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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.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere Full event details here:…
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Food, glorious food! Christmas Lunch at The Swan 'Cause food is what Christmas is really about,…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
We're delighted to welcome Ash Nelson to The Swan on 29th December for a cosy Twixmas evening of…
Buses to and through Sawrey: Cross Lakes Shuttle 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Grizedale…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Paddle Windermere to a remote shore, light fire and cook on open fire. We are an inclusive company…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 303
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Newby Bridge
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of live music.
Relax into the festive spirit as Becki brings her signature blend of vintage vocals, soulful classics, and modern favourites — the perfect…
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
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72 hours surviving in our private woodland learning a wealth of skills and knowledge that will enable you to thrive in this stunning habitat.
Windermere
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the stunning backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This tour takes you deep into Herriot country, where you’ll discover the charming villages and…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Top Fun! is a roller coaster ride of laughter, surprise and genuine amazement. Hitting all the nostalgic 80s notes, this high energy show will challenge what you think about hypnotism. Matt will unlock the hidden talents of his willing participants…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Gerald recently lost his wife of many years. Amy was the light of his life, almost heaven-sent.
It's tricky thinking about life without her but he's trying his best to put a brave face on things, accepting help from fussy neighbours and muddling…
Bowness on Windermere
Listen and watch the Hatter as he tells the story of Alice's journey in Wonderland through puppets, beautiful painted scenery, music , song and of course hats!
Along the way meet some strange and magical creatures, get to wear one of the Hatter's…
Windermere Marina Village, Bowness-on-Windermere
Saturday 13th December
11am
Join us for our annual Breakfast with Santa!
Enjoy a festive morning filled with fun, games, and a hearty breakfast with Santa himself.
Each child's ticket includes:
A breakfast barm
A soft drink
A festive gift
✨…
Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
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.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Celebrate the Christmas season in style with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Blackwell's charming Tea room. Featuring glorious Windermere views, Blackwell is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a delightful festive treat.
Savour a carefully curated…
Bowness on Windermere
Take the "Highway to the Hypno-zone"! Grab your day-glo, big hair & Rubik's Cube as the must-see fest fave brings an 80s twist to his brand new show Top Fun! Laugh along, sing along or even star in the show (always your choice!) – we're gonna…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Rob Young to The Swan on the 3rd October for an evening of live music.
Enjoy the longer evenings with the Rob – a singer songwriter, purveyor of roots acoustic blues, ragtime, the old-time banjo sounds of…
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.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Newby Bridge
Time: 7.00pm
Location: Begins in The Ballroom, The Swan Hotel
Join us for a spine-chilling evening of live storytelling, inspired by real Cumbrian legends and historic horrors. This immersive experience unfolds across several locations in and…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
Windermere
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside, right in the heart of the Lake District, only 3 miles from Bowness-on-Windermere. We have two camping areas.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL