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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.
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere &…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks…
The first in the new season of meet the author sessions will feature Cumbrian writer Alan Cleaver
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
Discover 200 years of Windermere’s boating history and the stories of the people involved - from…
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
We're looking forward to welcoming Jon Dawes to The Swan on Sunday 20th April! Singer-Songwriter…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point…
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery,…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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 Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
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
Operating daily between 15th April and 24th May between Bowness and Ash landing, this service enables easy access for passengers to the western shore of Windermere, within easy reach of Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's home and Claife Viewing Station.…
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to 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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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.
Windermere
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated between the two bustling towns of Windermere and Bowness we are ten minutes walk to the start of both towns.
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.
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting site where we love to welcome first timers and experienced shots alike.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never looked at a map or would like to learn more about planning and following a route using paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Bowness on Windermere
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April
Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this hilarious comedy as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul. What started as a College project has grown into a passion, but the…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness on Windermere
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking facility for tickets. Tickets are also available to purchase on the day of the concert in the Old Laundry Theatre foyer. Seats are unreserved…
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.
Windermere
Superb luxury bed & breakfast overlooking Lake Windermere. 14 individually designed bedrooms &. stunning gardens. Extensive breakfast menu. Full Afternoon Tea, Lunch, and Dinner menus available. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL