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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 LessLaik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
The Knotted Project's Forge Festival is returning for the fourth year, promising a day filled with…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Whether you are looking for the newest innovation in kitchen gadgets, want to treat yourself to new…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, in mature gardens, yet only 300 metres from…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Operating daily between 15th April and 24th May between Bowness and Ash landing, this service…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Glide silently along the river and past the steam trains at the speed of paddle as we head south…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
This tour visits Windermere's neighbouring villages of Staveley and Troubeck, making use of the…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
The Knotted Project's Forge Festival is returning for the fourth year, promising a day filled with…
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf,…
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking…
Escape the crowds and explore Lake Windermere at your own pace! Choose your adventure with…
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor…
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular…
Whether you are looking for the newest innovation in kitchen gadgets, want to treat yourself to new…
As well as beautiful scenery, the Lake District is also famous for its associations with a large…
Car park with 94 general spaces and 7 disabled spaces. Motorcycle spaces: Can use any of the…
Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, in mature gardens, yet only 300 metres from…
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all!…
Brockhole offers charging for electric vehicles, at a cost of £1 per 30 minutes. The charging point…
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for…
Operating daily between 15th April and 24th May between Bowness and Ash landing, this service…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
A free Exhibition at the first floor of Windermere Library which tells the heritage of pioneering…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 252
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Experience a truly indulgent getaway at Windermere Marina Village, where our luxury holiday apartments are nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Lake District. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Windermere while staying in our thoughtfully…
Located at the tranquil southern end of Lake Windermere, Lakeside Pier offers a different pace of exploration in the Lake District. Board a Windermere Lake Cruise’s vessel and get treated to the finest views from the water.
Newby Bridge
Guess who's back!
We're thrilled to announce the return of our summer spa parties, promising an even bigger and better experience than ever before!
Tickets are priced at just £65.00 per person. Join us for an unforgettable evening in our spa…
Windermere
An intimate and luxury spa that cherishes special time together with private experiences just for two.
Windermere
Originally built in early Victorian times and dating back to 1815 The Belsfield is situated in 6-acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian hills beyond.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Standing at the centre of the town of Bowness-on-Windermere, this Grade I listed church boasts medieval architecture, awe-inspiring stained glass windows, and a long and varied history spanning over 800 years. The earliest records of a church at…
Bowness-on-Windermere
They're back! The long-awaited return of Voulez Vous ABBA Tribute is finally here.
With a legacy of over 30 years of sell out audiences in packed theatres, filling every aisle and dance floor with the authentic and sensational re-creation of the…
Troutbeck, Windermere
At Broadoaks, afternoon tea is served in the traditional manner on a three-tiered plate, featuring a selection of handmade cakes and sandwiches, meticulously prepared by our accomplished team of chefs. Each bite is a testament to our commitment to…
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.
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.
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…
Victoria Street, Windermere
Mountain Goat offers Airport Transfer Services to those traveling to and from South Lakes, the Furness Peninsula and North Lancashire. Single and return services are available from all main UK airports and ports throughout the year.
Windermere
Lakelovers is the self-catering company of choice for tens of thousands of holiday makers each year and with lots of luxury properties, pets staying for free, exclusive discounts when you are here.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house is a rare architectural gem in the heart of the Lake District and offers a perfectly preserved snapshot of early 20th-century living.
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…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
Linthwaite House is the latest addition to the portfolio of Leeu Collection, the manifestation of founder Analjit Singh’s vision for sophisticated escapes and unique travel experiences.
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.
Ulverston
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun action game played outside in the fresh air by all ages from age 6 upwards. Our forest Laser Tag is ‘no-impact’ (unlike Paintball) and it’s suitable for…
Hawkshead, Lake Windermere
This experience combines two of our most popular activities. We’ve designed a 2-hour experience that combines one-hour of 4x4 off-road driving with a mini bushcraft session.
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
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