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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.
Back for its 13th Year, join us at Windermere Golf Club on Friday 3rd July 2026 for a wonderful day…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Although Wray Castle is only 180 years old it is a grand and imposing building on the west shores…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
Lake District self-catering near Windermere, 10 minutes from Bowness. Ideal for couples, with walks…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Amy Anderson Walmsley to The Swan on the 24th April for an…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s…
DISCOVER THE MYSTERY OF BOWNESSIE ✨ This Easter, step into the legend of Lake Windermere with…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 290
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Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
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…
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres of beautiful grounds, with stunning views over lake Windermere and to the fells beyond. The hotel boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a well…
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.
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…
Newby Bridge
Let your creativity run wild as we paint this vibrant, feel-good meadow scene bursting with colour and movement. Inspired by sun-drenched countryside and wild summer blooms, this piece is all about bold brushstrokes, playful texture and layering…
Newby Bridge
Molly Warburton, a UK Indie Pop singer-songwriter from Lancaster, will be joining us at The Swan on 25th September for a night of live music!
Previously featured on BBC Introducing, MusicCrowns, and Spotify Editorial Playlists, Molly's soulful…
Staveley
Sheep Dog Trials running all day along with an open dog show, hound trail races, craft stalls, bar and food.
Far Sawrey
Two perfectly positioned Holiday Homes. Each has private Garden, 3 bedrooms, open fires/wood burner, fully equipped kitchen, 2 lounges, 2 bathrooms. Stunning views and access to footpaths. Pubs close by.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
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…
Rayrigg Road, Windermere
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all ages, our drop-in activities are inspired by boats, sailing and life on the lake.
Build a Boat with MakeDo tools
Using recycled cardboard and…
Cumbria
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and returning via a ride across it on the car ferry.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Ambleside
Summer of Play stretches across the school summer holidays at Wray.
Designed for families and children of all ages, Wray's outdoor spaces will become a hive of activity.
Let your imagination run wild with natural play at Wray this summer.
Dive…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL