- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Windermere
Windermere, established in the Victorian era with the railway's arrival, evolved from agricultural roots. Its architecture, notably in Bowness-on-Windermere, showcases grand Victorian guest houses, reflecting its heritage. This is what is Windermere famous for.
Set in the Lake District, Windermere centers on England's longest natural lake (10.5 miles), perfect for boating and lakeside walks. Visit Brockhole Visitor Centre or The World of Beatrix Potter-scenic cruises and lakeside views rank among the top attractions in Windermere.
Local life in Windermere reflects the Lakeland spirit-relaxed and rooted in fine local produce. Taste traditional Cumberland sausage, Grasmere gingerbread, and Cartmel sticky toffee pudding, or enjoy lakeside dining with local ales. These flavors define what is Windermere famous for.
- WindermereUnited Kingdom
- WindermereUnited Kingdom
- WindermereUnited Kingdom
- WindermereUnited Kingdom
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Junmild, blooming landscapes
- Jul-Augwarm, tourist peak
- Sep-Octcooler, autumn colors
- Nov-Marchilly, quiet, potential snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #RainJacket
- #PowerAdapterTypeG
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 with lakeside walks & side trips
- Pound Sterling (£)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #WindermereLake
- #BownessOnWindermere
- #Ambleside
- #HillTop
- #OrrestHead
- #DoveCottage
- Boat trip on Windermere
- Visit Beatrix Potter's House
- Hike to Orrest Head
- Explore local pubs
- Cycle around the lake
Recommended Hotels in Windermere by Experience
Things to do in Windermere
Discover
There are many things to do in Windermere, including scenic Lake Windermere, Orrest Head viewpoint, and the charming Old Town. These spots showcase stunning natural beauty and unique Windermere attractions worth visiting.
Experience
Engage in things to experience in Windermere, from hiking around the lake to enjoying local cultural activities like music festivals. Visitors can also take part in artisan workshops and culinary tours throughout the year.
Lake Windermere
Largest lake in England, perfect for boating trips.
Orrest Head
Famous viewpoint offering panoramic views of the lake.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Picturesque lakeside area with jetties on the lake.
Windermere Jetty Museum
Museum of boats, showcasing maritime history.
Bowness Bay
Quaint bay area for leisurely walks by the water.
Blackwell - The Arts and Crafts House
Historic house showcasing the decorative arts of the Arts and Crafts Movement.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Windermere, arrive at Manchester Airport (MAN) or Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL). From there, take a train to Windermere, approximately a 2-hour ride and roughly £20. Consult shuttle bus options for city center connections.
Getting Around
Exploring Windermere is simple with public transport in Windermere, including buses and taxis. Consider car rental in Windermere for flexibility or purchase a Windermere Travel Pass for unlimited rides on local bus services.
Local Essentials
Stay safe by keeping valuables secure and be aware of local traffic rules when driving in Windermere. Buy bus tickets via app or use contactless payment on board; pre-buying is not strictly necessary. Exploring on foot is highly recommended for scenic views.
Where to Stay in Windermere
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore local cuisine in Windermere with dishes like Cumberland sausage, sticky toffee pudding, and freshly brewed ales. Dining traditions vary, with a blend of casual café culture and hearty pub meals reflecting traditional food in Windermere.
Enjoy
Taste the best bars in Windermere like The Crafty Baa for crafted ales and a lively vibe. Check out Porto Restaurant for fine dining; reservations are advised. Try Cafe Italia for Italian comfort food-be prepared for popular queues!
Porto Restaurant
Fine dining with European and British dishes; reservations recommended.
Cafe Italia
Mediterranean favorites like pizza; great for casual meals.
Jackson's Bistro
European dishes with a cozy atmosphere; perfect for dinner.
Jintana Thai Restaurant
Authentic Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist; ideal for evenings.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Windermere captures the heart of the Lake District with country fairs, rowing regattas, and local food festivals that celebrate life by the water. These gatherings are some of the most charming things to experience in Windermere.
Enjoy
Exploring Windermere, you'll come across lakeside concerts, art trails, and outdoor theater that blend nature with creativity. These Windermere tours and events make it one of the best places to visit in the English Lakes.
Windermere Boat Show
Showcase of boats and watercraft in July.
Christmas Markets
Festive market with crafts and local food in December.
Muskoka Chautauqua
Outdoor festival blending music, workshops & literary events.
Lake District Summer Music
Summer festival of classical music across the Lake District.
Windermere Regatta
Traditional boat races held in August.
Windermere Science Festival
Summer festival of science, innovation & discovery, and family fun.
The lake views here are just something else
Windermere is such a great spot for a proper break. The lake itself is stunning and Bowness-on-Windermere is really easy to walk around. Locals are friendly and the whole place feels relaxed without being boring.
Perfect getaway if you love the outdoors
The walking trails around here are brilliant. We did a route up near Orrest Head and the views over the lake were absolutely worth it. The countryside is so green and peaceful. Food in the local pubs was hearty and good value too. Loved every bit of it.
Great place to slow down for a few days
Came here looking for something quieter than the usual city break and Windermere delivered. The lake cruise was a highlight - seeing the fells reflected in the water is genuinely beautiful. Bowness pier area has some nice cafes and it never felt too overcrowded.
Loved the ferry and the scenery
Taking the Windermere ferry across the lake was a simple thing but it really made the trip feel special. The landscape around here is just gorgeous - rolling hills, calm water, fresh air. Nothing complicated about why people keep coming back to the Lake District.
Cosy, beautiful and worth every mile
We came in December and it was magical. The town felt festive without being too commercial. Walked along the lakeshore most days and the mist over the water in the morning was stunning. Tried a local Cumberland sausage bap from a little spot near Bowness - absolutely delicious.
A proper nature escape
Windermere in winter is so peaceful. The fells are dramatic and the lake looks incredible when the light is low. It is a genuinely beautiful part of England and the whole area around the A591 corridor has so much to explore. Highly recommend for anyone needing a real reset.