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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.
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point…
Join us for our very first NYE celebration as we welcome 2026 in fine style. Late Nite Fiasco Fuse…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Welcome 2026 in style with our New Year Gala Dinner, followed by our Abba tribute and dancing into…
We're delighted to welcome Becki Fishwick to The Swan this Boxing Day for an uplifting evening of…
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
A warm welcome awaits you at Lindeth Howe, a property once owned by Beatrix Potter. Set in 6 acres…


The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 302
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Windermere
Merewood Country House Hotel is the quintessential, English country house hotel. Located on the side of a hill overlooking Windermere, Merewood boasts stunning views of the Lake District fells and beyond.
Merewood dates back to 1812 and with…
Graythwaite, Ulverston
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for two, an adventurous family vacation or an elaborate celebration, we have accommodation fit for all occasions.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our archery and axe throwing adventures takes place. Enjoyed as individual experiences or bookable together with the chance to exercise your archery…
Newby Bridge
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs, with a special interest in jazz 'n' blues. Her soulful vocals and jazzy piano styles make her live performances a great experience.
We're looking…
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.
Newby Bridge
Food, glorious food!
Christmas Lunch at The Swan
'Cause food is what Christmas is really about, right? Enjoy your turkey dinner with all of the trimmings, minus the washing up this year! Join us for a fabulously festive 3-course lunch with all of…
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.
Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere
Just outside the front of the The World of Beatrix Potter™ Attraction is our boutique nursery Shop which will stock a huge range of ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly clothing, gifts and accessories.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Ambleside
Taking inspiration from Beatrix Potter, this years Fungi walks will take place at key locations that Potter visited during her time in the Lake District.
Windermere
Family Day Out – Walk the lakeshore, hop on a boat cruise, or enjoy a picnic by the water while the kids keep watch for the creature. It’s a magical way to make a family walk or boat trip even more exciting. A Lake District Character – Bownessie…
Windermere
The Lake Edge Restaurant at Storrs Hall offers a seasonal fixed price menu, as a distinctly different choice to The Bistro. There is a choice of dishes for each course of this 3 course dinner menu.
Windermere
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within walking distance. Bikes can be stored in the garage. Dogs are welcome.
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.
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
Bowness on Windermere
For the past two decades, Tony has been turning heads and wowing audiences worldwide with his amazing portrayal of Britain's Greatest Entertainer, Robbie Williams.
After making his debut in 'Legends' in 2002, he has gone on to perform all across…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
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
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10 comfortable en-suite guest bedrooms providing the perfect base for guests to Cumbria and, of course, their four-legged companions.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL