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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.
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Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
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Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
Nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere, this extensive working mill was begun in 1835 and…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
The brand-new way to enjoy the very best of Blue Smoke on the Bay, the wood-fired Afternoon Tea…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Free car park with 20 spaces. Open 7 days a week.
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Windermere Science Festival Join BBC TV's 'Sky at Night's presenter Chris Lintott and friends for a…
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
We offer 7 different glamping options at Park Cliffe so you’ll find one that perfectly suits your…
If you never saw The Smiths then this is your chance to experience the thrill of those great songs…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White…
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness on Windermere
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery, narrating his search for meaning in music-making and how, in time, he came to heal past wounds.
The performance incorporates pieces by Joby Talbot, Anna…
Windermere
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious home made sandwiches and sweets along with a selection of leaf teas. Licensed bar. Wi-Fi. Parking.
Lakeside
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview Restaurant every meal feels like a special occasion, including our famous breakfasts.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious!
Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats, freshly baked by our talented cafe team. Pop in for a morning coffee, lunch or an afternoon treat. Our signature afternoon tea is famous with our visitors,…
Hawkshead
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Bowness on Windermere
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch in and uncover who's responsible for this dastardly tone-death deed! It won't be long before you'll be making your mind up on a solution, but will…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought to life in a theatrical spectacular with beautiful puppets and enchanting songs.
It's Peter Rabbit's birthday and his friends are planning a secret…
Glebe Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake!
Enjoy live music, a delicious buffet, and breathtaking views as you cruise the full length of Windermere.
What's Included?
• Full Lake Cruise – A 2½ hour journey showcasing the best of…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
This exhibition celebrates the work of British-Nigerian sculptor, Lawson Oyekan (b.1961). Oyekan's ceramic sculptures explore the human experience, the fragility of life and its strength to overcome. His large thin-walled vessels appear robust, yet…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 18th April for an evening of live music.
Reuben Tighe fingerpicks his way through an eclectic mix of blues, foot-stomping folk and original music, delivering a euphonious delight to…
Windermere
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone and slate house sits imposingly on the hillside, its huge chimneys typical of the area.
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
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.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Oaks Country Estate - self catering properties to accommodate groups of friends and families. Our properties sleep from 2 people to 25 and all include a log burner, hot tub and all the home comforts needed to have fun, relax and make special…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful planning and consideration for the natural landscape, we’ve designed the Lake District’s only off-road course with BORDA (British Off Road Driving…
Newby Bridge
The River Room Brasserie restaurant at The Swan Hotel offers a sophisticated dining experience for those looking for something truly special. With its 3-course menu, crafted by the hotel’s talented head chef, each dish is a work of art, made with…
ULVERSTON
Yes, you can: Users of Mobility aids, anyone who can sit with support, wheelchair users, unsure or low confidence walkers, visually impaired people, people with auditory impairments, people with learning difficulties, people with autism, people with…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'.
This two-person family friendly comedy takes turbulence to a whole new level, delivering an engaging and uproarious experience as the characters' stories unfold. From unexpected…
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