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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.
Ursula Leveaux, bassoon | Martin Hughes, violin Fay Sweet, viola | Deborah Findley, cello …
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these…
The sport of rock climbing was essentially born here, and the Lake District has a rich heritage of…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages. The…
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
Directed by double Olivier Award nominee Daniel Clarkson Fresh from an acclaimed, award-winning…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 236
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Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
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…
Victoria Street, Windermere
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the Furness Peninsula and North Lancashire. Single and return services are available from all main UK airports and ports throughout the year.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
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…
Lakeside
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere. Lakeside Hotel, possibly the finest four star hotel in the Lake District has a spectacular location on the shores of Lake Windermere.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
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.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Joe Martin is a modern day troubadour, a seasoned songwriter and performer having played to tens of thousands of people across the UK and Europe over the past decade.
The Lancashire born singer-songwriter is deservedly gaining attention on both…
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.
Staveley
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar and food.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate 25 years of ceramic art by Edinburgh-based Frances Priest in Motif | Line | Colour.
The exhibition follows her evolution from monochrome pieces to vibrant, intricate designs, featuring her latest collection Unfixing, rarely seen archive…
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL