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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.
Set in the heart of the Lake District, in Bowness-on-Windermere, The Victoria Wood Theatre presents…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed as you journey through the breathtaking landscapes of…
Step into the glamour and intrigue of the roaring twenties for a night unlike any other at Merewood…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
Since 1847 we’ve been committed to selling the best food and drink in attractive stores staffed…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Cream tea included in the ticket price, if you would like more refreshments they are available at…
Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo After captivating audiences worldwide, Private Peaceful…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on a full-day tour from the…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Make memories, not just snapshots with a private photography experience in the Lake District…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
A cross lake boat service between Bowness - Ash Landing on the western shore of Windermere, near…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 249
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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
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language and a hands-on approach you and your fellow crew will do the vast majority of the tasks that make the boat work.
Newby Bridge
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, such as firelighting, shelter building and more.
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Useful/Beautiful marks 25 years of contemporary craft at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house, celebrating the makers, ideas and objects that have shaped our collection since opening our doors to the public in 2001.
Set throughout the house, the…
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
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…
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Windermere
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 11th September for an evening of live music.
Reuben Tighe fingerpicks his way through an eclectic mix of blues, foot stomping folk and original music, delivering a euphonious…
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.
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.
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.
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…
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Lakeside
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop which will stock a huge range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, gifts and accessories.
Ambleside
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive backdrop of turrets, towers, informal grounds and miles of lakeshore paths.
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL