You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
★★★★★ "Doctors should prescribe it as an antidepressant" – Broadway Baby ★ SELL-OUT show at the…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Guess who's back… back for good!✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 263
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Newby Bridge
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our expert guide, Karen, leads you through the session in the picturesque River Leven.
Session Details:
Dates & Times: Thursday 13th August,…
Windermere
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
Lakeside
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Cumbria
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the southern Lakeland Fells. In Staveley the workshops, galleries, brewery, plant nursery and eateries offer food for both eyes and appetite. Return along the…
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full Afternoon Tea, Lunch, and Dinner menus available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 25th September for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
The Four Horsemen of Rising Crime, Global Warming, AI and Culture Wars are galloping towards us. Are we on the road to hell? And can we avoid the potholes? In his brand new tour show 'Fair Cop' Alfie has the antidote to the breakdown of law and…
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Something is rotten in Old London Town…
In Victorian England, a rotten, raspberry blower is claiming the lives of the upper-classes. The dark alleyways and moonlit graveyards of London are alive with the repetitive dins of the Phantom.
Inspector…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
How on earth have we all survived the past decade of modern living without Victoria Wood and her observational wit and wisdom?
What would she make of an Air Fryer? The Repair Shop? K-Pop Demon Hunters?
Paulus The Cabaret Geek is on hand to help us…
Windermere
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the Lake District, where rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by iconic dry-stone walls and quaint country lanes. Immerse yourself…
Windermere
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, where you'll see the beauty of ten stunning lakes—including the iconic Windermere, the tranquil Brotherswater, the majestic…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
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.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL