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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.
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of…
Free car park with 15 spaces. Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
An unforgettable escape to Merewood, with a deliciously dark twist… Step into the glamour and…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Mark, once half of legendary radio double-act Mark and Lard, has been on the national airwaves…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm Join flautist Meera…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 263
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Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… and this time we're going totally 80s. ✨
Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — bigger, bolder and with more neon than ever before.
Join us on 24th July, 6–9pm for our 80s Theme Spa-rty — a night of iconic throwbacks, guilty…
Bowness-on-Windermere
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of Bowness, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Take your seats and join the fun as Peter Rabbit and his friends hop from page to stage in a delightful musical spectacular! With beautiful puppets and enchanting songs, this theatrical treat is perfect for the whole family.
️ Thanks to the…
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
Staveley
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar and food.
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
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…
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.
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Windermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
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…
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 31st July 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…
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
Windermere
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL