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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.
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
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Number of results: 263
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Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
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…
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and deep relaxation in one of the Lake District's most peaceful valleys.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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…
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.
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
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 9th July, 6-7pm
What…
Windermere
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century home of the Browne family and get the rare chance to peer inside Townend barn, one of the few surviving examples of a Lakeland bank barn, on the…
Winderemere
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
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…
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.
Ambleside
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned. The farm tour offers a…
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.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL