You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > 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.
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.
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Opened summer 2021 on a quiet side street one step up from the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere. This…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Although Wray Castle is only 180 years old it is a grand and imposing building on the west shores…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
Wednesday 31st December (NYE) Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax 7pm - 1.30am ️ Tickets -…
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 302
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate Halloween by the lake with spooky stories, monster-making and our refreshed wildlife trail. All activities included with Windermere Jetty Museum admission. Lakeland Arts members and Annual pass holders go free.
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
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…
Newby Bridge
Experience Magic in the Sky at the Swan Hotel's Spa Garden!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of relaxation and wonder on our own Swanfire Night on Sunday 2nd November.
Indulge in the ultimate spa retreat as you soak in our luxurious…
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
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…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
Bowness-on-Windermere
In this hysterical, deranged and irreverent Austen parody that meditates on girlhood, romance and everything in between, Lady Clementine has until her 27th birthday to find The One.
When her latest beau goes missing, she embarks on a hilariously…
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…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us for our End of Season Party in the bar on Saturday, 11th October, from 3 pm! Enjoy live music from Piano Pete, setting the perfect backdrop, before DJ Will Hindle takes over to keep the party going until late. The restaurant will be open as…
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…
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…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
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…
Newby Bridge
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy the cosy festive atmosphere as Rob fills the room with his unique blend of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, and the…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Get ready for a relaxing and sensory morning with a festive candle making workshop led by the team from Pure Lakes on Saturday 13 December, 10:30am–1pm.
Guided by experts in natural skincare and wellbeing, you'll unlock the secrets of essential…
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm
Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist.
Our festive deluxe afternoon tea is available from 1st December 2025 - 1st January 2026. Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve and New…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL