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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.
Set in the heart of the Lake District, this intimate theatre shares a building in Bowness with the…
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy…
Buses to and through Windermere: Coniston Rambler 505 Windermere - Ambleside - Hawkshead -…
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Join us at Windermere Hire Boats and create unforgettable memories on England’s most beautiful lake…
Pay and display car park (free for National Trust members) with 71 spaces. Park at Wray Castle for…
We're looking forward to welcoming Jon Dawes to The Swan on Sunday 20th April! Singer-Songwriter…
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the…
Welcome to Aquatic Quays Windermere. We are the U.K.s largest importer and distributor for Bayliner…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
The Fizzy Tarté serves a luxurious range of Champagne, Afternoon Teas & Cocktails in the Heart of…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
Our three warm and cosy pods are situated behind the main farm steading in a quiet setting away…
A short walk from the centre of Bowness is Cockshot Point on the lake shore. It’s the perfect place…
Dinner is the highlight of any stay here at Lakeside, with two superb restaurants. In our Lakeview…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
The Winander Club embraces the Club experience offering exclusivity with a sense of personal…
Take in the stunning views from our lakeside Restaurant whilst dining from our seasonal menu, we…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Rayrigg Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere
The Knotted Project's Forge Festival is returning for the fourth year, promising a day filled with live dance, theatre performances and so much more at Windermere Jetty Museum.
This year's Forge Festival will showcase emerging talent from across…
Cumbria
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and returning via a ride across it on the car ferry.
Windermere
Our choice of 4 self-catered apartments range from sleeping 2-8, are incredibly spacious and filled with plush furnishings, modern amenities, premium appliances and bespoke décor. We also offer EV-parking and pet-friendly stays.
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.
Bowness on Windermere
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations – none more so than Sir Charles Baskerville, who died in mysterious circumstances worthy of the legend. This leads Doctor Mortimer to consult Sherlock…
Windermere
Set in the heart of the Lake District National Park, in mature gardens, yet only 300 metres from the promenade, steamer piers and bustling village centre of Bowness-on-Windermere.
Windermere
If you can't decide which one of our kick ass experiences to choose, don't, and just do them all! This experience includes fire lighting using natural materials and sparks along with how to build a shelter with materials provided by nature in our…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for…
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…
Windermere
Our Langdale Club bar and lounge offers a relaxed, informal dining experience whilst surrounded by a chic interior that takes infomal dining to refreshing new heights, sleek and elegant and designed to impress. The Club lounge is the perfect place…
Bowness on Windermere
Thursday 17- Saturday 19 April
Why not join twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle in this hilarious comedy as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul. What started as a College project has grown into a passion, but the…
Windermere
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and fascinating Lake District stories. Daily guided tours for scenery, Beatrix Potter, William Wordsworth and out to Haworth and the Brontë sisters.
Newby Bridge
Pack your clothes along with your sense of adventure and escape for a couple of days to the woods on this fully catered, immersive experience, with some wild camping accommodation thrown in. You may be learning some survival skills, but don’t be…
Newby Bridge
Join us at our secluded woodland camp on the shores of Windermere for a bushcraft brunch to die for, this is thriving not just surviving!
Newby Bridge
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in any wilderness environment. Immerse yourself in the challenge.
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…
A591, Windermere
Treetop Lake District is home to award-winning high ropes adventures, Treetop Trek and Treetop Nets. If you’re looking for an unforgettable day out with friends or family, there is an outdoor adventure for everyone.
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.
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…
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