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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.
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
We're looking forward to welcoming Tom Woods to The Swan on the 26th June for an evening of live…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite,…
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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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…
Newby Bridge
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel!
Taking place on Sunday 5th April from 3pm – 5pm with pizza, chips and live entertainment. Tickets are just £14 per child – Supervising adults go free.
Please note the pizza and…
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… and this time we're going totally 80s. ✨
Our Summer Spa-rtys are returning — bigger, bolder and with more neon than ever before.
Join us on 24th July, 6–9pm for our 80s Theme Spa-rty — a night of iconic throwbacks, guilty…
Windermere
The Grill offers a relaxed, welcoming dining experience with a menu created by Head Chef Ambrus Kipke, proudly rooted in classic English cuisine. Think crowd-pleasing favourites like traditional fish and chips, juicy sirloin steaks, and a tempting…
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Buses to and through Sawrey:
Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale - Coniston - seasonal.
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…
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these deaths, and did Shakespeare have the knowledge to back them up?
This talk turns a scientific eye towards the Bard and the varied and creative ways…
Bowness-on-Windermere
*WORLD PREMIERE
From Tom MacRae, the writer of Everybody's Talking About Jamie, comes a brand-new original musical based around classic Victoria Wood songs.
Peggy is recently divorced and lost in life, when a chance meeting with her childhood best…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
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!
Bowness-on-Windermere
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of Bowness, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
New Year. . . same problems!
It is the end of term and Godber's hilarious comedy masterpiece has been reset for our post Covid times. Bristling with teenage swagger and outlandish imagination, Salty, Gail and Hobby use their B.Tech Performance…
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…
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.
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL