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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.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
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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Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Bowness on Windermere
Journey to medieval Scotland for this perfect introduction into Shakespeare for audiences young and old. Just Macbeth is by far the stupidest version of Shakespeare's great big gory tragedy you might ever see. Our story follows school-aged Andy,…
Windermere
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, the Peter Rabbit™ Café is a perfectly themed, memorable & completely unique Peter Rabbit™ dining experience with a good dose of…
Staveley, Kendal
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare breed beef and pork, saltmarsh lamb and seafood from the sands of Morecambe Bay. Lakeland eateries are proud to present local food and this route takes…
Bowness-on-Windermere
An evening of the very best music for Brass Band performed by the celebrated Dalton Town Band.
Dalton Town band are renowned for their entertaining concert programmes and this promises to be no exception, with traditional brass band marches as…
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.
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
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.
Troutbeck, Windermere
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Our idyllic location provides a tranquil and private retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist-heavy spots,…
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.
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.…
Ambleside
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations that Potter visited during her time in the Lake District.
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
Windermere
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages.
The Cross Lakes Experience operates daily throughout the summer, from Saturday 24th May 2025 until Sunday 28th September 2025. This service connects…
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Bowness-on-Windemere
A one day map reading course for beginners based in the Lake District.
If you have never looked at a map or would be unsure about planning and following a route along paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL