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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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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…
Ambleside
Wray Pier offers a peaceful escape on Windermere’s western shore, giving visitors the chance to explore this tranquil corner of the lake by boat.
Windermere Lake Cruises offers sight-seeing tours every day except Christmas Day.
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Part of the Lake District Music Summer Festival
Showtimes: 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm
Join flautist Meera Maharaj and harpist Lucy Nolan as they embark upon a journey into the clouds! Based on celebrated author and illustrator John Burningham's much-loved…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
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…
Great Langdale, Ambleside
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and deep relaxation in one of the Lake District's most peaceful valleys.
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.
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Windermere
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu inspired by countries along the spice trail and guided by fantastic Cumbrian and British ingredients. Dishes are fun and flavourful with a story behind…
Windermere
Arboreal is our Two AA Rosette fine dining restaurant, offering an unforgettable seven-course tasting menu. Inspired by Head Chef Ambrus' philosophy of using the finest seasonal, fresh produce, each dish is designed to let the ingredients shine.…
Newby Bridge
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our expert guide, Karen, leads you through the session in the picturesque River Leven.
Session Details:
Dates & Times: Thursday 13th August,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while leaving ensuring it’s equipped to host a modern, 21st century get together for up to 36 people. Located in Fallbarrow Holiday Park, relax and unwind in…
Newby Bridge
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
Alverston
Taking THE ROC's unique 5 stage triathlon format into the Lake District, one of the most inspiring locations in Europe. From the swim in Windermere, the bike past the iconic Coniston Water and the run to the summit of England's highest mountain and…
Ulverston
Our Finsthwaite Wild Swim is an easy-paced swim walk taking us from the village of Finsthwaite, through some lovely woodland to our secluded swimming spot. Swim the Lakes regulars will enjoy the change of scene here, it is a little local spot and…
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
Windermere
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable volunteers, this small-group tour offers a deeper exploration into the fascinating history of the people and objects connected to the home where one family…
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL