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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…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Join us on a exclusive guided tour of Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm owned…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
Nestled between Windermere and Ambleside, Broadoaks Country House Hotel is a hidden gem in the…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Big news – Trenchers Bowness on Windermere has officially arrived! Building on over four decades of…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 255
, currently showing 121 to 140.
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…
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Cumbria
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east towards Staveley and Crook. None of the summits have a particularly memorable shape and only a few exceed the 250m contour. Regardless of their modest…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
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…
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…
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness on Windermere
Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo
After captivating audiences worldwide, Private Peaceful returns to the stage with fresh energy and timeless power.
From Michael Morpurgo—beloved author of War Horse—comes the unforgettable story of Tommo…
Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Founded by the visionary Lionel Black, Regatta Great Outdoors was designed to help everyone make the most of time spent in the great outdoors. Regatta offers a wide selection of waterproof jackets, fleeces, walking trousers, footwear and…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
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…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure cyclists with flexible daily itineraries and timings. Choose one of our Day Tours or Multi-Day Holidays, or let E-Bike Safaris tailor-make your tour…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake!
Enjoy live music, a delicious buffet, and breathtaking views as you cruise the full length of Windermere.
What's Included?
• Full Lake Cruise – A 2½ hour journey showcasing the best…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Windermere
SOURCE at Gilpin Hotel is a one Michelin Star restaurant located near Windermere. Headed-up by Head Chef Kevin Scanlan, their tasting menus combine exquisite ingredients, distinct flavours, seasonality, sustainability and precision, together with…
Windermere
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park Cliffe. Set in a peaceful location in the fells above Windermere, you’ll get spectacular views, a great welcome and all the excellent amenities offered…
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL