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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.
This experience is all about learning the ropes, stick and flappy bits with straight-up language…
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline…
Our pub is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day exploring the Lake District. We offer…
Laik manages super-stylish holiday homes in some of the favourite spots in the Lake District…
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s…
Get behind the wheel with this brilliant 4x4 experience with Graythwaite Adventure. With careful…
Enjoy a superb traditional afternoon tea at Lindeth Fell which includes a selection of delicious…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Cycle route around the Cartmel Peninsula starting and finishing at Fell Foot.
Visit BAHA and enjoy LIVE MUSIC on Fridays & Saturdays all year round!
Freyja is a talented musician known for her captivating Indie folk sound, accompanied by guitar…
The Arts Bar is a celebration of great food and perfectly crafted drinks in a building famed for…
In the Michelin starred main restaurant, SOURCE, head chef Ollie Bridgwater (formerly of Heston…
From its grandstand position overlooking Lake Windermere in Bowness, The Angel Inn is a must visit…
The Sheep Dog Trials run all day and also there are 3 hound trails (1pm, 2.15pm and 2.45pm), a dog…
With our incredible Adventure Playground, mini golf, boat hire, and thrilling activities like Zip…
A weekend of paddleboarding with leading adventurer and writer Jo Moseley
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
Charter a skippered yacht for a two hour sailing experience for up to four people.
Booths is a family owned and operated independent supermarket with over 160 years tradition of…
Our reality-based 2 day survival training course will give you the skills to be self-sufficient in…
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought…
John Ruskin's Brasserie brings contemporary chic to Lakeside with an informal bustling atmosphere.…
Fun filled, adrenalin pumping adventure in the stunning Lake District. Lakes Laser Tag is a fun…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Sail Windermere with us, feel the wind ruffle your hair, and then the surge of the boat as the sails begin their work of converting breeze to smiles.
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.
Bowness on Windermere
This is a journey through the astonishing highs and lows of one of Britain's most famous men from history. But there's so much you don't know…
Father, husband, writer, poet, adventurer, philosopher, soldier, tyrant, egotist, lover, traitor,…
Bowness-on-Windermere
Fasten your seatbelts for a sky-high spectacle with 'Cabin Fever'.
This two-person family friendly comedy takes turbulence to a whole new level, delivering an engaging and uproarious experience as the characters' stories unfold. From unexpected…
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.
Windermere
Operating daily between 15th April and 24th May between Bowness and Ash landing, this service enables easy access for passengers to the western shore of Windermere, within easy reach of Hill Top - Beatrix Potter's home and Claife Viewing Station.…
Our Cycling Route’s guide of the Lake District provides a broad range of cycle routes for all levels of cycling. Whether you are an avid cyclist wanting to do some of the most challenging rides in the Lake District, or gentle leisure rides with…
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…
Lakeside
Lakeside Hotel, the best 4 star hotel on the shores of Windermere, offers you a unique location on the water's edge. It is a classic traditional Lakeland Hotel, personally owned and managed and in a delightful setting.
A591, Windermere
Adventure in the High trees! Treetop Nets offers an amazing new way to play high up in the tree canopy. Featuring over 1500m2 of bouncy trampolines, aerial walkways, tunnels and slides. A great family day out suitable for ages 3yrs+.
Tranquilly paddle along a beautiful, tree-lined river with the steam train passing on the shoreline and the current tugging gently from below towards the sea contrasts with the open lake exposed to the wind and waves, with vast vistas of the Lake…
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.
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…
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.
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…
Windermere
Whether you prefer to be active or sit back and relax, you’ll find your own perfect escape at White Cross Bay Holiday Park in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Cafe treats – freshly baked & delicious!
Our café is open for you to enjoy delicious treats, freshly baked by our talented cafe team. Pop in for a morning coffee, lunch or an afternoon treat. Our signature afternoon tea is famous with our visitors,…
Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere
The Brasserie at The Belsfield Hotel offers a relaxed way to enjoy superb food and elegant surroundings. Situated in 6-acres of gardens overlooking Lake Windermere and the Cumbrian hills beyond.
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.
Lake Road, Windermere
Hill of Oaks occupies a prime position on the shores of Windermere, making it extremely popular with people looking for lakeside holiday homes. The park is nestled in an ancient woodland of mature oak trees, offering over a mile of private…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL