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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.
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take…
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 298
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Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
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.
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
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
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
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Bowness-on-Windermere
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and everything in between, Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One.
When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously…
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…
Newby Bridge
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs, with a special interest in jazz 'n' blues. Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano styles make her live performances a great experience.
We're looking…
Newby Bridge
Paddleboarding will be back in 2026
Try something new and have a splashing time!
We've again partnered with Paddleboard the Lakes to provide a super fun experience for you, your family and friends.
Whether it's taking up a new skill or perfecting…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Lakeside
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
We're delighted to invite you to a special Meet the Maker event with artist Frances Priest, offering a rare opportunity to experience her creative process up close at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house.
The event will include an artist-led tour…
Windermere
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa Gornall.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL