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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.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance to exercise your archery…
Bowness on Windermere
A musical comedy packed with puns, puppetry & a spook-tastic singalong!
'An acclaimed madcap musical comedy for children aged 3 – 10, featuring puppetry and witty original songs!'
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season. Begin the evening with a welcoming drink before the piper calls dinner and we proudly 'address the Haggis.' Indulge in a sumptuous seven-course feast…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in this lively and engaging theatrical production. This charming show brings Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic, The Wind in the Willows, to life. Packed…
Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
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
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our luxury family run country guest house, situated opposite lake Windermere.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
Newby Bridge
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Begins in The Ballroom, The Swan Hotel
Join us for a spine-chilling evening of live storytelling, inspired by real Cumbrian legends and historic horrors. This immersive experience unfolds across several locations in and…
Newby Bridge
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of live music.
Singer-Songwriter hailing from the South of the Lake District. Forming conventional acoustic guitar playing with the ideology and rhythm…
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…
Newby Bridge
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Windermere
Ian Doig is an official South Lakeland Private Hire Licence Holder. Ian is local to the area and can provide personal stories about the Lake District and its history. Ian also has a keen interest in driving and a particular passion for off-road…
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL