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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 LessOriginally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens…
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery,…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens…
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery,…
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 266
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Walking holidays in extraordinary Lake District properties. Inspired by the traditional ‘alpine way to stay’, CoolMeets have partnered with Post Knott Lodge & Southview Spa to offer the opportunity to stay in these wow factor properties and explore…
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.
Newby Bridge
Freyja is a talented musician known for her captivating Indie folk sound, accompanied by guitar melodies and sincere vocals. With a career spanning over a decade, she has honed her craft and become a seasoned performer. Freyja has performed on the…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for creativity. If you are looking for somewhere cosy, quirky, characterful & unique then look no further.
Bowness on Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. The Theatre produces a lively programme of professional drama, music, folk, comedy, lectures and film.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road, above eastern shore of the lake about 1 mile south of Bowness Bay and set in 0.5 acre of wooded ground and gardens. Excellent parking.
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
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
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…
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…
Ambleside
Nestled on the peaceful western shore of Lake Windermere, Wray Pier offers a tranquil entry point to this iconic National Park location. Windermere Lake Cruises provides visitors with the opportunity to arrive at this historic spot in style, on…
Newby Bridge
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 30th May.
Enjoy sunshine on the terrace, live music, fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. We can't wait to welcome you with some spring time cheer!
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
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.
Cumbria
A walk around the shores of Lake Windermere and over the wooded fells of Claife Heights to the villages of Sawrey and Hawkshead to take in the sights and sounds that inspired the works of Beatrix Potter. Along the way you will be able to walk…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Friday 2 May
The Mumford & Sons Story recreates the incredible tale of the floor-stomping folk-rock band that in 2009, took the world by storm. Four musicians come together in tweed waistcoats, skinny jeans and bushy beards to celebrate the best of…
Newby Bridge
Join us at The Swan Hotel on May 9th from 5:30 – 7:30pm for an unforgettable evening of live music with the talented Reuben Tighe! Relax and unwind while enjoying an acoustic set that promises to delight with his soulful melodies. Whether you're…
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…
Windermere
Operating daily between 15th April and 24th May between Bowness and Ash landing, this service enables easy access for passengers to the western shore of Windermere, within easy reach of Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's home and Claife Viewing Station.…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at Windermere Lake Cruises and other local attractions.
Every Friday in our off-peak season retired people who are over 60 and living in the LA/CA postcode…
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