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![]() | Windermere Lake Shore |
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 LessThe Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice. Available in two colours…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Our exquisite AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers unrivalled, unique and spectacular…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this…
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch…
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious! Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats,…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Friday 2 May The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice. Available in two colours…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Dedicate a Forget Me Not this summer and support your local hospice. Available in two colours…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding…
Our exquisite AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers unrivalled, unique and spectacular…
Discover the epitome of luxury with ‘Posh Scran’ afternoon tea at Gilpin Lake House. Enjoy freshly…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Escape to the Lake District whenever you choose by owning your own caravan holiday home at Park…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, 5,000 acres of managed woodland, parkland and lake…
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this…
Wheatlands Lodge is a family run guest house situated just minutes from the beautiful village of…
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch…
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious! Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats,…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you…
Friday 2 May The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Our exquisite AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers unrivalled, unique and spectacular views over Lake Windermere and the fells beyond. Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in 6-acres…
Bowness on Windermere
A dynamic live show celebrating all The Eagles' hits and best-loved album tracks, performed by five professional musicians who share a love of America's most successful band…
An evening jam-packed with all of the unforgettable hits and best-loved…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Ulverston
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun action game played outside in the fresh air by all ages from age 6 upwards. Our forest Laser Tag is ‘no-impact’ (unlike Paintball) and it’s suitable for…
Cumbria
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the network of back lanes and cycle paths that weave through the intervening fells.
Graythwaite
There’s something quite special about being on England’s largest lake, and to see the surrounding landscape from the water provides a different perspective.
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Windermere
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea comprises 4 tiers of delicious, mouth watering Blue Smoke on the Bay goodness.
Newby Bridge
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
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.
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.
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…
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, 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.
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and therapeutic needs. You will be expertly guided through the technique and then learn how to make your own soap using your bespoke blend. Elevate your…
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.
Windermere
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
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