You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
BAHA stands over three tiers and is one of the finest bars in Bowness on Windermere, nestled back…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray. Designed for families and…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Nigel Planer, beloved as Neil the hippy from The Young Ones and a founding figure of the 80s…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 297
, currently showing 121 to 140.
A591, Windermere
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor experiences, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for…
We deliver everything you need to your accommodation, or to your designated preferred location ( including railway station’s) with tailor-made routes. Experience the pleasure of cycling through the Lake District countryside on Electric Bikes, around…
Winderemere
Windermere Art Society Annual Exhibition
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
Ambleside
Discover the history of the Wray estate on a 45‑minute Walk & Talk led by a knowledgeable member of the Wray team.
Starting on the Castle terrace, you'll stop at key points around the perimeter to hear how the Dawson family created the estate,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
When Shakespeare died, he famously left his wife Anne only one thing – the second best bed. This superb one-woman play, full of both humour and pathos, has received great critical acclaim since its premier at the Swan Theatre Worcester in 2012.
…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Join us in the Learning Centre this Easter Holidays for free, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity through play.
Egg Painting
Drop into the Learning Centre to decorate your own egg, inspired by the colours and wildlife…
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 7th August for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful sound…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in this lively and engaging theatrical production. This charming show brings Kenneth Grahame's beloved classic, The Wind in the Willows, to life. Packed…
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.
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…
Ambleside
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.
Newby Bridge
Spend a full day in the Cumbrian wilderness on our bushcraft course honing the key survival skill of making fire, and creating your own friction fire lighting kit (bow drill).
Tower Wood, Windermere
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks from the doorstep, Fell Foot nearby and stunning Lake Windermere views.
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake District, from Manchester Airport, Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Windermere
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed with first class assistants. We take pride in working closely with local suppliers and producers from the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire,…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back… back for good!✨
Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about Robbie Williams & Take That. No support acts, no warm-ups… just pure 90s & 00s pop perfection.
Join us on 18th September, 6–9pm for a night that'll…
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
Windermere
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
Ulverston
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL