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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 LessIf you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance,…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment…
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the…
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance,…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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, 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.
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.
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Ambleside
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack at Low Wray.
Windermere
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
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…
Windermere
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away from the road and next to a small beck. The pods all have underfloor heating so you are guaranteed to be warm no matter the season. Unfortunately we…
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.
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Cumbria
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a gentle out and back introduction to this quiet corner of the Lake District.
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Windermere
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats, people and the rich history of Windermere, England’s largest natural lake.
Newby Bridge
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south while everyone gets the hang of handling their boats in the sheltered water. When we are ready we turn round and explore the wider Lake Windermere as…
Windermere
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your needs. Each will give you a great experience and a bit more comfort than a traditional camping holiday – it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the great Lake…
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
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
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
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