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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.
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Pay and display car park with 56 spaces.Beech Hill car park is situated on the A592, midway between…
We're excited to welcome Rob Thompson to The Swan on 28th December for a laid-back Twixmas evening…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
4 October 2025 9:45-12:30 The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 301
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Bowness on Windermere
For the past two decades, Tony has been turning heads and wowing audiences worldwide with his amazing portrayal of Britain's Greatest Entertainer, Robbie Williams.
After making his debut in 'Legends' in 2002, he has gone on to perform all across…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
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.
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the heart of the Lake District. Windermere has attracted visitors for centuries, and today it is still a great escape for water activities, boat rides,…
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.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
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…
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Bowness on Windermere
Founded in 2006 by Leonid Tritus, the Kammerphilharmonie Europa is an orchestra of talented young musicians from 18 European nations; nine of these musicians (seven strings, oboe and trumpet) join this exciting UK chamber music tour. The musicians…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Piano Pete joins us from 7pm on Saturday 25th October, playing the best sing-along hits on the piano, the perfect soundtrack to your evening meal.
Staveley, Kendal
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare breed beef and pork, saltmarsh lamb and seafood from the sands of Morecambe Bay. Lakeland eateries are proud to present local food and this route takes…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join textile artist Louise from Darcy Badger Designs, for a mindful, hands-on creative workshop where you'll craft your very own giant Christmas pudding-inspired cushion. Using chunky yarn, Louise will guide you step by step through the process,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL