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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.
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Please come along and support the Windermere Food Bank and of course some amazing local crafters…
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 296
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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.
Newby Bridge
We're thrilled to welcome Jon Dawes to The Swan on 30th December for a relaxing Twixmas evening of live music.
Singer-Songwriter hailing from the South of the Lake District. Forming conventional acoustic guitar playing with the ideology and rhythm…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
Cumbria
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and returning via a ride across it on the car ferry.
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in a radio station in the 1940's, we have a very busy sound FX artist and lots of actors playing over 30 characters. Feel the spirit of Christmas as Frank Capra's 1946 Christmas film comes vividly to life!
It's Christmas Eve in Bedford Falls.…
Windermere
Step back in time with Townend's Victorian Christmas. The fire is roaring, the house decked with traditional festive foliage and the smells of Christmas fill the air. There is festive food on display to feast your eyes on and the gentle aroma of…
Bowness
"The best of British theatre on a cinema screen near you"
Showtimes
Sunday 5 October 2025
19:30
Thursday 9 October 2025
19:30
Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind…
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…
Bowness on Windermere
Christmas is fast approaching and Santa's Sleigh is nowhere to be found. Will Sprocket and Dibs be able to create a new sleigh in time or will
Christmas be cancelled? Can you help them save the day? Only time will tell but with audience…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Newby Bridge
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Begins in The Ballroom, The Swan Hotel
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…
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
We can't wait to welcome Rob Young to The Swan this Christmas Eve for a magical evening of live music.
Settle in and enjoy the cosy festive atmosphere as Rob fills the room with his unique blend of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, and the…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
Bowness on Windermere
Hauntings is a spellbinding evening of three classic ghost stories. The award-winning Gerard Logan will take you to world of invisible, but terrifyingly present, spirits.
The evening includes MR James' Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad in…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL