To build your own Itinerary, click to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Already saved an Itinerary?
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 LessLakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets…
A dynamic live show celebrating all The Eagles' hits and best-loved album tracks, performed by five…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
TransPennine Express run regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme, for the Lake…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from…
Join us at The Swan Hotel on May 9th from 5:30 – 7:30pm for an unforgettable evening of live music…
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance,…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets…
A dynamic live show celebrating all The Eagles' hits and best-loved album tracks, performed by five…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area,…
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
At BAHA, we are all about bringing people together, through fun food, drink, and entertainment…
Windermere is England's largest and most popular lake, stretching over 11 miles (18km) through the…
Join Green Man Survival for our most in depth and demanding survival challenge. You will spend 72…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Located down a quiet country lane close to Windermere village. Personally owned by Richard & Lisa…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
TransPennine Express run regular services to Carlisle, Penrith and Oxenholme, for the Lake…
Bowfell Cottage is admirably situated fronting a private drive just off A5074, Lyth Valley Road,…
Family-friendly park with green lawns sloping down to the lakeshore. Just the place to enjoy access…
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from…
Join us at The Swan Hotel on May 9th from 5:30 – 7:30pm for an unforgettable evening of live music…
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance,…
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with…
Our relaxed 2 AA Rosette restaurant, Gilpin Spice has an open kitchen serving a pan-Asian menu…
Upon issue of your survival kit you will be dropped into one of the densest most remote parts of…
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on…
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets…
A dynamic live show celebrating all The Eagles' hits and best-loved album tracks, performed by five…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 268
, currently showing 61 to 80.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A one day introduction to navigation and map reading suitable for beginners. If you have never looked at a map or would like to learn more about planning and following a route using paths and tracks then this is the course for you.
Cumbria
The cycle track sandwiched between the lake edge and the steep flanks of Claife Heights gives a gentle out and back introduction to this quiet corner of the Lake District.
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
Canoe, Paddleboard, Kayaking in Windermere, Lake District. Tailored made courses from sea to surf, lakes to rivers, adults to children.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of Bowness on Windermere, in the Lake District.
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…
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…
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…
Far Sawrey, Ambleside
Unlock the secrets of essential oils as you learn to create your very own blend, uniquely tailored to your therapeutic needs and personal preferences. You'll then embark on the journey of infusing your aromatic blend into a natural soy wax candle.…
Newby Bridge
We're looking forward to welcoming Jon Dawes to The Swan on Sunday 20th April!
Singer-Songwriter hailing from the South of the Lake District. Forming conventional acoustic guitar playing with the ideology and rhythm of a drummer, this unique take…
Newby Bridge
Join us as we welcome Leon Knight to The Swan for a special performance from 6pm – 8pm on the 30th May.
Enjoy sunshine on the terrace, live music, fantastic food and a lively atmosphere. We can't wait to welcome you with some spring time cheer!
Windermere
Low Wood Watersports and Activity Centre, with it's large lake frontage and extensive range of equipment, is a great location for waterskiing, wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking/canoeing and boat hire.
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.
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…
Lake Road, Windermere
Nestled on the slopes of ancient woodland, Hill of Oaks is an award-winning 5 star holiday park located in the heart of the Lake District National Park.
Newby Bridge
Located on the peaceful River Leven, The Swan Hotel & Spa is the closest mooring available to the A590 and M6, with these links being closer than Windermere Marina. It’s the perfect location for those who love to travel by water! We have excellent…
Windermere
Delightful recently refurbished cottages in a quiet location, yet a stroll from Windermere & Bowness. Abbey Coach House Cottages are set within extensive gardens & ideally based for exploring the Lakes. Pets welcome & bike storage available
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…
Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
For a special Lake District experience, enjoy a trip on a fully restored wooden heritage boat from the Windermere Jetty Museum collection. Hop aboard our 30 minute cruise to experience the peaceful calm of the lake.
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL
We are now retrieving your search results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds
Supporting the Destination
Quality Guarantee
We are now retrieving real time availability results. Please wait, this may take up to 30 seconds.