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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 LessA spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Charter a skippered yacht for a 2 hour sailing experience for up to 4 people, get involved and take…
Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
The towns of Windermere and Bowness back onto a lovely little group of fells that extend east…
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
A luxury estate with seven self catering properties set in the picturesque Lake District.
Join us for our children's Easter Sunday party at The Swan Hotel! Taking place on Sunday 20th…
Adjacent to our clay pigeon shooting site, nestled in the heart of Graythwaite Estate, is where our…
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Offering a traditional Afternoon Tea in the heart of the Lake District.
A stunning four star hotel set in 17 acres of grounds on the shores of Lake Windermere.
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake…
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Storrs Gate House has a five star grading with Visit Britain. Susann and Glenn welcome you to our luxury family run country guest house, situated opposite lake Windermere.
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.
Windermere
Choices Health Club Windermere is a unique experience in the Lakes. A large gym, indoor swimming pool, luxury spa and fitness classes all under one roof. Bring the whole family down for a swim, use us to keep up with your home fitness routine whilst…
Staveley, Kendal
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare breed beef and pork, saltmarsh lamb and seafood from the sands of Morecambe Bay. Lakeland eateries are proud to present local food and this route takes…
Lakeside
Steam from the lake shore of Windermere along the heritage track to Haverthwaite Station, where you can visit the station tea room, gift shop, woodland playground, picnic area and engine shed. Steam trains running a seasonal daily service from…
Cumbria
A family friendly ride from Windermere to Staveley on quiet roads with stunning views to the southern Lakeland Fells. In Staveley the workshops, galleries, brewery, plant nursery and eateries offer food for both eyes and appetite. Return along the…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Our exquisite AA Rosette awarded Belsfield Restaurant offers unrivalled, unique and spectacular views over Lake Windermere and the fells beyond. Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in 6-acres…
Ecclerigg, Windermere
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views. At Langdale Chase, you can do as much as you wish, or kick back and fine tune the art of doing absolutely nothing either on your own, as a couple,…
Windermere
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner boats located on the beautiful shores of Lake Windermere, Cumbria.
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…
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…
Newby Bridge
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of our woodland. No phone signal, no comfortable fixed camp and no tarp or tent. You must source all your water, food, firewood and shelter and survive a…
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.
Bowness on Windermere
Windermere Science Festival
Join BBC TV's 'Sky at Night's presenter Chris Lintott and friends for a fascinating evening exploring the Cosmos.
Exploring a cosmos as vast as ours is bound to result in a few surprises. In this talk, Chris Lintott…
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…
Hawkshead
There is a charge for parking but National Trust members park free.
Ambleside Rd, Windermere
With stylish decor overlooking the lake, Blue Smoke is the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.
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…
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…
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