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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 LessWindermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious! Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats,…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to take a break from shopping or needing some fuel for…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious! Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats,…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Pay and display car park with a lovely view over Windermere Lake. Space for 22 vehicles, open 7…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an…
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and…
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring…
British and continental menu served up in contemporary, colourful, and classy surroundings.
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to take a break from shopping or needing some fuel for…
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
One of the premier bars and restaurants in Windermere, located in the heart of the Lake District…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious! Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats,…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
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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