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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.
Ring in the New Year in style at our glittering Gala Dinner – the highlight of the festive season.…
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon Teas in Bowness-on-Windermere. Located just opposite the World of Beatrix…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Join Ratty, Mole, Toad, and Badger on a delightful, family-friendly adventure by the riverside in…
John has been performing as Elvis Presley for many years & is well loved in the Furness area.…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Bowness on Windermere
Under 16's go free with a paying adult
16 strings, 8 dancing feet and 4 voices in 1 electrifying and hilarious musical show! Graffiti Classics are a comedy string quartet who never sit down, bursting the perceived elitist boundaries of…
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.
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Yourythmics is the ultimate live-band tribute to the legendary Eurythmics, led by the extraordinary Stacy Green, widely recognised as the UK's No. 1 Annie Lennox tribute and look-alike.
The show features the timeless Eurythmics hits like Sweet…
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
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into the small wee hours with our resident DJ. Dinner served @ 19.45pm in our Lakeside Restaurant. Full pre payment at time of booking.
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full Afternoon Tea, Lunch, and Dinner menus available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Windermere
Nestling in the hills of the Troutbeck Valley, a place for walkers and pilgrims to pause, reflect and find their eternal bearings.
One of only two churches in England dedicated as Jesus Church. Built to serve two settlements, yet sited in neither,…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin at Broad Leys, a private Voysey-designed masterpiece, then make your way to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, a beautifully preserved architectural…
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
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.
Newby Bridge
Get ready to jingle all the way at our Santa's Spa-rty!
Celebrate the season in style at our Christmas Spa Party Nights! For just £65 per person, immerse yourself in festive cheer from start to finish. Upon arrival, enjoy a festive drink that sets…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL