Windermere: A Lakeside Gem Awaits!

Updated 03/11/2025

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Key Takeaways for Windermere, Cumbria

• Windermere is the heart of the Lake District, combining lakeside scenery, historic attractions, and local culture within a compact, walkable town.
• Top highlights include Lake Windermere, Orrest Head viewpoint, Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, Windermere Jetty Museum, and the tranquil Holehird Gardens.
• Outdoor lovers can enjoy lakeside walks, cycling routes, water sports, and wildlife watching across the Windermere Lakeside Path and nearby trails.
• The town suits families, couples, and solo travellers, offering everything from peaceful gardens and boat cruises to lively markets and dining spots.
• Excellent transport links make Windermere easy to reach by train, bus, ferry, or on foot, and its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Bowness, Ambleside, and the wider Lake District.
• Each season offers something different - from spring blossoms and summer regattas to golden autumn walks and cosy winter escapes.

Introduction to Windermere, Cumbria

Nestled among rolling fells and shimmering water, Windermere is the heart of England’s Lake District, a place where nature and culture meet in perfect balance. The town and its famous lake have drawn travellers since Victorian times, offering calm scenery, leisurely lake cruises, and countless opportunities for walking and exploration.

Visitors come for different reasons: families seeking open air, couples after quiet lakeside views, and solo adventurers exploring the hills. Whatever the season, Windermere’s charm lies in how easy it is to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the landscape. This guide highlights the area’s most rewarding experiences, from classic attractions to local secrets.

Why Visit Windermere in Cumbria

Windermere is often called the gateway to the Lake District, and with good reason. Its central location makes it a convenient base for day trips across Cumbria, yet the town itself offers enough to fill several relaxed days.

The 10.5-mile-long Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, is the area’s defining feature. Around it lie wooded hills, tiny harbours, and peaceful viewpoints. The atmosphere changes with the light, misty mornings, golden sunsets, and reflections of boats drifting on still water.

Beyond the scenery, the town’s energy comes from its people. Local shops, galleries, and cafes thrive year-round, giving Windermere a warm, lived-in feel that many resort towns lose. Visitors quickly sense this blend of beauty and authenticity.

Top Places to Visit

Lake Windermere

Everything begins with the lake. You can walk its shoreline paths, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or take a leisurely cruise between Bowness, Ambleside, and Lakeside. Each landing point has its own appeal: the lively cafes and boutiques at Bowness, peaceful gardens and family attractions at Lakeside, and scenic walking routes around Ambleside. On calm days, the water mirrors the surrounding fells, while early mornings bring a quiet stillness that reminds you why Windermere has captivated visitors for generations.

Orrest Head

A short climb from the town centre leads to one of the Lake District’s most famous viewpoints. The gentle ascent winds through woodland and open fell, making it suitable for most walkers. At the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views across Lake Windermere, stretching towards the central fells and the distant peaks of the Langdale Pikes. It’s a spot that captures the essence of the Lakes, tranquil, timeless, and breathtaking in every direction. It was here that Alfred Wainwright first saw the panorama that inspired his lifelong love of the Lake District, a view that continues to move visitors just as deeply today.

Windermere Jetty Museum

Set on the eastern shore, this award-winning museum tells the story of Windermere and its people through beautifully restored boats, interactive exhibits, and hands-on displays. You can step aboard historic vessels, learn how steam launches and sailing boats once shaped life on the lake, and even try your hand at traditional boatbuilding techniques. It’s an engaging place for families and anyone interested in local history or craftsmanship, blending storytelling and innovation to bring the region’s maritime heritage vividly to life. The lakeside setting and modern design also make it a peaceful stop for anyone exploring the eastern shore.

Holehird Gardens

Just outside town, these beautifully kept gardens showcase a rich collection of rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and alpine plants set into a gentle hillside overlooking the water. Winding paths lead past rock terraces, ponds, and seasonal flower beds that burst with colour from spring through autumn. Maintained with care by volunteers from the Lakeland Horticultural Society, the gardens reflect a passion for plants and the local landscape. Benches are tucked among the borders, offering quiet spots to pause and take in the lake views. Entry is free, though donations are welcome to help preserve this peaceful corner of Windermere.

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House

Perched above the lake, Blackwell is one of Britain’s finest and best-preserved Arts and Crafts houses. Designed at the turn of the 20th century, it captures the movement’s celebration of craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony with the landscape. Inside, visitors can admire intricate woodwork, stained glass, and period furniture that create a warm, lived-in elegance. Every room reveals thoughtful design details, from leaded windows framing lake views to hand-carved fireplaces and patterned tiles. The tea room’s terrace provides a perfect spot to pause and enjoy sweeping views over Windermere, rounding off a visit that blends art, architecture, and tranquillity.

Hidden Corners

For quieter moments, take a stroll through Elleray Woods, a peaceful local nature reserve where gentle trails wind through ancient trees carpeted with spring bluebells and autumn leaves. It’s a favourite spot for dog walkers and those seeking a slower pace away from the lakefront crowds. Just north of town, Queen Adelaide’s Hill offers a short, easy climb with big rewards - open views across Windermere and towards the surrounding fells. These hidden corners rarely appear on standard itineraries, yet they capture the tranquil, restorative side of Windermere that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

Outdoor Activities

Windermere’s landscape invites exploration on foot, by bike, or on the water. The Windermere Lakeside Path encircles much of the shoreline, linking villages and woodland. Walk a short section or plan a full-day circuit; boats and ferries make it easy to return to your starting point.

Cyclists can follow lanes around Troutbeck or join the Windermere West Shore Route, a family-friendly track that mixes lake views with shady forest sections. Mountain bikers often head to nearby Grizedale Forest, about 30 minutes away, for more challenging trails.

For water sports, several marinas offer kayak, canoe, or paddleboard hire. Early mornings bring calm reflections ideal for beginners, while breezier afternoons suit sailing and windsurfing. Anglers can obtain day permits for coarse fishing from local outlets.

For Every Traveller

Families

Families appreciate how compact and walkable Windermere is. The Jetty Museum, Holehird Gardens, and Lakes Aquarium (at nearby Lakeside) all suit children. Many cafés include play corners, and the West Shore trail is ideal for prams or bikes.

Couples

Couples often head for Blackwell’s terrace, a sunset ferry to Ambleside, or dinner overlooking the lake at The Samling or Gilpin Spice. The combination of scenery and intimate venues makes Windermere one of northern England’s most romantic spots.

Solo Travellers

Solo visitors find Windermere welcoming and easy to navigate by public transport. Morning walks up Orrest Head or quiet reading in a lakeside café offer peaceful moments, while local tours make social exploration simple.

Culture and Local Life

Windermere is as rich in culture as it is in scenery. The town’s cafes and restaurants emphasise local produce, Cumbrian lamb, Herdwick mutton, and cheeses from nearby farms. Traditional pubs serve hearty fare beside open fires, while newer bistros experiment with seasonal menus.

Boutiques and galleries line Crescent Road and Main Street, selling handmade crafts, outdoor gear, and regional foods. Market days in nearby Bowness and Kendal give an authentic taste of Lakeland life.

Literature lovers can trace the footsteps of the region’s creative residents, Beatrix Potter at Hill Top, William Wordsworth in Grasmere, and Arthur Ransome, who drew inspiration for Swallows and Amazons from these waters.

Day Trips from Windermere

Windermere’s central location opens countless day-trip possibilities:

• Bowness-on-Windermere: Just 1 mile south, it’s the hub for cruises, the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, and a lively waterfront.
• Ambleside: Ten minutes north, Ambleside blends outdoor shops with heritage sites like Bridge House and Stock Ghyll Force waterfall.
• Grasmere & Rydal: Follow the A591 to Wordsworth’s home at Dove Cottage and the peaceful lakes beyond.
• Coniston Water: 40 minutes by car; a quieter lake ideal for kayaking and history at the Ruskin Museum.
• Claife Heights & Wray Castle: Accessible via Windermere Ferry - great cycling and woodland picnics with lake views.

Events and Seasons

Each season brings its own atmosphere.

• Spring: blossoms along the lakeside and quieter walking trails.
• Summer: sailing regattas, open-air concerts, and bustling markets.
• Autumn: calm weather and reflections of gold and amber across the fells.
• Winter: frost-tipped hills and Christmas lights in Bowness - perfect for peaceful escapes.

Regular events include the Windermere Boat Show in early summer and smaller arts festivals celebrating music, photography, and local crafts.

Getting There

By Train:

Windermere station, on the Oxenholme–Windermere line, connects directly to the West Coast Main Line. Trains run frequently from Manchester and London with one change at Oxenholme. Local buses link the station to Bowness, Ambleside, and Keswick.

By Car:

Drivers can approach via the M6 (Junction 36) and follow the A591 through scenic countryside. Parking is available in the town centre and at ferry terminals, though spaces fill early in high season. For a low-stress arrival, consider leaving the car at the hotel and exploring on foot or by ferry.

By Bus:

Regular Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire services connect Windermere with nearby towns including Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Kendal, and Keswick. Buses run throughout the day, with reduced timetables in winter. The main stops are along Victoria Street and at the station, both within walking distance of cafés and shops. Day rider tickets offer flexible, good-value travel for sightseeing without a car.

By Ferry:

The Windermere Ferry operates every 20 minutes in high season, linking Ferry Nab near Bowness with Far Sawrey on the western shore. The crossing takes roughly ten minutes and accommodates cars, cyclists, and foot passengers. From the west bank, it’s easy to continue to Claife Heights, Wray Castle, and quiet woodland walking trails. Ferry timetables vary with weather and daylight, so always check before travelling.

On Foot:

Windermere’s town centre is compact and easy to explore on foot. Most attractions - cafes, shops, parks, and the start of the Orrest Head walk - lie within a ten-minute radius of the station. Pavements are wide and well-maintained, and the lakeshore is reachable via Rayrigg Road in about 25 minutes. For longer strolls, join sections of the Windermere Lakeside Path or cross by ferry to follow gentle trails through Claife Heights and the West Shore woodlands. Walking remains the most enjoyable way to take in Windermere’s scenery and atmosphere.

Accommodation in Windermere

Windermere Marina Village

Located just a short stroll from the village of Bowness‑on‑Windermere, this self-catered option features luxury apartments and townhouses with modern design, many with lakeside views and pet-friendly choices. It’s particularly well-suited for families or groups seeking the flexibility of self-catering.

Ideal for: families, groups, longer stays, those who want “home-away-from-home”. Booking.com

Windermere Boutique Hotel Spa Suites & Hot Tubs

A luxe option right in the heart of Windermere, this boutique hotel features spa-style suites, some with hot tubs and saunas, giving a more indulgent stay for couples or small groups. Recent reviews highlight the high quality of rooms and welcoming service. Booking.com

Ideal for: couples, special occasions, those who appreciate spa comforts and stylish design.

Lakeside Hotel & Spa

Set right on the shore of the lake, this grand hotel combines heritage and contemporary comfort. It offers rooms with stunning lake views, a spa, and fine-dining elements for guests looking for a classic, luxurious stay. Booking.com

Ideal for: scenic stays, luxury hotel experience, those wanting to relax in style.

Budget & Self-Catering Options

If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly or self-catered, there are plenty of good choices. Recent data show some 3-star hotels from around £70-£100/night and self-catered cottages from similar levels outside peak times.

Ideal for: travellers on a tighter budget, longer stays, flexible accommodation.

Practical Advice

• Book early, especially for peak seasons (summer weekends, school holidays) - Windermere is a popular Lake District base.
• Check whether parking is included; some central properties may have limited space or charge extra.
• If you’re staying self-catered, check kitchen amenities, laundry and pets policy (especially if you bring a dog).
• For maximum views and tranquillity, choose lakeside rooms or properties slightly away from the busiest parts of the village.
• Consider your priority: walking distance to town vs peace and view vs spa/luxury facility - there’s a trade-off.

When to Visit

The best months for reliable weather are May to September, though Windermere’s appeal is year-round. Spring offers fresh greenery and quieter trails; summer brings activity and long evenings; autumn paints the hills in colour; and winter reveals the Lake District at its most peaceful. Pack layers and waterproofs regardless of the season; the local forecast often changes by the hour.

Need to Know

• Currency: British Pound (GBP)
• Emergency number: 999
• Local transport: Buses, ferries, and taxis operate daily; timetables are posted at the station.
• Accessibility: Many paths and attractions have step-free routes; the West Shore Path is suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
• Visitor information: Windermere Information Centre on Victoria Street provides maps, guides, and local advice.

FAQs about Windermere, Cumbria

Final Words

Windermere is more than just a postcard-perfect stop in the Lake District - it’s a place that captures what this region is all about: quiet beauty, warm hospitality, and a landscape that invites you to slow down and explore. Whether you come for a weekend or linger longer, the town rewards curiosity at every turn.

Morning walks up Orrest Head, leisurely ferry rides across Lake Windermere, afternoons spent in gardens or galleries, and evenings watching the light fade over the fells - each moment adds to the calm rhythm that defines the area.

For families, couples, and solo travellers alike, Windermere offers a rare balance between activity and rest, nature and comfort. It’s the kind of destination you leave with photographs on your camera and peace of mind you didn’t know you were missing.

However you choose to experience it, Windermere’s blend of lake, hills, and friendly charm will linger long after your visit ends.