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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 deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location (…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Free car park with 15 spaces. Red Nab Car Park is a parking area on the west shore of…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 31st July for an evening of live…
It's been 17 years since the release of Elio's critically acclaimed debut album of his own songs,…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Guess who's back… and this time we're going totally 80s. ✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning —…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 263
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Newby Bridge
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
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…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, celebrating the makers, ideas and objects that have shaped our collection since opening our doors to the public in 2001.
Set throughout the house, the…
Windermere
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day of competition in aid of St John's Hospice in our 40th Anniversary Year.
To enter a team of 4 or to find out more, visit our website or contact the…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Bowness-on-Windermere
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back on Ash Street. As an Asian BBQ & Grill restaurant with playful dishes and bold flavours, enjoy the vibrant energy and that electric buzz that keeps you…
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
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…
Kendal
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.
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…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… and this time we're heading straight to the White Isle. ☀️
Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — bigger beats, bigger energy, and full Ibiza House vibes.
Join us on 21st August, 6–9pm for our Ibiza House Spa-rty — an evening of…
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…
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Windermere
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa Gornall.
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
Windermere
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque village buzzing with tourism. The star attraction is undoubtedly Bowness Pier, the central hub for cruises on England's largest lake, Windermere.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL