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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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Kendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm
Join flautist Meera Maharaj and harpist Lucy Nolan as they embark upon a journey into the clouds! Based on celebrated author and illustrator John Burningham's much-loved…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
Brockhole, Windermere
Design, build and decorate a colourful home for the precious insects in your garden.
£9.50 per child - please book via Brockhole website.
Children age 5-11 years.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, maximum of 2 adults per family.
Creative…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Newby Bridge
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel!
Taking place on Sunday 5th April from 3pm – 5pm with pizza, chips and live entertainment. Tickets are just £14 per child – Supervising adults go free.
Please note the pizza and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
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…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
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…
Far Sawrey
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, 2 lounges, 2 bathrooms. Stunning views and access to footpaths. Pubs close by.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
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…
Newby Bridge
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company and welcome people of all abilities.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL