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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.
Join us for hands-on family fun this February half term at Windermere Jetty Museum. Perfect for all…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
This car park lies to the west of the foot of Windermere, north of Finsthwaite village. It is a…
Join us for a half-day guided woodland walk in the South Lakes, learning some bushcraft essentials…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Western – True Grit (2010) The Coen Brothers' reimagining of the classic Western tale. A determined…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
"The difference between a Lady and flower girl isn't how she behaves, but how she is…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 233
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Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
Bowness-on-Windermere
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit for excellent food and drink. Newly opened following an exciting refurb, take in the views with a glass of frothy real local ale or settle back with a…
Windermere
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and fitness classes all under one roof. Bring the whole family down for a swim, use us to keep up with your home fitness routine whilst…
Windermere
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from wealthy owners to boat builders, inspired writers to ordinary Lakeland folk - at the Lake District’s new all-weather museum.
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.
Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
Victoria St, Windermere
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through the Lake District National Park. A Kankku day is really special because it is a genuine off road driving experience rather than driving on a contrived…
Windermere
A combined boat and bus ticket for travel between Bowness and Hawkshead/surrounding villages.
The Cross Lakes Experience operates daily throughout the summer, from Saturday 24th May 2025 until Sunday 28th September 2025. This service connects…
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…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
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.
Newby Bridge
Windermere Ring – Walk the Fells and Valleys around Lake Windermere
Full event details here: https://www.secrethillswalking.co.uk/tour/windermere-ring-walk-the-fells-and-valley-around-lake-windermere/
The Lake District is England's only true…
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Windermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
Windermere
Surrounded by spectacular Lakeland views, indulge in one of the finest British traditions and take Afternoon Tea at Merewood.
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.
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
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…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL