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![]() | The Survivor - A Half Day Bushcraft and Survival Training Experience with Green Man Survival |
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 LessOur three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Guess who's back! We're thrilled to announce the return of our summer spa parties, promising an…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Open all day, seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. Pay by Phone code: 9575
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
A full day's experience learning the key skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, Anyone who can sit with support, Users of Wheelchairs, Unsure…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, on the southwest shore of Windermere, is our shooting…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by…
Guess who's back! We're thrilled to announce the return of our summer spa parties, promising an…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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…
Thwaites Ln, Windermere
Whether you are looking for the newest innovation in kitchen gadgets, want to treat yourself to new bakeware or need to find that perfect product, we have an impressive range for you to choose from, and our friendly team are on hand to help you find…
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…
Ambleside
Join us on an exclusive guided
tour at Hill Top Farm, Near
Sawrey renowned as the first
farm owned by Beatrix Potter.
The farm at Hill Top remains fully operational all year round just how Beatrix Potter loved and envisioned.
We are very excited…
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Newby Bridge
Come and join us for a springtime-themed painting party! Here's your opportunity to paint a cute and fluffy lamb in spring, nestled in daffodils on canvas with acrylics. Spend a few hours switching off from the busy outside world whilst you learn to…
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the beauty and attention to detail in the design and the way the garden evokes the atmosphere of the Peter Rabbit stories.
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
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
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
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and won the ‘Minibus Operator of the Year Award’ in 2010 and was Finalist of…
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
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Set in its own elevated grounds in jolly Bowness, The Angel Inn has far-reaching views across Lake Windermere and the fells of Claife Heights and Latterbarrow beyond.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Whether you’re keen to try outdoor activities or just want to relax and unwind in a stunning location, you'll enjoy every moment spent on a holiday at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.
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.
Newby Bridge
The Swan Inn, nestled within The Swan Hotel, is a charming pub that serves as the heart of our wonderful establishment, providing a warm and inviting space for both guests and locals alike! It's the ideal cosy hub where you can unwind and reconnect…
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…
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.
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…
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