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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.
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Relaxing with our afternoon tea experience, less than a stone's throw away from the water's edge of…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice. Available in two colours…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the National Park, with Wainwrights walks…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a special afternoon tea at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance, cleaning, repairs and storage. All you have to do is book your boat, relax and revel in time spent with family and friends. We’ve taken every step to make…
Lakeside
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
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
They're back! The long-awaited return of Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute is finally here.
With a legacy of over 30 years of sell out audiences in packed theatres, filling every aisle and dance floor with the authentic and sensational re-creation of the…
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.
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.
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…
Lake Road, Windermere
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an impressive lakefront apartment offering a truly memorable stay.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Windermere
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Back Belsfield Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
A weekend of paddleboarding with leading adventurer and writer Jo Moseley
Lake Road, Windermere
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular with people looking for lakeside holiday homes. The park is nestled in an ancient woodland of mature oak trees, offering over a mile of private…
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
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.
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.
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…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL