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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.
Car park with 136 spaces including long stay, short stay and multi-tariff facilities depending on…
The Peter Rabbit Garden has proved tremendously popular with visitors who have delighted in the…
Windermere Jetty Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly visitor attraction dedicated to the boats,…
Join us on an exclusive guided tour at Hill Top Farm, Near Sawrey renowned as the first farm…
The Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa stands right on the shore of Windermere and boasts unrivalled…
The house is in an elevated position with views of the Langdales in the distance. Shops are within…
Kirkwood Guest House in the Lake District is ideally positioned for exploring The Lakes. Situated…
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet…
Electric Bike Hire - E-Bikes delivered directly to your accommodation in the South Lakes by E-Bike…
Lake District food growers and farmers are passionate about their products, from damsons to rare…
Light Stories is tales from Matthew Barley's life, told through music and projected imagery,…
Green Man Survival provides survival and bushcraft training and experiences in the Lake District…
The 5* Langdale Chase is a Luxury. exclusive, Lake District Hotel with unbeatable Windermere views.…
Lindeth Howe’s 2AA rosette restaurant is as popular with residents of nearby Bowness-on-Windermere,…
We're looking forward to welcoming Reuben Tighe to The Swan on the 18th April for an evening of…
Southview Spa in Windermere offers luxury with a private chlorine-free spa, heated pool, cinema,…
Pay & Display car park (NT members free)with 24 spaces. A narrow, single track lane leads to this…
This ride circumnavigates Windermere's southern basin visitng a number of vantage points and…
Enjoy an unforgettable holiday and stay in one of Sykes Holiday Cottages in the Lake District.…
Join us on our unique minibus tours and discover spectacular scenery, breathtaking views and…
Cumbrian produce with a French Twist. Set within 7 acres of landscaped gardens, with our expertise…
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot to take a break from shopping or needing some fuel for…
A 2-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
The family run Lamplighter Dining Rooms offers the very best in accommodation in the Lake District.
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
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.
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…
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
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…
Windermere
Situated in the midst of all the beauty and grandeur of the English Lake District, the Cedar Manor Hotel takes it's name from the majestic Indian Cedar Tree, said to be 200 years old, which dominates its mature private gardens.
Bowness-on-Windermere
A magical indoor attraction that brings to life all 23 Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit tales. Meet all your favourite characters and find out more about Beatrix Potter herself.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Hop to your seats, join in the fun and watch with delight as your favourite characters are brought to life in a theatrical spectacular with beautiful puppets and enchanting songs.
It's Peter Rabbit's birthday and his friends are planning a secret…
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
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
Located in the pretty Troutbeck Valley, you'll discover a relaxed park within some of England’s most beautiful scenery at Limefitt Holiday Park. Perfect for walkers, it's a great base for exploring the towns and villages of the Lake District.
Near Hawkshead
Our pop-up canvas village is made up of sturdy pre-pitched bell tents that take the hassle out of pitching up, leaving you free to explore the local area or try out some of the activities available on site. How idyllic does this sound? Located on…
Bowness-On-Windermere
Brand new Free house British pub, serving home made classic British pub food, real fires, real ale and dog friendly.
Windermere
This private 4×4 driving experience offers a wide variety of vantage points including, lakes, mountains, caves, waterfalls, rivers and streams. An ideal activity for those with an adventurous nature and passion for the outdoors. The tour is customer…
Windermere
Specialist bike hire for everyone from 3 great locations around Lake Windermere. Electric bikes. Mountain bikes. Kid's bikes. Kid's seats and trailers. We have planned routes for you available as maps and downloads.
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.
Cumbria
Cycle out from Windermere and explore the lanes in this quiet corner to the south east of Lake Windermere. Finish the ride at Fell Foot park on the lake shore and let the Bike Bus bring you back to Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Idyllic secluded retreat with superb views over Lake Windermere & fells, once owned by Beatrix Potter. Boasts beautiful bedrooms, cosy lounges, a 2 AA Rosette restaurant with holistic treatments.
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…
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house, Bowness-on-Windermere
Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable with a special afternoon tea at Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. With spectacular views of Windermere, this architecturally stunning historic house offers an exceptional setting to celebrate the special…
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL