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.
Parkland and Gothic Revival castle sitting on the west shore of Windermere providing an impressive…
Join us for Wild Swim Club! Experience the incredible benefits of this exhilarating activity as our…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
The Windermere Record Fair SUNDAY 26th July 2026 Marchesi Centre Holly Road Windermere LA23…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 17th July for an evening of live…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
Discover the tales of Townend on our daily 45-minute guided tour at 3pm. Led by knowledgeable…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Zip World Windermere is an award-winning high ropes adventure company with 2 fantastic outdoor…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
TransPennine Express runs regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme for the Lake…
Step into the world of James Herriot on the All Creatures Great and Small Tour, set against the…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Marina View in Bowness is a relaxed waterfront restaurant where great food meets stunning scenery.…
★★★★★ "Doctors should prescribe it as an antidepressant" – Broadway Baby ★ SELL-OUT show at the…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 41 to 60.
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
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Windermere
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Lake District. Travel through the breathtaking Langdale Valley before tackling the dramatic Wrynose and Hardknott Passes, where you'll have time to take in the extraordinary scenery. Our…
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.
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Ambleside, Windermere
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Newby Bridge
Susannah Clegg is a Lancaster-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for her work with indie-rock band Sidley Park and bluegrass group The Long Nights Band. As a solo artist, she blends powerful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 17th July 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 delight to…
Windermere
On the tour you'll take a close look at the exterior features of Townend, the unique 17th century home of the Browne family and get the rare chance to peer inside Townend barn, one of the few surviving examples of a Lakeland bank barn, on the…
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.
Ulverston
Female-only, non competitive walking event with bite-sized bits of adventure bookending the walk
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 35 years. Restaurants come and go but our focus on quality and customer service has set us…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Lake Road, Windermere
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without sacrificing those all-important home comforts.
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
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…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake frontage, is our magical bushcraft base where we love to welcome those seeking a real outdoor experience.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL