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Windermere & Bowness The Lake District, Cumbria
Windermere & Bowness The Lake District, Cumbria
Windermere & Bowness The Lake District, Cumbria

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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.

See & Do

Visit St Mary’s Church: Here, you’ll find St. Mary's Church, standing proudly since 1848. This architectural gem, adorned with stained glass windows, reflects the town's Victorian legacy.
Walk up Orrest Head: this short, popular walk can be enjoyed from the centre of Windermere town. It takes you along a clearly signposted path to the top of Orrest Head Fell, where you’ll find a viewpoint with panoramic views over Windermere and the central fells. It is also one of 50 accessible ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes as part of an initiative by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA).
Eat & Drink: Windermere is home to a wide variety of great places to eat and drink - from excellent cafes to pubs and restaurants. You can also pick up local produce and cooking equipment, and enjoy some retail therapy.

Nearby Towns

Ambleside: Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Windermere, Ambleside is a picturesque town renowned for its charming streets, great walking opportunities, vibrant local shops, and fantastic food and drink.
Bowness-on-Windermere: Adjacent to Windermere, Bowness offers a lively atmosphere with lakeside attractions, diverse dining options, and opportunities for boat trips on the lake.
Grasmere: Known for its idyllic setting and as the final resting place of poet William Wordsworth, Grasmere invites visitors to explore its literary and natural wonders.

Surrounding Areas

Orrest Head: Hike to the summit of Orrest Head for breathtaking vistas of the Lake District, a vantage point that inspired Alfred Wainwright.
Troutbeck: Immerse yourself in the charm of Troutbeck, a quintessential Lakeland village with ancient stone buildings and scenic walking routes.

Getting Here

By car: Windermere is located along the A591, which runs through the central lakes from Kendal to Keswick and provides easy access by car to this Lakeland town.
By bus: Several buses serve the town of Windermere, including the Stagecoach 555, 505, 599, 755, and 6 bus services.
By train: Windermere Train Station is centrally located, and is served by Northern Rail services from Manchester; connections are also available from locations across the country via Oxenholme The Lake District train station

Did you know?

ST MARTIN'S CHURCH

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.

HILL TOP

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.

ORREST HEAD

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).

BROCKHOLE

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.

THE DALES WAY

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.

HOLEHIRD GARDENS

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.

WRAY CASTLE

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

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

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.

THE CRIER OF CLAIFE

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.

Highlights

Wheatlands Lodge - Windermere

Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…

Booths Windermere

Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…

Buses to and from Windermere

Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…

Sail Windermere on a Beautiful Day Yacht with Anyone Can (Accessible)

This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…

Windermere Car and Passenger Ferry

Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…

Brockhole Car Park

We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…

Mountain Goat Tours Airport

Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…

Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa - Food & Drink

Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…

Windermere Lake Shore

Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route

Roman How

The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…

Tour of Lake Windermere.

This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…

The Fizzy Tarté

The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…

The Winander Club at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…

Group Guided Walking Holiday for Solos - Windermere Ring

Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…

Canoe Bushcraft with Anyone Can

Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…

The Swan Inn

The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…

Lindeth Howe

A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Lakeside Pier

Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…

The Cafe at Windermere Jetty Museum

Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…

Winster Valley

The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…

Arts & Crafts Houses Tour: Blackwell & Broad Leys Tour

Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…

John Ruskin's Brasserie at Lakeside Hotel & Spa

John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…

A Holiday Market at Lindeth Howe

Please come along and support the Windermere Food Bank and of course some amazing local crafters…

Festive Afternoon Tea

Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…

The Lake District Where modern tourism was born

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Towns & Villages

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Fell Foot

Address

National Trust - Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NN

Telephone
015395 31273

fellfoot@nationaltrust.org.uk

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.

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518 reviews
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New Years Eve on the Marina

Address

Marina View, Marina View, Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JQ

Telephone
015394 22785

Eat@marinaviewwindermere.co.uk

Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere

Wednesday 31st December (NYE)
Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax
7pm - 1.30am
️ Tickets - https://buytickets.at/marinaview/1855407

We're ringing in the New Year with another huge lineup of live music and entertainment!
We kick off the…

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Low Wood Watersports Centre

Address

Low Wood Bay Watersports, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LP

Telephone
015394 39441

watersports.lowwood@englishlakes.co.uk

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.

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Windermere to Staveley

Address

Windermere, Cumbria

Telephone
015394 46499

info@ticwindermere.co.uk

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…

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Buses to and through Sawrey

Address

Sawrey, -

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

website@cumbriatourism.org

-

Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.

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Live Music - Luke Betts

Address

Marina View, Marina View, Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JQ

Telephone
015394 22785

Eat@marinaviewwindermere.co.uk

Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere

Join us for a Sunday of live music at the Marina as Luke Betts joins us from 4pm, singing all the best in sing along acoustic anthems, the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday Roast.

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Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway - Lakeside Pier

Address

Lakeside, Lakeside, Cumbria, LA12 8AS

Telephone
015395 31594

info@lakesiderailway.co.uk

Lakeside

Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…

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Group Guided Walking Holiday for Solos - Windermere Ring

Address

Newby Bridge Hotel, church stretton, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, LA12 8NA

Telephone
01694 723600

info@secrethillswalking.co.uk

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…

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The Angel Inn - Food & Drink

Address

The Angel Inn, Helm Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BU

Telephone
015394 44080

info@theangelinnbowness.com

Bowness-on-Windermere

From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit for excellent food and drink. Newly opened following an exciting refurb, take in the views with a glass of frothy real local ale or settle back with a…

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1524 reviews
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Park Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate - Camping Pitches

Address

Birks Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3PG

Telephone
015395 31344

info@parkcliffe.co.uk

Windermere

Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.

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1014 reviews
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Townend

Address

Troutbeck, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LB

Telephone
015394 32628

townend@nationaltrust.org.uk

Windermere

A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.

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TransPennine Express

Address

Telephone
0345 600 1671

tpecustomer.relations@firstgroup.com

TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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The Winander Club at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa

Address

Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Ambleside Rd, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LP

Telephone
0333 2203 105

reservations.lowwood@englishlakes.co.uk

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.

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Merewood Country House Hotel

Address

Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LH

Telephone
015394 46484

info@merewoodhotel.co.uk

Windermere

Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…

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Festive Family Day

Address

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House, Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JT

Telephone
015394 46139

info@lakelandarts.org.uk

Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere

Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle…

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The Flying Pig Pub

Address

The Flying Pig Pub, Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-On-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BZ

Telephone
015394 43332

info@theflyingpigbowness.co.uk

Bowness-On-Windermere

Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.

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Buses to and from Windermere

Address

Windermere, Cumbria

Telephone
0871 200 22 33

enquiries@traveline.demon.co.uk

Cumbria

Buses to and through Windermere:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle…

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Santa Luncheon

Address

Merewood Country House Hotel, Ambleside Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 1LH

Telephone
015394 46484

info@merewoodhotel.co.uk

Windermere

A very special festive Sunday at Merewood
Join us for our Santa Luncheon on Sunday, 14th December 2025, from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.
Settle into a specially decorated country house setting and get ready to indulge in a delightful three-course à la carte…

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Peter Rabbit Cafe

Address

The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX

Telephone
015394 88444

information@hop-skip-jump.com

Bowness-on-Windermere

Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…

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Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

Address

Blackwell, Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3JT

Telephone
015396 37940

info@blackwell.org.uk

Bowness-on-Windermere

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.

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908 reviews
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Windermere & Bowness

See & Do

Nearby Towns

Surrounding Areas

Getting Here

Did you know?

ST MARTIN'S CHURCH

HILL TOP

ORREST HEAD

BROCKHOLE

THE DALES WAY

HOLEHIRD GARDENS

WRAY CASTLE

WILLIAM WORDSWORTH

BEATRIX POTTER

THE CRIER OF CLAIFE

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