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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 Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect…
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
Renew your mind, body and soul with our calming evening ritual at Lakeside Hotel, designed to help…
The UK's first-ever Gingerbread House Festival is an innovative and creative national event,…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 240
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Bowness-On-Windermere
ACDC Black Ice Tribute Band - formed by brothers Gary (Angaz) Robertson as Angus Young playing lead guitar and Mike Robertsonas Brian Johnson singing lead vocals.
The band formed in 2009 with Mike's two sons Ash and Elliott Robertson supplying the…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Alverston
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring locations in Europe. From the swim in Windermere, the bike past the iconic Coniston Water and the run to the summit of England's highest mountain and…
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.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 4th September for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with Tom's soulful sounds, an acoustic singer and guitarist known for his lively classics.
Join us for a night to…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
To celebrate 125 years of Blackwell, Lakeland Arts will be showcasing a major exhibition of works by its architect, the Arts & Crafts designer Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott (1865-1945).
This exhibition brings together significant works by Baillie…
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
Newby Bridge
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs, with a special interest in jazz 'n' blues. Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano styles make her live performances a great experience.
We're looking…
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
It's been 17 years since the release of Elio's critically acclaimed debut album of his own songs, 'A Seat At My Table'. The wait is over!
Taking a break from his smash hit, award-winning 'The Billy Joel Songbook' tours, which continue to soar to…
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never looked at a map or would like to learn more about planning and following a route using paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Windermere:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle…
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…
Newby Bridge, Lakeside
Sunday Lunch is back at Lakeside. Join us for the return of Sunday Lunch by the shores of Lake Windermere, with a seasonal menu and all the trimmings. To celebrate our launch Sunday, we'll be making an afternoon of it with live music and a…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL