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15 Best Things to Do in Windermere (Cumbria, England)

Both the largest natural lake in England and the name of the small town on its east shore, Windermere is a coveted summer holiday escape and arguably one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Tourists began to arrive in the mid-19th century when the Kendal and Windermere Railway opened.

One person who was always besotted with Windermere was the children’s author Beatrix Potter, who moved into the mansion near the west shore in 1906 and wove the building into her illustrations.

Pack a good pair of walking shoes to fully appreciate the landscape from the Lakeland fells that ring the lakeshore.

Windermere the town is in a loose conurbation with Bowness-on-Windermere where you can catch a ferry to the lake’s west shore and embark on a steamboat trip.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Windermere :

1. Windermere Lake

The largest natural lake in England, Windermere was born some 13,000 years ago when water from melting glaciers was held in place by moraine rock that the glaciers had deposited during the Ice Age.

The lake is more than ten miles long, and a mile across at its widest point, with a surface flecked with 18 islands.

When tourism arrived in Victorian times, entrepreneurs built themselves lavish homes in gardens, down the east shore.

Many of these are now posh hotels, while several gardens are open to the public.

The scale of Windermere brings in crowds of yachters and paddleboarders in summer.

The raw beauty of the fells (hills) around the shore, and the swirling cloudy skies will keep you transfixed on walks.

2. Lake Cruise

Many of the activities on this list require a pair of walking shoes or getting wet in the lake, but you could spend an unforgettable couple of hours on Windermere without having to move a muscle.

The company Windermere Lake Cruises has a busy timetable of trips on old-fashioned steamers or modern sightseeing vessels.

If you just need an introduction to the lake, 45-minute cruises depart the pier at Bowness every half hour in summer.

But if you can’t get enough of those mountain vistas and wooded islands, there are longer journeys from Bowness to Lakeside at the lake’s southern shore (90 minutes).

3. Orrest Head

One of the great things about staying in Windermere is that even short circular walks will deliver you to glorious viewpoints with minimal effort.

That’s the story at Orrest Head, which requires a short burst of energy on a 20-minute hike to the hilltop where you’re met by an awesome panorama.

There’s an orientation table up here, detailing all of the summits and ranges you can see, like the Old Man of Coniston, Fairfield, Great Gable, Scafell Pike and the Langdale Pikes.

After leaving this summit, the walk continues on through the bucolic St Catherine’s Wood and High Hay Wood, back to Windermere.

4. World of Beatrix Potter

The much-loved children’s author and illustrator had close ties with the Lake District, holidaying at Holehird near Windermere, and buying a house at Hill Top on the lake’s west shore.

This themed attraction in the middle of Bowness is suffused with the spirit of her books and has all of her beloved characters, like Jemima Puddle-Duck and Peter Rabbit.

At the start there’s a brief film introducing Potter’s work and life, and in the seven areas that follow are 3D representations of her characters, using ambient sound, scents and lighting.

You can also go on a virtual tour through the places in the Lake District that inspired her, comparing real life places to her illustrations.

5. Blackwell

The Manchester brewing magnate Sir Edward Holt ordered this house as a holiday retreat at a lookout on the edge of Bowness-on-Windermere at the turn of the 20th century.

The architect was Baillie Scott, a luminary of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the house has come through the last 120 years with all of its fittings and furniture in place.

The level of detail in Scott’s design never ceases to surprise, and shines through in the peculiar window catches, leaf-shaped door handles, stained glass and a wealth of decoration produced by the leading Art and Crafts studios of the day.

The fireplaces are especially creative, like the one in the front room, flanked by benches.

The garden was designed by Arts and Crafts landscaper Thomas Mawson, on a gorgeous flight of terraces oriented towards the Coniston Fells.

6. Holehird Gardens

A mile north of Windermere the town, Holehird Gardens is a demonstration garden and the seat of the Lakeland Horticultural society.

The garden has plants that do well in the Lake District’s stony soils and damp climate, and has Alpine houses, rock and heather gardens and a lovely walled garden noted for its herbaceous borders.

Thomas Mawson was also involved here at the end of the 19th century, enlarging the Walled Garden, which had first been built in 1870. There are national collections of plystichum ferns, astilbes and hydrangeas, as well as an array of azaleas and rhododendrons.

The view from Holehird Gardens is touted as one of the best in Lakeland.

In the 1890s Beatrix Potter was a regular at Holehird House, now used by a healthcare charity.

7. St Martin’s Church

On a sightseeing tour in Bowness you can take a look around this historic church.

St Martin’s dates for the most part to the end of the 15th century and was restored in the 1870s.

The walls are slate rubble, with sandstone door and window dressings, while interior is notable for its use of plaster.

During the restoration painted inscriptions that had been covered up for centuries were rediscovered.

On the spandrels between the arches in the nave are texts from a catechetical book published at the end of the 16th century.

In front of the lectern you can also read a small poem written to give thanks for the failure of the Gunpowder Plot, written in 1629.

8. Brant Fell Above the Bustle

Cresting behind Bowness-on-Windermere, Brant Fell is 192 metres high and has a wonderful prospect of the lake.

As the name tells you, this 3.5-mile circular walk leads you away from the busy lakefront in summer.

The climb can be quite stiff in places, through woodland and open fields to a bare summit, stopping at a viewpoint at Post Knott along the way.

The top of Brant Fell is covered with rocky outcrops, up to three metres high, and you’ll want to pause for photos of this magical setting before heading back down to Bowness.

9. Boating and Watersports

When the weather’s warm you couldn’t pick a better place for water activities than Windermere.

With magnificent Lakeland Fells for scenery, you can hire a variety of boats (a 10-mile an hour speed limit applies) and master the art of sailing.

You can hire equipment for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and canoeing, and try waterskiing and wakeboarding.

The Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, 10 minutes from Windermere village, has its own watersports centre providing all of these experiences.

But there’s also a roll-call of companies operating throughout the Lake District, ready to pick you up at your accommodation.

10. Hill Top

At Bowness-on-Windermere you can catch a ferry across the lake to Far Sawrey on the west shore.

From there it’s a simple walk, bike ride or drive to this National Trust Property and former home of Beatrix Potter.

Hill Top dates to the 1600s and was bought as a writing retreat in 1906. The house has been kept as Potter would have remembered it, even reproducing the wallpaper that she put up when she moved in.

If you know Potter’s illustrations well, you may recognise the furnishings in the entrance hall, like the 18th-century longcase clock, the 17th-century oak press cupboard, an 18th-century dresser and Chippendale-style chairs, which all featured in her illustrations.

More than 1,400 objects were left to the National Trust by Potter at Hill Top, and you can follow up with a trip to the Beatrix Potter gallery a couple of miles away in Hawkshead.

11. Grizedale Forest

You can use that ferry to spend a few hours ambling through this 2,500-hectare forest between Windermere and Coniston Water.

The Grizedale Forest is woven with waymarked footpaths and mountain biking tracks, as well as a sculpture trail with around 90 works made from natural materials like wood and stone.

Also in the forest is a ropes course along the main trail, and boasting Tarzan swings, rope bridges and zip-lines for adults and children aged 10 and up.

A visitor centre is tucked deep in the forest and has an exhibition space and cafe.

12. Claife Viewing Station

While on the west shore of Windermere you can hike up from the ferry terminal to this scenic lookout with an intriguing past.

Claife Station was built as a mock ruin at the end of the 18th century, and became a landmark for tourists in the 1830s and 40s.

It was cherished for the windows in its “Drawing Room”, which have (newly restored) stained glass in different shades, to allow you to see what Windermere looks like in different seasons and in different lights.

Claife Viewing Station is run by the National Trust and has a cafe and picnic area.

13. Fell Foot Park

An excursion to the south end of Windermere, Fell Foot Park is a waterfront Victorian garden that used to belong to a mansion that was demolished in 1907. The idea had been to construct a larger house in these seven-hectare grounds, now cloaked with mature pines and oaks, but the owner passed away and the garden was acquired by the National Trust in 1948. Fell Foot Park has beautiful vistas up the length of Windermere, and a few Grade II-listed buildings, like a workshop, manager’s house and a set of boathouses, one of which has been converted into a cafe.

You can hire a rowing boat from the cafe or even take a swim from these grassy banks if the weather is warm enough.

14. Lakeland Motor Museum

Ten miles south of the village of Windermere, and not far from the southern shore of the lake, the Lakeland Motor Museum has a collection of more than 30,000 objects relating to vehicles, both motorised and human-powered.

Some of the noteworthy cars in a fleet of 140 include a Willys MB Jeep from the Second World War, a Star 15.9 from 1913, a Jaguar XK140 and a Bentley 4¼ Litre from 1936. This was owned by Donald Campbell, who held both the world land and water speed records in 1964. It’s one of a host of exhibits relating to both Donald and his father Malcolm, also a record-breaker on land and water.

There are full-size replicas of the 1967 jet hydroplane Bluebird K7, a Blue Bird Boat K4 from 1939 and a Blue Bird car from 1935.

15. Rydal Water

Hardly five minutes from the top of Windermere is Rydal Water, another hauntingly beautiful lake, partly managed by the National Trust.

Boating is prohibited to the public, but Rydal Water deserves your attention for its links to the Romantic poet William Wordsworth.

His work is treasured for its rather melancholic treatment of the brooding Lakeland scenery.

Wordsworth lived in two properties around the lakeshore, at Dove Cottage and then Rydal Mount.

Both are open to the public as museums.

From the western shore of Rydal Water you can climb steps to the viewpoint at Wordsworth’s Seat, believed to be the poet’s favourite perspective of the lake.

15 Best Things to Do in Windermere (Cumbria, England):

• Windermere Lake
• Lake Cruise
• Orrest Head
• World of Beatrix Potter
• Holehird Gardens
• St Martin's Church
• Brant Fell Above the Bustle
• Boating and Watersports
• Grizedale Forest
• Claife Viewing Station
• Fell Foot Park
• Lakeland Motor Museum
• Rydal Water

Best things to do in Windermere (How to make the most of your visit)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 10, 2023

Are you planning a visit to Windermere in the Lake District? In this article, I will help you make the most of your visit. If you are wondering what Windermere attractions to add to your Lake District itinerary you will find that information and a lot more in this article.

Including information about the best ways to get to the Lake District, where to stay around Lake Windermere (including some really gorgeous log cabins and lodges ), where to eat in the area and my best tips to make the most of your stay this guide to Windermere contains everything you need to plan your trip.

You will also find a handy map at the end of the post indicating the locations of all the places mentioned.

Do you want to see the best of the Lake District but don’t want to do the driving (or try to find parking)? Why not book a tour? This Ultimate Tour of the Lake District includes a fully guided visit to 10 Lakes and a relaxing boat trip on Ullswater.

Click here for more details about the ultimate Lake District tour.

Bowness-on-Windermere

Ambleside / waterhead, newby bridge, 2. cruise across the lake (to bowness and lakeside), 3. hill top, 4. the world of beatrix potter, 5. lakeland motor museum, 6. fell foot park, 7. rydal water, 8. claife viewing station, 9. grizedale forest, orrest head, school knott, west shore walk, the tarns walk, 11. brockhole, 12. lakeside and haverthwaite railway, 13. lakes aquarium, 14. wray castle, 15. holehird gardens, 16. water sports on the lake, 17. book an experience at lake windermere, itinerary ideas for windermere and the lake district, how to get to lake windermere, best tours to lake windermere, recommended hotels in windermere, map of lake windermere and surrounds, final thoughts about visiting lake windermere.

Things to do in Lake Windermere

1. visit the many beautiful lakeside towns and villages .

Today, the once sleepy fishing village of Bowness-on-Windermere is now one of the most bustling tourist towns in the Lake District.

Its busy pier is the embarkation point for the lake cruises and ferries to Hawkshead. There’s also a vibrant shopping district with art galleries, antique stores and cafés.

Ambleside is a picturesque town in the Rothay Valley, about a mile from the northern tip of Lake Windermere. It’s one of the region’s most popular destinations and makes the perfect base for exploring the Lake District.

Whether you love hiking, shopping or just soaking in scenic beauty, Ambleside is a great place to start. Ambleside’s access to the lake is through the adorable village of Waterhead.

If you’re looking for waterside cafés, cosy shops or tranquil walking paths, then this little hamlet is one of the best places to visit in Windermere.

The southern landing point for Lake Windermere cruises is the small village of Lakeside.

If you step off the steamer, you’ll see charming inns and restaurants as well as the Lakes Aquarium.

It’s also where you’ll find the Haverthwaite railway station for the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

Newby Bridge is a quaint village that straddles the River Leven at the southern end of Lake Windermere. It’s just south of Foot Fell Park and is a stop along the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

The best way to fully appreciate all that Lake Windermere has to offer is to take a lake cruise. They’re one of the most popular things to do in Cumbria and are a relaxing way to enjoy the area’s stunning mountain vistas.

Leaving from Bowness, you’ll have a choice between two types of cruises. There are 45-minute cruises in a modern sightseeing watercraft that takes a circular path around the lake’s 18 wooded islands.

There are also 90-minute cruises that travel from Bowness to Lakeside and then back again. This cruise is on an old-fashioned steamer ship that has allocated seating.

Both cruises offer commentary on the lake’s history and points of interest. Taking a cruise is one of the top Lake Windermere activities that are fun regardless of age, mobility or weather.

Check online for cruise times and prices

This 17th-century farmhouse in Near Sawrey was once the writing retreat of famed children’s author, Beatrix Potter.

It’s now open for visitors who are looking to learn a little bit more about her day-to-day life. It’s been kept just as it was in 1906 when she bought it as a creative hideaway to dream up the likes of Peter Rabbit and Mr McGregor.

Hill Top contains over 1,000 objects related to Mrs Potter, including furniture that can be seen in some of her most popular illustrations. Fans may recognize her 18th-century grandfather clock or the antique oak press cupboard.

After touring the house, take a stroll out back through her famous garden. You’ll feel like you’ve walked right into a storybook.

To get to Hill Top, you can go to Ferry Nab in Bowness-on-Windermere and take the ferry to the Ferry House at Far Sawrey. From there, it’s only a short walk to Near Sawrey.

Alternatively, there are tours available to Hill Top including this Beatrix Potter’s Half Day Lake District Tour .

No trip to the Lake District would be complete without paying homage to Beatrix Potter . She’s the author of 23 classic children’s stories and one of the region’s most famous former residents.

The World of Beatrix Potter is an interactive experience that brings her characters and stories alive. It starts with a short film that introduces Peter Rabbit, one of her most beloved characters. When it’s finished, you’ll stroll right into Jemima Puddle-Duck’s glade and then into Mrs Tiggy-winkle’s kitchen. It’s like you’re in the story itself!

The whole adventure wraps up with a stop in Mr McGregor’s garden. During your visit, you’ll also learn about Mrs Potter’s passion for the conservation of the Lake District.

There is an adorable gift shop for you to stock up on your Beatrix Potter supplies and baby gifts. There’s also a takeaway café. So come one and come all to one of the most whimsical Windermere attractions. You don’t even have to be a kid to enjoy it!

Just south of the village of Windermere, on the southern tip of the lake, you’ll find the Lakeland Motor Museum .

Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do for a few hours, this museum should be on your list of Windermere places to visit.

They have a collection of over 30,000 vehicle-related items, including antique and rare cars, like a Bentley 4¼ Litre from 1936 or the British manufactured TVR high-end sports cars. There are also Vincent motorbikes and some quirky favourites like Scootacars and Amphicars.

As you tour along, there are short informational videos as well as posted information about each item. In a separate building, you can learn all about Donald and Malcolm Campbell’s attempts to set speed records.

See replicas of their 1935 Bluebird car and 1967  Bluebird K7  boat. For the children, there is a museum quiz that will keep them occupied so Mom and Dad can read all of the signs.

If you’re ready for a bite to eat, Café Ambio is right there and offers a delightful selection of cakes.

Foot Fell Park is a 7-hectare Victorian park on the southern shores of Lake Windermere.

The park was once the stately grounds of a Georgian villa and has had several wealthy owners before being updated and opened to the public. Today, it’s one of the only places in the Lake District that offers free lake access.

There are walking paths shaded by towering oaks and pines, picnic areas and wide open spaces to set those little ones free so they can burn off some energy. Inside of what was once an old, gothic-style boathouse, there’s a small café that serves hot and cold drinks, hot snacks, cakes and ice cream.

One of the most fun things to do in Lake Windermere is to hire a rowboat, kayak or paddleboard at the café and then set out onto the lake for a relaxing afternoon under the Cumbrian sun. You can even book a private sailing experience on Lake Windermere.

If you get a little wet on the lake, don’t worry. There are newly constructed changing rooms onsite that have secure lockers and showers.

If all the activity on Lake Windermere feels too hectic, take a detour and explore Rydal Water instead. It’s a much smaller lake, 77 acres as compared with Lake Windermere’s whopping 3,640 acres.

It’s north of Lake Windermere and sits at the foot of Loughrigg Fell. When you see its tranquil atmosphere, you’ll understand why it was a favourite place of William Wordsworth , poet and Lake District resident. He owned two houses on its shores — Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, both of which are interesting things to see in Windermere.

In the mood for a stroll? Take the circular walk around Rydal Water.

The path ambles through the woodlands and along the shoreline and only has a few steep areas. There’s a footbridge or two and if you’re lucky, you may even encounter a few grazing sheep along the way.

No matter what you do, Rydal Water makes an ideal spot for a picnic or some bird watching. In keeping with its serene image, boating on the lake is prohibited.

Welcome to one of the first tourist related attractions in the Lake District. In 1790, the Claife Viewing Station was built on a hillside above Windermere to accommodate a new influx of wealthy tourists.

It was created to resemble an old ruin and had coloured windows intended to mimic what the landscape would look like during different seasons. By the 1830s, it had been expanded and became something of a local landmark. Eventually, though, it became less popular and was all but abandoned.

Today its popularity has had a resurgence because of its restoration by the National Trust . It’s a fun place to stop and take in the views that have been so pleasing to tourists from so long ago.

Getting there is easy. All you do is take the ferry from Bowness and follow the West Shore Walk up the shoreline. In addition to the marvellous view, the viewing station has a café and picnic area, so you can make a whole day of your trip.

For a day of outdoor exploration and fun, take the family to Grizedale Forest. Between Windermere and Coniston Water, it’s 2,500 hectares of scenic forest that is especially popular for hiking and biking.

There are many footpaths, so when you arrive, it’s best to purchase a map. There are walks available for any skill level and many have lovely views of the countryside. There are also seven biking trails, both cross country and downhill.

Don’t have a bicycle? They have some there available to rent. If you’re looking for adventurous things to do at Windermere, there is zip-lining, Tarzan swings and rope bridges that are suitable for children aged 10 and up.

For the smaller kids, there is an adventure playground and 90 wonderful sculptures made of natural materials that are scattered throughout the forest.

There is a tearoom and gift shop on-site as well. If you’re planning on spending the day, make sure you have appropriate, waterproof footwear as some of the trails are gravel and may get slightly waterlogged after a rain shower.

This hike offers maximum yield for minimal effort. It’s an easy, circular walk and in only 20 minutes, you’ll be enjoying one of the most breathtaking vistas the Lake District has to offer. It takes you back toward Windermere by way of the scenic St. Catherine’s Wood and High Hay Wood. The Orrest Head walk is truly one of the best things to do around Lake Windermere.

This is a 3-and-a-half-mile circular walk that leaves from the centre of Bowness-on-Windermere. It ambles through woods and fields and up to the summit of Brant Fell, 192 meters high. While you’re catching your breath, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the lake.

Plan at least two hours to tackle this 5-mile circular walk that winds through the countryside toward the summit of School Knott. Follow the signs up the hillside and don’t forget to turn around for a lovely view of Lake Windermere. This hike is not terribly difficult but does have a few steep sections along the way.

This 4-mile ambling trail starts as soon as you get off the ferry and is a good choice for those who have mobility issues. It has no hills and you can walk as little or as much as you like. The path skirts the shore of the lake and allows easy access to the Claife Viewing Station and eventually Wray Castle.

Leaving out of Far Sawrey, the walk is over six miles long and treks through some rugged countryside, passing both Moss Eccles Tarn and Wise Een Tarn. It’s a pleasant walk but a little more challenging than some of the others.

Read more – 11 beautiful walks and hikes in the Lake District

If you’re looking for things to do in Windermere for families, look no further. Brockhole Lake District Visitor’s Centre offers outdoor activities appropriate for every age and fitness level.

For those adventurous souls, how about treetop nets, zip-lining, archery or kayaking? If you have something a little tamer in mind, why not have a lakeside picnic or take a stroll amongst the 30 acres of historical gardens?

There’s also a mini-golf and a woodland playground for the kids. The Brockhole Café offers family-friendly food and has terrace seating so you can take in those spectacular views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Brockhole is located conveniently between Ambleside and Windermere. Some activities are seasonal, so check online to see what is available before you go.

Tour the scenic Leven Valley the old-fashioned way, aboard a comfortable carriage pulled by a steam locomotive. It’s all aboard at the Haverthwaite station, at the southern end of Windermere.

Take a 50-minute trip with stunning views to the Lakeside Pier, and all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Once you’re in Lakeside, you can visit the Lakes Aquarium, shop or board a cruise.

You can also get a combined ticket that includes both the price of a cruise and a train ticket. At the train station itself, you can grab a bite to eat at the tea room or bring along a picnic.

There’s a woodland play area for the kids or you can take a peek in the engine shed to get an up-close and personal look at the steam and diesel locomotives. Check online for departure times and availability.

For a relatively small museum, the Lakes Aquarium packs a big punch, especially if you are travelling with young children.

It’s in Newby Bridge on the southern shore of Lake Windermere and has an amazing variety of sea creatures. Not only does it boast the largest collection of freshwater fish in the UK, but it also features fish from around the world like pufferfish, piranhas and clownfish for those Finding Nemo fans.

The aquarium isn’t just all about the fish, however. There are reptiles, amphibians and a few mammals thrown in for good measure. Explore 30 different habitats including an underwater otter tunnel that really allows you to commune with the creatures themselves and see the world from an underwater perspective.

If you have a rainy day while visiting Lake Windermere and want something to do that will take less than two hours, you won’t do much better than a trip to the Lakes Aquarium.

As you approach Wray Castle, you may assume it’s yet another medieval fortress-like so many others on English soil. You’d be wrong, however. It was built in the 1840s by James Dawson, a retired surgeon from Liverpool and his heiress wife.

It’s immediately clear why he chose the location for his gothic-style statement — the views are stunning and would make anyone feel like royalty. Wray Castle has the trappings of a regular castle — turrets, towers and informal grounds.

The family lived there until the 1920s and eventually, the castle became the responsibility of the National Trust and was opened to the public in 2011.

When the inside of the castle is open, visitors can see the church-like woodwork and activity rooms. The grounds are lovely and fun to explore. A walk from the castle down to the lake is particularly enchanting.

Wray Castle’s grounds are open year-round but keep in mind that the parking is limited and does require a fee.

Join the National Trust for free entry to their properties.

Whether you are a life-long gardening enthusiast or just someone who occasionally stops to smell the roses, a visit to the Holehird Gardens is one of the best things to do in Windermere.

A mile north of the town of Windermere, it’s a collection of gardens run by volunteers from the Lakeland Horticultural Society. The wide variety of plants, colours and wildlife are an absolute delight to the senses.

There is a woodland garden, rock garden and stream garden, but everyone’s favourite tends to be the walled garden. Originally put in place in 1870, the walled garden was later expanded around the turn of the century by Thomas Hayton Mawson, one of Britain’s most famous landscape architects.

Plan to spend at least an hour walking around and soaking in the stunning views of the rolling hills and lake in the distance. A £5 donation is required to enter — quite a bargain for such an amazing place.

Among the best Lake Windermere things to do are the wide variety of water sports.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sail? You can hire a boat and take lessons. What about waterskiing or wakeboarding? They have that too. There’s also canoeing, row boating and paddleboarding.

If you’re looking for things to do in Windermere for couples, how about taking out a double kayak? There’s nothing more romantic than paddling around the lake together in such a majestic setting.

• Kayak on Derwent Water – See the best of the lakes on this ever-changing kayak tour on and around scenic Derwentwater. 
• Canoe on Derwent Water – Nicknamed “the jewel of the Lake District” this guided tour is the perfect way to discover Derwent Water. 

Here are some of my top picks of experiences in the Lake District:

• Film & TV Locations Tour – Some of the best TV and Film has been famously captured in many diverse and expansive areas in the Lake District. Boasting a vast collection of locations across most of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tour picks up on just a small selection.
• Breweries and Distilleries (Full Day ) – Visit a number of local breweries where you can try before you buy, or even learn about the brewing processes. Whether it’s beer or Gin there is something for all tastes.
• Lake District – Scavenger Hunt Adventure (7 Days Self-guided) – Travel-themed scavenger hunt with hundreds of destinations & challenges. Contact-free travel and a truly immersive way to explore the region!
• Forests & Wildlife (Full Day) – A fully immersive tour that will capture the imagination of both young and old alike. Witness the sights and sounds of the many different species of animals and birds native to the Lake District, but also see some from much further afield.
• Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere – Charter a skippered yacht for a 2-hour sailing experience, get involved and take control of the yacht or just sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery unfold around you.

Plan your visit to Lake Windermere

If you are putting together your Lake District itinerary – whether you are planning one day in the Lake District or even 2, 3,4 days or more – you will find everything you need to know in my Lake District Travel Guide .

As well as a comprehensive guide to the best things to do in the Lake District you will find itinerary suggestions and tips to make the most of your trip.

If you are unsure of which towns and villages to include in your Lake District itinerary you will find my guide to 24 of the prettiest towns and villages in the Lake District an invaluable resource.

• The M6 motorway runs to the east of the Lake District – take junction 36 and then the A590 for Windermere.
• London to Lakes – 5 hours
• Manchester to Lakes – 1 and a half hours
• York to the Lakes – 2 hours
• There is a mainline train station at Windermere. From Manchester Piccadilly, it takes 1 hour 40 minutes (with one change at Oxenholme)
• It is possible to catch a National Express Coach from a number of major cities including Manchester or London.

Another option for those of you who don’t want to drive to the Lake District (or take public transport) is to book a tour. These are some of the options available from nearby cities.

• From Manchester: Lake District Sightseeing Day Trip
• Lake District Day Trip from London with Afternoon Tea
• From Chester: Lake District Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

Best places to stay in Lake Windermere

There are lots of great hotels in the Windermere area. You can find a small selection below or for more check out my guide to the best places to stay in Lake Windermere.

• Luxury – Kotel Windermere
• Midrange/Boutique – Wateredge Inn
• Budget – Westmorland Inn

Read – You will find more suggestions in my England Accommodation Guide

So there you have it – lots of fab ideas and suggestions to make the most of your stay in Windermere.

Don’t miss my complete Lake District Travel Guide which contains everything you need to know to plan your visit including practical tips, itineraries and more inspiration.

If you are looking for other attractions in the region my top 10 things to do in the North West has lots of suggestions.

If you enjoy visiting cities my travel guide for Liverpool includes what to see, where to stay, itinerary suggestions and tips to make the most of your visit.

• Places to go
• Things to do
• Where to stay
• Plan your visit

Enjoy one of our up and coming events!

• Explore Coniston Water
• Explore Derwentwater and Keswick
• Explore Grasmere and Rydal
• Explore Langdale Valley
• Explore Northern Lakes
• Explore Ullswater
• Explore Wasdale, Wastwater and the West Coast
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Things to do in Windermere

Windermere , England's largest lake and its surrounding area is packed with loads of things to do, whatever the weather and however active or relaxed you want to be.

Get on the water

The best way to really enjoy Winderemere is to get on the lake. From cruise boats, to motor boats, rowing, kayaking and canoeing, paddleboards, sailing and swimming, find out how and where to get on the water, and book your boat online.

Boat hire, boat cruises and swimming on Windermere lake

Walking and hiking

The Windermere area has short easy-access walks, to longer routes and some classic Lake District summits with views over the lake.

Walking routes near Windermere

Join one of our guided walks

The western shore of Windermere, and Grizedale forest, are particularly good for family-friendly cycling.

Cycle routes and bike hire

Five great guided walks in and around Ambleside

26 Jun 2014

Your Two Day Windermere Itinerary by Langdale Chase

07 Nov 2017

Top places to visit with families around Windermere

Brockhole  on windermere.

Enjoy the famous adventure playground, paddle in the lake, and explore the fabulous Mawson designed gardens with good pushchair and wheelchair access. Hire a boat on the lake , with motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddle boards for hire. Challenge yourself with archery, laser clay or inside caving. Gift shop, cafe , and The Gaddum restaurant on site. Free admission. Pay and display car park.

Fell Foot Park

This Victorian park, restored to its former glory, offers substantial access to the lakeshore, where there are leisure facilities. Fine picnic areas, a cafe and rowing boat and kayak hire make it an ideal day out for families.

Lakes Aquarium

Go on a journey of discovery! Set on the lakeshore, this award winning attraction has the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish.

Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway

Hard working steam locomotives travel three and half miles into the Leven Valley. Take a return journey or combine your trip with a lake cruise or a visit to the Aquarium of the Lakes.

World of Beatrix Potter

All of Beatrix Potter's tales are brought to life in three dimensions. An indoor re-creation of the Lakeland countryside, complete with sights, sounds and even smells.

Wray Castle

Families can explore the activity rooms inside the castle, where there’s plenty of space for creative play. With a natural playground in the grounds and a path to spacious grassy area on the lakeshore, its a great for the whole family whatever the weather.

Windermere attractions gallery:

Beatrix Potter's former home Hill Top

Claife viewing stations with views over Windermere lake.

Sunset over Windermere lake.

Wray Castle on the shore of Windermere

Take a boat cruise along part of all of Windermere lake.

Holehird house and gardens

Historic houses and museums around Windermere

Beatrix potter's hill top and gallery.

Children's author, artist, farmer and conservationist. Find out more about this amazing woman and the real places which so inspired her.

Blackwell - The Arts and Crafts House

Overlooking the lake, this Arts and Crafts housel has fine examples of decorative arts, furniture and objects inspired by nature. There are superb examples of stained glass, carved oak and iron work.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill - English Heritage

A fully working Victorian mill, Stott Park is typical of the many mills which once supplied the spinning and weaving industry.

Townend - National Trust

Typical Lakeland farmer's house from the seventeenth century with all original interiors, woodwork and domestic implements

Windermere Jetty

Hear tales of workers and boat owners, their lives and adventures, and discover the fascinating developments in design and technology that drove boat-building in the Lake District. Stunning views over the lake from the cafe.

Gardens to visit around Windermere

Graythwaite hall gardens.

Laid out in the late nineteenth century, the Arts and Crafts garden is a delight. In spring the rhododendrons, azaleas and flowering shrubs are in glorious bloom.

Holehird Gardens

Ten acres of a huge variety of alpines, heathers, specimen trees and shrubs maintained by the Lakeland Horticultural Society.

Cinema and theatre around Windermere

Old laundry theatre.

The only professional in-the-round theatre in Cumbria with an exciting and stimulating programme of performing arts.

Zeffirellis cinemas

Zeffirellis independent cinema in Ambleside has five screens. It plays the latest releases plus live-streamed theatre and opera performances.

Royalty Cinema

In Bowness-on-Windermere, three screens offering the latest releases in comfortable surroundings.

Balloon flights

• Lake District Balloon Rides
• Pendle and Cumbria Balloon Flights
• Beckside Golf Course - 01539 821415 at Ellerbeck Farm, Crook
• Windermere Golf Club
• Pitch and Putt at the Glebe, Bowness-on-Windermere
• Mini golf at Brockhole on Windermere

Horseriding

• Lakeland Pony Treks - in Troutbeck

Pop in to Bowness Bay Information Centre for help and advice

We can help you with booking tickets and attractions, ideas for walks places to visit, and we've got a range of guidbooks, maps and gifts. See us on the south side of Bowness Bay, home to  Bowness Information Centre .

The Lake District National Park Authority looks after this unique corner of England, encouraging people to enjoy and understand its beauty and helping those who live and work here. Our staff include rangers and field workers, advisers at our visitor centres, planners and ecologists.

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Windermere Tourist Information Centre

Visit Windermere, it is the perfect Lakeland destination all year round. With the shores of the lake so close, you are never short of fantastic scenery or leisure activities. Several local viewpoints offer panoramic views of both the lake and more distant mountains.

Bustling with shops and different dining experiences to suit everyone you will be spoilt for choice.

The towns of Windermere and Bowness are at the heart of the Lake District and have been a magnet for visitors for centuries. With easy access to the lakeshore and panoramic views of the lake and surrounding fells, it’s easy to see why the area is so popular. Access to the lake is actually made 1 mile further from Windermere town centre at Bowness-On-Windermere.

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Want to promote your business? We're proud to promote local businesses. If you wish to learn more about advertising at The Windermere Information Centre. Get in touch at [email protected] or pop in and see us.

Top Attractions

in Windermere

If you’re looking for a range of attractions, things to do and ways of getting around the Lake District then look no further. The Lake District is the adventure capital of the UK so you can guarantee when you visit you will find a new experience. If adventure isn’t your thing then fear not we have attractions for everyone from the Windermere Jetty to a cruise on Lake Windermere and stepping into the World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere alone has attractions to suit everyone even on the rainy days!

If you fancy seeing more of the Lake District but want to arrive but train or want to leave the car parked. Get off the beaten track with Mountain Goat sightseeing tours of the Lake District by far the best way to see the stunning scenery.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Lake District.

Mountain Goat

Windermere Lake Cruises

World of Beatrix Potter

Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steams and Stories

Visitor experiences.

What visitors are saying about Windermere

We have visited Lake Windermere numerous times and it never fails to impress. It is absolutely stunning, we always go on the boat to Ambleside. Always friendly and very informative...

Julie T - Heywood, United Kingdom

Memories forever

Such a wonderful, tranquil. peaceful, picturesque place. We walked 5 miles along the lake in awe of its beauty. We took a boat out with our 5 year old who was ecstatic on the lake and loved every second. We took our boy to the climbing center near the lake which he absolutely loved and then we ate at a local cafe taking in...

Charliee Dee - Stafford, United Kingdom

Beautiful views.

Lots to do for all ages. Wonderful walks, quaint little towns with very nice shops. Attractions for the children, Peter Rabbit exhibitions and life under the Lake. Boat trips and much much...

Teresa R - Norwich, United Kingdom

Natural, scenic, attraction.

Travelled to this place on a weekend as an alternative to the scotland, and found a peaceful, natural, scenic attraction. Located at the bottom of a hilltop, the lake is nature's perfect setting of showcasing its...

Mukundsaarang - Chennai , India

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