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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.
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Served Daily Between 1pm & 5pm Book now for our afternoon tea with a festive twist. Our festive…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Dorothy’s place is a beautiful one bedroom apartment, set in beautiful grounds overlooking lake Windermere. A stone's throw away from Bowness bay, with plenty to do. Also secluded and private for a romantic getaway. Dorothy’s is self check-in, but…
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
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style.
Late Nite Fiasco
Fuse ska, reggae & rock with unstoppable energy. With a huge local following & performances at festivals such as Solfest, CockRock, and Oxjam, LNF are…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Lake Road, Windermere
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular with people looking for lakeside holiday homes. The park is nestled in an ancient woodland of mature oak trees, offering over a mile of private…
Newby Bridge
Join us for a spine-chilling evening of live storytelling, inspired by real Cumbrian legends and historic horrors. This immersive experience unfolds across several locations in and around The Swan — from candlelit rooms to riverside paths and…
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Bowness on Windermere
Dylan Thomas' wonderful festive story and other magical works brought vividly to life!
Written by Dylan Thomas | Performed by Guy Masterson
Centred around Dylan's seasonal masterpiece A CHILD'S CHRISTMAS IN WALES, Masterson also gives us two other…
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!
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Saturday 13th December
11am
Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa!
Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.
Each child's ticket includes:
A breakfast barm
A soft drink
A festive gift
✨…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Newby Bridge
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of live music.
Relax into the festive spirit as Becki brings her signature blend of vintage vocals, soulful classics, and modern favourites — the perfect…
Bowness on Windermere
The animals have taken over the farm.
Fringe favourite Guy Masterson's globally acclaimed solo adaptation of George Orwell's barnyard masterpiece is now brought to life by riveting physical theatre performer, Sam Blythe. A timeless allegory that…
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
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.
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Bowness-on-Windermere
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment experiences that you can share with loved ones, leaving everlasting memories you’ll cherish.
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.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Nr Ulverston
The Lake District is England's only true mountain area. It has the most beautiful scenery in the land, with its bewitching mix of rugged mountains, deep gylls, shimmering lakes, bouncing waterfalls and attractive stone-built villages. Our solos…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL