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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.
Join us for an all women's wellness festival based in the The Lake District this Spring. Enjoy two…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 8th May for an evening of live…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District. If you have never looked at…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Discover life on Windermere through the lens of award-winning artist Juliet Klottrup. This…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd April for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with the Rob – a singer songwriter, purveyor of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, the old-time banjo sounds of Appalachia…
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.
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise in bespoke dining, quality of service and attention to detail ensures we are simply somewhere special.
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.
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
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…
Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
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…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
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.
Bowness-On-Windermere
Join Magician Chris Frostie Frost, for an afternoon of magical mayhem, comedy and nonsense. Be prepared to sing, dance and laugh your way through a magic show filled with Silly Spells, Hilarious Puppets and all round fun for the entire family
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.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is now brought to life by riveting physical theatre performer, Sam Blythe. A timeless allegory that rings out a warning about politics,…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL