Summary
As both the largest natural lake in England and the name of the nearby town on its eastern shore, Windermere is a sought-after summer retreat and arguably one of the most picturesque locations in the UK. Tourism commenced in the mid-19th century following the establishment of the Kendal and Windermere Railway.
Among the most enamored with Windermere was the children’s author Beatrix Potter, who relocated to a mansion near the western shore in 1906, integrating the locale into her illustrations.
It is advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes to fully appreciate the stunning scenery from the Lakeland fells that surround the lakeshore.
The town of Windermere is part of a broader urban area that includes Bowness-on-Windermere, from where visitors can catch a ferry to the lake’s western shore and embark on a steamboat journey.
Here, we will investigate the top attractions in Windermere:
1. Windermere Lake
Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, was formed approximately 13,000 years ago when glacial meltwater became trapped by moraine rock deposited during the Ice Age.
The lake extends over ten miles and reaches a width of one mile at its broadest point, featuring a surface dotted with 18 islands.
During the Victorian era, as tourism flourished, various entrepreneurs constructed opulent residences along the eastern shore.
Many of these properties have since been transformed into upscale hotels, while several gardens are accessible to the public.
The vastness of Windermere attracts numerous yachters and paddleboarders in the summer months.
Furthermore, the unspoiled beauty of the fells and the ever-changing cloudy skies will captivate visitors on their walks.
2. Lake Cruise
Numerous activities listed here may require sturdy walking shoes or a willingness to get wet; however, it is possible to enjoy a memorable few hours on Windermere without exerting much effort.
Windermere Lake Cruises operates a comprehensive schedule of trips on both traditional steamers and modern sightseeing vessels.
If you seek an initial overview of the lake, 45-minute cruises leave from the pier at Bowness every half hour during the summer.
Moreover, for those captivated by the mountain vistas and forested islands, there are longer excursions from Bowness to the southern shore at Lakeside, lasting 90 minutes.
3. Orrest Head
One of the benefits of staying in Windermere is that even short circular walks can lead to splendid viewpoints with minimal exertion.
This is exemplified at Orrest Head, where a brief burst of energy is required for a 20-minute hike to the summit, which rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramas.
An orientation table located at the top identifies various summits and ranges visible from this vantage point, including the Old Man of Coniston, Fairfield, Great Gable, Scafell Pike, and the Langdale Pikes.
Upon departing the summit, the walk continues through the pastoral St Catherine’s Wood and High Hay Wood, returning to Windermere.
4. World of Beatrix Potter
The beloved children’s author and illustrator shared a profound connection with the Lake District, frequently vacationing at Holehird near Windermere and acquiring a residence at Hill Top on the western shore of the lake.
This themed attraction situated in central Bowness is infused with the essence of her literary works, featuring all her cherished characters, such as Jemima Puddle-Duck and Peter Rabbit.
The experience begins with a brief film that introduces Potter’s life and work, followed by seven distinct areas showcasing 3D representations of her characters, enhanced by ambient sounds, scents, and lighting.
Additionally, visitors can embark on a virtual tour of locations in the Lake District that inspired her, drawing comparisons between real-life locales and her illustrations.
5. Blackwell
Commissioned by Sir Edward Holt, a brewing magnate from Manchester, this residence was designed as a holiday retreat on the outskirts of Bowness-on-Windermere at the turn of the 20th century.
The architect, Baillie Scott, a prominent figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, ensured that the house has maintained its original fittings and furnishings over the past 120 years.
The meticulous detail within Scott’s design continues to astonish visitors, evident in the unique window catches, leaf-shaped door handles, stained glass, and a plethora of decorations created by leading Arts and Crafts studios of the era.
Remarkably creative fireplaces, such as one in the sitting room flanked by benches, add to the charm of the property.
The gardens were designed by Arts and Crafts landscape architect Thomas Mawson, featuring a stunning series of terraces that overlook the Coniston Fells.
6. Holehird Gardens
Located one mile north of Windermere, Holehird Gardens serves as a display garden and the headquarters of the Lakeland Horticultural Society.
The garden showcases plants that thrive in the Lake District’s rocky soils and humid climate, featuring alpine houses, rock and heather gardens, as well as a charming walled garden recognized for its herbaceous borders.
Thomas Mawson also contributed to the expansion of the Walled Garden at the end of the 19th century, which was originally established in 1870. It houses national collections of plystichum ferns, astilbes, and hydrangeas, as well as an array of azaleas and rhododendrons.
The vistas from Holehird Gardens are frequently hailed as among the finest in Lakeland.
In the 1890s, Beatrix Potter frequently visited Holehird House, which is presently utilized by a charitable organization focused on healthcare.
7. St Martin’s Church
While touring Bowness, take a moment to explore this historic church.
St Martin’s originates primarily from the late 15th century and underwent restoration in the 1870s.
The exterior features slate rubble walls accented by sandstone door and window frames, while the interior is distinguished by its plasterwork.
During restoration, several painted inscriptions that had been concealed for centuries were rediscovered.
Within the nave, you can find texts from a catechetical book published in the late 16th century adorning the spandrels between the arches.
In front of the lectern, there is also a small poem written in 1629 giving thanks for the failed Gunpowder Plot.
8. Brant Fell Above the Bustle
Rising behind Bowness-on-Windermere, Brant Fell reaches a height of 192 metres and offers a stunning view of the lake.
This 3.5-mile circular walk takes you away from the bustling lakefront during the summer months.
The ascent can be steep in certain areas, traversing woodlands and open fields to reach a bare summit, with a viewpoint at Post Knott along the way.
The summit of Brant Fell features rocky outcrops, some reaching up to three metres in height, providing excellent opportunities for photographs in this enchanting setting before descending back to Bowness.
9. Boating and Watersports
During warm weather, Windermere is an ideal destination for various water activities.
With extraordinary views of the Lakeland Fells, visitors can rent a variety of boats (a 10-mile-per-hour speed limit is enforced) and learn the art of sailing.
Additionally, equipment for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing is available for rent, and opportunities for waterskiing and wakeboarding can also be pursued.
The Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, situated ten minutes from Windermere village, features its own watersports center that offers all these experiences.
Moreover, numerous companies throughout the Lake District are ready to assist you with water activities, often with the convenience of pick-up from your accommodations.
10. Hill Top
From Bowness-on-Windermere, a ferry ride can take you across the lake to Far Sawrey on the western shore.
From there, accessing this National Trust property, which was once Beatrix Potter’s home, is a simple task whether by foot, bicycle, or vehicle.
Hill Top, dating back to the 1600s, was acquired as a writing retreat in 1906. The house has been preserved to reflect Potter’s memories, even replicating the wallpaper she adorned the walls with upon moving in.
If you are familiar with Potter’s illustrations, you may recognize furnishings in the entrance hall, such as an 18th-century longcase clock, a 17th-century oak press cupboard, an 18th-century dresser, and Chippendale-style chairs that all appeared in her artwork.
Over 1,400 objects were bequeathed to the National Trust by Potter at Hill Top, and after visiting, one may consider a trip to the Beatrix Potter Gallery located a couple of miles away in Hawkshead.
11. Grizedale Forest
Utilizing that ferry, one can spend a few hours exploring Grizedale Forest, a 2,500-hectare expanse situated between Windermere and Coniston Water.
The forest is threaded with clearly marked footpaths and mountain biking trails, in addition to a sculpture trail that features approximately 90 works created from natural materials such as wood and stone.
Also located within the forest is a ropes course along the main trail, which includes Tarzan swings, rope bridges, and zip-lines catering to both adults and children aged ten and older.
A visitor center is nestled deep within the forest, offering exhibition space and a cafe.
12. Claife Viewing Station
While on the western shore of Windermere, a hike from the ferry terminal leads to this scenic viewpoint with a fascinating history.
Originally constructed as a mock ruin at the end of the 18th century, Claife Station gained popularity as a tourist destination during the 1830s and 1840s.
Its “Drawing Room” windows, now restored, feature various hues of stained glass, allowing visitors to witness Windermere’s appearance across different seasons and lighting conditions.
Claife Viewing Station is operated by the National Trust and includes a cafe and picnic area.
13. Fell Foot Park
Located at the southern tip of Windermere, Fell Foot Park is a picturesque Victorian garden that once surrounded a mansion which was demolished in 1907. Plans to construct a larger house on this seven-hectare site were abandoned after the owner’s death, leading to the National Trust acquiring the gardens in 1948. This location offers breathtaking views up the length of Windermere and features several Grade II-listed structures, including a workshop, manager’s house, and a series of boathouses, one of which has been transformed into a cafe.
Visitors have the opportunity to rent a rowing boat from the cafe or take a refreshing swim from the grassy banks, provided the weather permits.
14. Lakeland Motor Museum
Situated ten miles south of Windermere village and not far from the lake’s southern shore, the Lakeland Motor Museum houses a collection exceeding 30,000 items related to both motorized and human-powered vehicles.
Among the 140 vehicles in the collection, notable examples include a Willys MB Jeep from World War II, a Star 15.9 from 1913, a Jaguar XK140, and a Bentley 4¼ Litre from 1936, which was owned by Donald Campbell—both a world land and water speed record holder in 1964. This is just one of many exhibits relating to both Donald and his father, Malcolm, who also held land and water records.
The museum features 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
Situated just five minutes from the summit of Windermere lies Rydal Water, another exceptionally picturesque lake, partly managed by the National Trust.
While boating is restricted to the public, Rydal Water warrants attention due to its association with the Romantic poet William Wordsworth.
His work is celebrated for its poignant reflections on the dramatic Lakeland scenery.
Wordsworth resided in two properties along the lake’s shore—Dove Cottage and later Rydal Mount—both of which are open to the public as museums.
From the western border of Rydal Water, visitors can ascend steps to the viewpoint at Wordsworth’s Seat, thought to be the poet’s preferred perspective of the lake.
