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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.
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Victoria Wood remains one of Britain's most cherished entertainers – a comic genius whose work…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 302
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Windermere
Travel in style with your own private driver to visit four of the best country pubs that surround Lake Windermere.
Windermere
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages.
The Cross Lakes Experience operates daily throughout the summer, from Saturday 24th May 2025 until Sunday 28th September 2025. This service connects…
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.
Newby Bridge
We're bringing Bonfire Night back to The Swan with a (literal) bang this year!
From 5pm – 8pm on Sunday 2nd November enjoy a fully-stocked bar, delicious barbeque, pizza van, full firework display and, of course, a brilliant bonfire to keep you…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Thursday 11 December, 2–4pm.
Get ready to let your hair down, meet new people and experience this charming, modern revival of a…
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
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…
A591, Windermere
A family experience for the bravest of participants is coming to Zip World Windermere this October as Arachnophobia takes over Treetop Nets from 25 – 31 October 2025.
This Halloween encounter for all the family will see eight-legged monsters crawl…
Longtail Hill, Bowness-on-Windermere
A Christmas Carol – Live Reading by Graham Tyson
Step into the timeless world of Charles Dickens as Graham Tyson brings A Christmas Carol to life in our cosy festive setting. With over eight years of captivating performances, Mr Tyson's reading is…
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
Hosted by Laura, of the Good Mood Club, we welcome you to start your weekend the right way with a calming 90-minute gentle yoga flow and breathwork session, designed for all levels – whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned yogi…
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a different perspective.
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL