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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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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
Looking for something creative to do with the family this Easter? Join us at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house for hands on Easter activities inspired by spring, pattern, colour and the beautiful details on display throughout the house.
Paper…
Newby Bridge
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour and movement. Inspired by sun-drenched countryside and wild summer blooms, this piece is all about bold brushstrokes, playful texture and layering…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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
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.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…
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.
Windermere
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District, where you'll see the beauty of ten stunning lakes—including the iconic Windermere, the tranquil Brotherswater, the majestic…
Far Sawrey
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, 2 lounges, 2 bathrooms. Stunning views and access to footpaths. Pubs close by.
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…
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
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.
Windermere
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the Lake District, where rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, framed by iconic dry-stone walls and quaint country lanes. Immerse yourself…
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
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.
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL