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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.
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
Lake Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer a wide selection of real ales, wines, and spirits, as well as a delicious menu of pub classics. Our friendly staff are always happy to chat and offer…
Windermere
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
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
Food, glorious food!
Christmas Lunch at The Swan
'Cause food is what Christmas is really about, right? Enjoy your turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, minus the washing up this year! Join us for a fabulously festive 3-course lunch with all of…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Enjoy a fun festive day out with the family at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Saturday 20 December!
Throughout the day, you can enjoy cheerful storytelling with Taffy Thomas MBE, live folk music, creative hands-on activities and a sprinkle…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
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
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Kendal
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly made delicacies in a serene setting, complemented by fine teas, coffee or Champagne, with breathtaking views of Knipe Tarn.
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.
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.
Windermere
4 October 2025
9:45-12:30
The Armitt is excited to be running fungi walks once again this year.
To tie in with our exhibition focusing on "Beatrix Potter's summers in the Lake District", our walks will be taking place in some of those key…
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Wednesday 31st December (NYE)
Millie Mac Live, DJ Robin Kershaw & Sax
7pm - 1.30am
️ Tickets - https://buytickets.at/marinaview/1855407
We're ringing in the New Year with another huge lineup of live music and entertainment!
We kick off the…
Bowness on Windermere
A musical comedy packed with puns, puppetry & a spook-tastic singalong!
'An acclaimed madcap musical comedy for children aged 3 – 10, featuring puppetry and witty original songs!'
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL