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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.
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming…
Our thoughtfully curated three day retreat combines yoga, mindful movement, outdoor experiences and…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks…
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the…
Experience two of Britain's most celebrated Arts & Crafts houses in one inspiring afternoon. Begin…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
Guess who's back… back for good!✨ Our Summer Spa-rtys have returned — and this time it's all about…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 263
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Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
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…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise everything and provide self-guided tours with tailored routes to suite you.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
This November, the much-loved Winter Craft Fair returns to Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house and for 2026, there's even more to enjoy as the fair takes place across two consecutive weekends!
Whether you're searching for a one-of-a-kind gift,…
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
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
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…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award-winning natural skincare company based in Far Sawrey, near Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top in the heart of the English Lake District.
Inspired by their surroundings, they create sustainable skincare using the highest-quality natural…
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.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Wake District is a family-run watersports business on Lake Windermere offering wakeboarding, wakesurfing and kneeboarding for all abilities with private, tailored coaching.
Windermere
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near Hawkshead.
The Cross Lake Shuttle operates daily throughout the summer, from 23 May 2026 to 27 September 2026. It's a great way to reach places like…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery. Our menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, weekly specials, and our famous Sunday roast — all served with warm, friendly service. With indoor and…
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
Cumbria
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large number of poets, novelists and essayists. This lovely, 36-mile walk takes you through some of the Lake District’s best-loved areas, visiting many of the…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL