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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.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
✨ Santa's Grotto Experience – Just £10 per Child!
(Adults go free!)
Step into the magic of Christmas at The Royalty, where Father Christmas awaits in his enchanting winter wonderland!
Upon arrival, one of our cheerful elves will greet you at the…
Lakeside
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
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 Upon Windermere
Performing the greatest hits from the golden age of the electric guitar with their own unique twist, this band's musical pedigree is undeniable.
The soulful vocals and stunning guitar of Jim Kirkpatrick (FM/Thea Gilmore), the prodigious axe…
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.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate craftsmanship, heritage, and festive spirit 14 – 16 November at the Winter Craft Fair at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, one of the finest examples of Arts & Crafts design.
Over three days, this beautiful historic house will be…
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.
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us for a Sunday of live music at the Marina as Luke Betts joins us from 4pm, singing all the best in sing along acoustic anthems, the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday Roast.
Bowness
"The best of British theatre on a cinema screen near you"
Showtimes
Sunday 5 October 2025
19:30
Thursday 9 October 2025
19:30
Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) is Jessica in the much-anticipated next play from the team behind…
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
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.
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…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
We invite you to our Festive Tea Dance in the magnificent Great Hall at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house on Thursday 11 December, 2–4pm.
Get ready to let your hair down, meet new people and experience this charming, modern revival of a…
Newby Bridge
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials on the way. An enjoyable morning to be had by the whole family!
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL