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 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.
Memories have never been easier! Freedom Boat Club takes care of everything – maintenance,…
A real Lakeland hidden treasure set in the beautiful village of Troutbeck, this 17thC solid stone…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
Park Cliffe is an award-winning holiday park set in 25 acres of beautiful, unspoilt countryside,…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant…
Nestled in the heart of the Lake District National Park, Bowness-on-Windermere is a picturesque…
Local people enjoying their retirement in The Lake District can get some amazing discounts at…
Let's unite in music and mystery as the stage is set for a killer performance! You'll need to pitch…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'. This two-person family friendly…
Top Fun! is a roller coaster ride of laughter, surprise and genuine amazement. Hitting all the…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
"The legend of the Hound Of The Baskervilles has haunted the Baskerville family for generations –…
The Queens Head features a cosy drinking area with newly-refurbished dining areas and 10…
Tariff type: Multi Tariff. Public toilets on site.
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…
Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden.…
Evie is a singer-songwriter from the Lake District. Evie has built up a vast repertoire of songs,…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
38 Self catering dog friendly properties, from Lakeside to Woodland views. A romantic break for…
Soak up the magic of a summer evening on England's finest lake! Enjoy live music, a delicious…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 256
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Windermere
Join Green Man Survival in our private woodland on the shores of Windermere to discover the ancient art of archery. We will learn a little about the history of this primitive skill and have the chance to experience how tricky it must have been for…
Lakeside
A spectacularly located site on the quieter western shores of Windermere, England’s largest lake and with stunning views our Lakeside site has it all in spades. Each of our yurts here have stunning lake views and are a hop, skip and a splosh away…
Windermere
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District National Park. Our experiences are suitable for all including families, couples and friends, and we also offer group training courses that are suitable…
Ulverston
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a walk at High Dam.
Bowness on Windermere
This concert is an external hire by Lakeland Sinfonia and you will be directed to their booking facility for tickets. Tickets are also available to purchase on the day of the concert in the Old Laundry Theatre foyer. Seats are unreserved…
Windermere
Matson Ground Holiday Cottages offers four charming, self-catering cottages in the heart of the Lake District. A stay in one of our cottages supports conservation and biodiversity projects on our 500 hectare organic farm.
With two cottages…
Newby Bridge
We developed our bespoke canoe sailing boats to make an easily accessible boat for people with mobility difficulties - but everyone loves them. Fast light and you are a solo sailor from the very start. If you want a friend or carer in the boat to…
Windermere
We provide services for coach and group operators. Ideal for coach drivers days off. Our 16 seater minibuses make the inaccessible accessible.
Group rates: on request.
Established in 1972, Mountain Goat today are renowned for their exciting and…
ULVERSTON
St Peter’s was built in 1874 designed by well known Lancashire firm of Paley and Austin and won an award for its design as a ‘mountain chapel’.
Windermere
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema, and more. Just minutes from shops and a short walk to Lake Windermere, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and tranquillity.
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…
Windermere
Mountain Goat Tours has over 50 years’ experience and recognises itself as the No.1 Lake District tour specialist. Mountain Goat has rightfully made its mark of distinction and won the ‘Minibus Operator of the Year Award’ in 2010 and was Finalist of…
Ulverston
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
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
A half day's experience learning the core skills of bushcraft and survival with our expert instructors, including fire, shelter, water sourcing and more.
Windermere
Our modern, fully furnished and equipped caravan holiday homes are situated in a quiet area, adjacent to the main touring park yet within easy reach of all the park amenities.
Newby Bridge
Discover a wide array of local freshwater and marine species including menacing pike, carp and rays. Plus discover creatures from around the world including piranha, otters and clownfish.
Cumbria
Short - Easy (6.2km)/ Off-road and Bridleway. Family Route
Windermere
At Gilpin Hotel all 30 bedrooms have lovely Lakeland views, most leading directly onto the gardens – All 6 Junior Suite and 6 Garden Suites have decked or slate patios with their own outdoor hot tubs, 5 Spa Lodges have their own ensuite spa…
Bowness on Windermere
Presented by Windermere Science Festival and Creative Communities for British Science Week.
Come on a fun, artistic and scientific journey of discovery through the amazing world of trees, eco-systems, woodwork and making! See the dramatic artistry…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL