ticketed festive party nights or create bespoke food…
Bowness on Windermere
Being a witch is super exciting. There's always so much to do and so much fun to be had.
Especially around Halloween. And maybe that's why Natascha The Witch can't sleep…
Can anyone, or anything, help her drift off?
Based on a story from Steven…
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…
Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer a wide selection of real ales, wines, and spirits, as well as a delicious menu of pub classics. Our friendly staff are always happy to chat and offer…
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm
Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist.
Our festive deluxe afternoon tea is available from 1st December 2025 - 1st January 2026. Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New…
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.
Windermere
Perfect for your work Christmas party, or a seasonal catch-up with family and friends. Whether you're a group of 4 or a party of 100, we've got the space to celebrate in style!
Choose from our ticketed festive party nights or create bespoke food…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors playing over 30 characters. Feel the spirit of Christmas as Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas film comes vividly to life!
It's Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls.…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake District. We make a wide range of skincare products including ‘Bath and Body’, ‘Facial Skincare’ and ‘Home.’ We also do an ‘Active & Therapeutic’ range…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL