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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 LessThe Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century…
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored…
Experience the adventure. Glamping is one of the best ways to stay close to nature without…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Whether you would like to rent an Electric Bike or join a Bike Tour or Holiday, we organise…
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake…
Our Lake District E-Bike tours are designed to suit all fitness levels (age 14+ years), for leisure…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in…
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
A delicate restoration to the Grade 2 listed hall, Fallbarrow Hall celebrates its history while…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 61 to 80.
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
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with Windermere Lake Cruises self-drive boat hire. Whether you crave the quiet charm of a classic rowboat or the effortless glide of an electric motorboat, we've…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set within the contemporary country house hotel Linthwaite House, Henrock opened its doors in October 2019.
Henrock is an informal restaurant that serves an à la carte menu using local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by flavours and techniques…
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.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a special afternoon tea at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. With spectacular views of Windermere, this architecturally stunning historic house offers an exceptional setting to celebrate the special…
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
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
Newby Bridge
Situated on the picturesque River Leven at the southern tip of Lake Windermere, this 17th-century coaching inn is full of character and charm, but also offers well-equipped rooms, first-class leisure facilities and a fabulous new Holte Spa. Enjoy…
Newby Bridge
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District The Lamplighter Dining Rooms has been trading now for over 21 years.
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Windermere
Our modern hard standing touring caravan and motorhome pitches have been tastefully landscaped into our surrounding countryside and have lovely views of Moor How and the surrounding fells.
Newby Bridge
A new home interiors and renovation event that showcases the huge range of expert, independent businesses and artisan craftsmanship within Cumbria will launch next Spring. Media stars and upholsterers, Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke, (BBC's Money for…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure or low confidence walkers, All people with visual impairments, People with Auditory impairments, People with learning difficulties, People with…
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
The Spa at Low Wood Bay will take you on a journey of indoor and outdoor thermal spaces, exquisite lunch or afternoon tea options and a hand-selected spa treatment; enjoy unpretentious luxury in a unique setting.
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…
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.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
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