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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.
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Explore Windermere by boat – hire rowing boats, motor boats, Canadian canoes, kayaks, and paddle…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special summertime performance from 6pm – 8pm…
Afternoon Tea at The Belsfield is a quintessentially English experience, offering delicious…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Anyone Can is an inclusive adventure company. We welcome those with additional needs and those…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 30th…
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 268
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Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 18th April 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…
A591, Windermere
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree canopy. Featuring over 1500m2 of bouncy trampolines, aerial walkways, tunnels and slides. A great family day out suitable for ages 3yrs+.
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…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Windermere
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck) brings innovative skills, techniques and creativity to the table, for a fun, vibrant, fine dining experience!
Bowness-on-Windermere
This unique Lake District hotel only two minutes stroll from Lake Windermere and the village of Bowness, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity.
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
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
Windermere
Travel in style with your own private driver to visit four of the best country pubs that surround Lake Windermere.
Back Belsfield Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
The first in the new season of meet the author sessions will feature Cumbrian writer Alan Cleaver
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.
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
Windermere
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal service, alongside all the amenities of the resort on your doorstep.
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.
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…
Ulverston
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired picnic near Windermere.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL