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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 LessKankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special summertime performance from 6pm – 8pm…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Gerald recently lost his wife of many years. Amy was the light of his life, almost heaven-sent…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated…
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes.…
Discover the art of creating your own essential oil blend, tailored to your unique preferences and…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special summertime performance from 6pm – 8pm…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
In an enviable position, perched on the shores of Windermere, The Waterbird Boathouse is an…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Gerald recently lost his wife of many years. Amy was the light of his life, almost heaven-sent…
Kankku has specially prepared 4x4 vehicles that you drive on rough and rocky scenic trails through…
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 266
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Rayrigg Rd, Windermere
Join us for an action-packed weekend of STEAM fun, with hands-on activities, mind-blowing science shows, and interactive educational workshops suitable for all ages!
This year's Windermere Science Festival brings together leading scientists and…
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
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…
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
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
Staveley-in-Cartmel
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a walk in Far Sawrey/Gummers How.
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…
Bowness on Windermere
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking facility for tickets. Tickets are also available to purchase on the day of the concert in the Old Laundry Theatre foyer. Seats are unreserved…
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…
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
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…
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled views of England's largest lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The multi-award winning, no.1 hotel for romance. Discover high-end luxury, designer decor, hot tubs and exclusive guest extras at the Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Pure Lakes is an award winning, natural skincare company based in the heart of the English Lake District. We make a wide range of skincare products including ‘Bath and Body’, ‘Facial Skincare’ and ‘Home.’ We also do an ‘Active & Therapeutic’ range…
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.
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.
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