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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.
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 298
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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.
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
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…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
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…
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
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…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Ursula Leveaux, bassoon | Martin Hughes, violin
Fay Sweet, viola | Deborah Findley, cello
Programme to include:
VOGEL | Quartet Op. 5, No. 1 in F major]
KODÁLY | Intermezzo for string trio
KROMMER | Quartet Op. 46 No. 1 in B flat major
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of live music.
Reuben Tighe fingerpicks his way through an eclectic mix of blues, foot stomping folk and original music, delivering a euphonious…
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour.
The exhibition follows her evolution from monochrome pieces to vibrant, intricate designs, featuring her latest collection Unfixing, rarely seen archive…
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Windermere
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park Cliffe. Set in a peaceful location in the fells above Windermere, you’ll get spectacular views, a great welcome and all the excellent amenities offered…
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s alternative comedy scene, brings his memoir Young Once to life in a warm, sharply funny live show of storytelling.
From the wild early days at The Comedy…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL