You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Windermere & Bowness
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.
A dynamic live show celebrating all The Eagles' hits and best-loved album tracks, performed by five…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Friday 2 May The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment…
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere,…
Oh Human Thing is an immersive performance of poetry, storytelling, and philosophy, exploring…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
They're back! The long-awaited return of Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute is finally here. With a legacy of…
The first in the new season of meet the author sessions will feature Cumbrian writer Alan Cleaver
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 251
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District.
Local, flexible and friendly, Laik goes that bit extra with their homes and hospitality to make sure your stay in The Lakes turns out just perfect…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
Bowness-on-Windermere
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment experiences that you can share with loved ones, leaving everlasting memories you’ll cherish.
Windermere
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Friday 2 May
The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that in 2009, took the world by storm. Four musicians come together in tweed waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of…
Victoria Street, Windermere
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the Furness Peninsula and North Lancashire. Single and return services are available from all main UK airports and ports throughout the year.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
Bowness on Windermere
Friday 7 March
A thrilling sequel to "The 39 Steps", Hannay Stands Fast sees our dashing hero, Richard Hannay back in the fray on a mission to thwart a new and deadly threat to his beloved England. Engaged on this top-secret case by MI5, Hannay…
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…
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back!
We're thrilled to announce the return of our summer spa parties, promising an even bigger and better experience than ever before!
Tickets are priced at just £65.00 per person. Join us for an unforgettable evening in our spa…
Ulverston
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired picnic near Windermere.
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious!
Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats, freshly baked by our talented cafe team. Pop in for a morning coffee, lunch or an afternoon treat. Our signature afternoon tea is famous with our visitors,…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
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.
Bowness on Windermere
Presented by Windermere Science Festival and Creative Communities for British Science Week.
Come on a fun, artistic and scientific journey of discovery through the amazing world of trees, eco-systems, woodwork and making! See the dramatic artistry…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we serve only the finest British cuisine in our restaurant.
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
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch in and uncover who's responsible for this dastardly tone-death deed! It won't be long before you'll be making your mind up on a solution, but will…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL