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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.
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
*WORLD PREMIERE From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take…
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
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…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of…
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Victoria Street, Windermere
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the Furness Peninsula and North Lancashire. Single and return services are available from all main UK airports and ports throughout the year.
Ulverston
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite, through some lovely woodland to our secluded swimming spot. Swim the Lakes regulars will enjoy the change of scene here, it is a little local spot and…
Windermere
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Windermere
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 15th May 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…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
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.
Bowness - On - Windermere
The World's Leading Ed Sheeran Tribute!
Jack Shepherd has been performing as Ed Sheeran since 2014, making him the most established Ed Sheeran tribute act in the world!
With his ginger hair, tattoos, and a stage presence remarkably similar to…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 21st August 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 delight…
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Western – True Grit (2010)
The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined young girl hires a grizzled U.S. Marshal to hunt down her father's killer, leading to an unforgettable journey across rugged frontier country…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Get ready for one of the most exciting live bands in Britain today. Hardwicke Circus bring an irresistible mix of energy, soul, and swagger — drawing comparisons to The E Street Band, Dexys Midnight Runners, and The Waterboys, while remaining…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL