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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...Read More
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.
Read LessAs well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix…
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &.…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
We have a pay and display parking system here at Brockhole. We make every effort to accommodate all…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 250
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of quality food & drink retailing. We develop strong relationships with the best local suppliers and we are passionate about giving our customers a taste of…
Kendal
The Lyth and Winster valleys form a landscape of unspoilt pastoral delights - damson trees clustered in small orchards close to white-washed farmhouses, broadleaved woodlands brimming with bluebells and peaceful green undulating pastures.
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.
Rayrigg Rd, Windermere
Join us for an action-packed weekend of STEAM fun, with hands-on activities, mind-blowing science shows, and interactive educational workshops suitable for all ages!
This year's Windermere Science Festival brings together leading scientists and…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant surroundings. Situated in 6-acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian hills beyond.
Windermere
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes, mountains, caves, waterfalls, rivers and streams. An ideal activity for those with an adventurous nature and passion for the outdoors. The tour is customer…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike Safaris. Experience cycling through the Cumbrian countryside, visiting all the attractions and having the comfort of the electric assistance.
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…
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
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere, as it is with visitors to the Lake District, and our hotel guests, who come to enjoy the activities & delights of Lake Windermere.
Newby Bridge
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel!
Taking place on Sunday 20th April from 3pm – 5pm with pizza, chips and live entertainment. Tickets are just £12 per child – Supervising adults go free.
Please note the pizza and…
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
Ambleside
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack on the western shore of Windermere.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Windermere:
Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
Langdale Rambler 516 Windermere - Ambleside - Dungeon Ghyll.
555 Lancaster - Kendal - Windermere - Ambleside - Grasmere - Keswick - Carlisle…
Windermere
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks a stone’s throw away and the pretty Lakeland village of Ambleside a mile away, Low Wood Bay is the perfect base for relaxing and exploring the Lakes.
Newby Bridge
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access to Lake Windermere with picnic areas, boat hire and tea room.
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.
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