Welcome to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake District. And at the heart of this paradise lies Lake Windermere.
England’s largest natural lake draws huge number of visitors each year. And it isn’t without reason!
Not only is Lake Windermere beautiful, but the surrounding area offers a plethora of activities that promise experiences as deep and unforgettable as the lake itself.
Whether you’re seeking the adrenaline-filled thrill of water sports, the tranquillity of a lakeside walk, or the charm of quaint local shops and cafes. Lake Windermere is a destination that never ceases to enchant.
This comprehensive guide will help you navigate through the best things to do around Lake Windermere, ensuring that your trip to the Lake District is one for the books.
Why visit Windermere?
Where: Windermere, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Why go: England’s largest lake, Windermere, is located in the Southern Lake District. It is surrounded by pretty towns and breath-taking scenery.
With a universal appeal catering for couples, families, walkers and those just looking to relax, Windermere and the surrounding area can offer something for everyone.
How to get there: By car, exit the M6 at junction 36 and follow signs for South Lakes. Follow the A591 for approximately 16 miles from the motorway.
By train, there is a regular service running from Oxenholme, which is located on the West Coast mainline between London and Glasgow.
Where to park: There are numerous car parks available in both Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere.
However, it is worth noting that all-day parking can be pricey and will require early arrival to find a space.
If you are up for a walk, try Broad Street Car Park (LA23 2AB) It is located a 30-minute walk from Bowness, but all day parking is £1* if you arrive before 9am (in designated bays only).
One-Day Windermere Itinerary:
It is easy to spend anything from a day to a week exploring all that Windermere and the surrounding towns have to offer.
However, if you’re pushed for time, I’d definitely recommend using Bowness-on-Windermere as your base camp.
There are lots of attractions to see in this area, plus, the Windermere Lake Cruise provides easy access to other towns and villages by steamer.
The World of Beatrix Potter
When you’re in Bowness, one attraction topping your list should be The World of Beatrix Potter. This is a charming homage to the work of the author who fell in love with, and has become synonymous with the area. It is a beautiful recreation of the stories we all know and love.
Despite its branding as a ‘family attraction’ the life-sized exhibits and fascinating insights into Potter’s life appeal to both the young and the young at heart. So don’t be put off visiting if you don’t have kids in tow!
The exhibition takes about 45 minutes to one hour to explore. Plus, there is a shop and café you can also visit as part of your trip.
Ticket prices range from £5/child* (3-16 years old – 0-2yo are free) to £9* for adults.
Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3BX
Windermere Lake Cruises
No trip to Windermere is complete without a Windermere Lake Cruise. Operating a total of 17 vessels, Windermere Lake Cruises gives you the opportunity to explore England’s largest lake by steamer, modern launch or traditional launch.
With a number of different cruises available, you can choose to either sail north up the lake to Ambleside or south down to Lakeside.
Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic island circular tour to admire the beautiful scenery or go all-in for a ‘Freedom of the Lake’ ticket to roam as much of the lake as you can take in in 24 hours.
If you’re just visiting for the day, it’s worth just picking one cruise to allow yourself enough time to explore your cruise destination.
But if you’re around for a couple of days the ‘Freedom of the Lake’ ticket lets you take in all that the area has to offer. It is by far the easiest (and most relaxing!) way to see everything.
Address: Bowness Pier, Promenade, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3HQ
Ambleside
For our trip, we chose the red lake cruise, which is a 75 minute round trip to Ambleside. This small town at the top of Windermere is awash with cafes, bookshops and outdoor stores.
It is an ideal spot to stretch your legs after the cruise, pick up some gifts and grab a spot of lunch. I highly recommend The Copper Pot for an impressive hot chocolate and cake to fuel your journey!
Stock Ghyll Force
Once you’re suitably refueled, you can head off on a scenic walk up to a stunning 70-foot waterfall. Stock Ghyll Force is located in a wooded area with a breath-taking viewpoint.
Tucked behind the Salutation Hotel is the route that will take you up a gentle incline to the waterfalls. It is a lovely woodland walk that is easy to navigate but best tackled in sturdy shoes!
Bridge House
After your descent from the waterfalls, re-join Rydal Road and follow it through the town until you cross the river and meet The Bridge House.
Now owned by the National Trust, this tiny, two-storey, two-room dwelling dates back to the 17th Century.
Historically, it has served as counting-house, a tea-room, a weaving shop, a cobblers, and a chairmakers. Most impressively, it was, at a time, home to a family of eight!
The house is free to enter and there is often a volunteer on hand to guide you through the history of this quaint and one of a kind building.
They’re always happy to answer any questions you have too. It is a fascinating building and well worth popping in while you are in Ambleside.
Address: The Bridge House, Rydal Road, Ambleside LA22 9AN
Bowness-on-Windermere
After your return cruise, it is well worth spending a little time enjoying Bowness-on-Windermere before you depart.
There are numerous ice cream shops alongside the lake stocking a huge range of locally made flavours. So if the sun is out, grab one and have a stroll along the waterfront.
Then, head back into town to browse the shops before you go back to the car.
Hawkshead Brewery
If you want a final souvenir from your journey, Hawkshead Brewery is just a ten minute drive from Bowness-on-Windermere.
At the brewery, you can grab some food in The Beer Hall and get a glimpse of the beer being made. There is also a shop where you can pick up some beers to take home with you to make your holiday last a little longer!
Friendly reminder, don’t drink and drive! Take those pints home with you to enjoy instead!
Address: Hawkshead Brewery, 14 Back Lane, Staveley, LA8 9LR
Other things to do in Winderemere…
If you’ve got a little extra time or you are looking for some other things to do in Windermere, why not try the following:
- Hill Top – Bought in 1905 with the proceeds from The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Hill Top is Beatrix Potter’s much-loved home. It remains a time-capsule, providing an insight into her life and works.
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway – if you take a Lake Cruise south to Lakeside, why not combine your visit with a ride on the steam train to Haverthwaite? Some cruise/railway packages are available depending on the season. Check the ticket office for details.
- Windermere Jetty: Museum of Boats, Steam, and Stories – A spectacular museum committed to conserving, saving and sharing its internationally important collection. This museum tells the stories of the boats in its collection and actively involves visitors in the crafts and traditions that built them.
- Wray Castle – Located on the west side of the lake, this 19th-century holiday home is now owned by the National Trust. It is easiest access is via the green route Lake Cruise in summer months. Open for daily talks and tours.
- Stott Park Bobbin Mill – This extensive working mill is the only working bobbin mill left in the Lake District today. Tours and exhibitions bring to light the history of this important trade. Visitors can follow the production of bobbins first hand, and even purchase one to bring home from the gift shop.
- Blackwell – Designed by Architect Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott. Blackwell was built as a holiday home for Manchester brewer Sir Edward Holt and his family in 1901. You can explore the arts and craft design of the house and learn more about the life of the Holt’s. There are educational talks and augmented reality displays.
Where to stay in Windermere…
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, The Sun Inn is a short drive away from the town centre. It offers en suite rooms costing around £85 per night* and a fantastic bar menu.
It is a wonderful place to unwind after a day of walking and sightseeing.
*Prices updated as of December 2023
Where to next?
If you have time, why not extend your trip to include a day in Kendal?
Famed for its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and the legendary Kendal Mint Cake, this town is a treasure trove of unique experiences waiting to be explored.
If you’re planning a trip to Cumbria or the Lake District, you need to plan a day in Kendal into your itinerary.
This pretty English market town has a whole host of attractions that you’ll want to visit!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
This sounds perfect for a UK staycation! I’ve been to Windermere before with my family when I was child, I think it’s time for me to make a return visit for sure.
It is a lovely location for a day out or plenty of activities to fill a couple of days if you’re staying in the area. We love a trip to the Lakes!
We will hopefully be in England next year. Will definitely keep this for our planning.
We hope you enjoy your visit to England! There are so many wonderful places to visit but the Lakes is well worth a stop if you have time, it is beautiful.
I am visiting England this november and this guide will surely be going to help me a lot! Ahh, perfect timing I stumbled upon this post 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing
We hope you have an amazing visit! England has so much to offer, hopefully you have the opportunity to explore a lot while you are here. The Lakes are well worth a visit!
Windermere looks like the quintessential lake getaway! I’d love to take a boat cruise followed by a beer tasting at the Brewery.
The lake cruise is a must when visiting Windermere! And a lovely way to explore the towns and villages around the lake. Although we didn’t try any, the food at the brewery comes very highly recommended so it is a great place to visit.
I love Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit! So even without the beautiful scenery it would be the perfect place for me to visit. And that inn looks adorable.
The Beatrix Potter attractions are lovely. Plus it is easy to see what inspired her writing and illustrations when you see the natural beauty of the Lakes!
The Sun Inn was fabulous and had great food too! We’d definitely recommend it if you visit the area!
wow I LOVE that bridge house
The Bridge House is fascinating…but so tiny! We have no idea how a family of 8 people ever lived in there!!
The hotel looks so charming. Windermere is such a lovely place!
The Sun Inn was lovely and the food was fantastic. The price is also great for an area with such a high tourist appeal. We agree that Windermere is stunning, there are so many lovely places to visit in the Lakes.
One of the things I’m sad about my year living in London is that I didn’t explore the Lake District. Windermere Looks so nice! Seems like I should start planning a trip to see all I missed 🙂
What a shame you didn’t get to visit the Lakes. We’d definitely recommend a trip if you get the chance. There are so many stunning places to visit in the Lakes. Windermere and Ambleside are lovely but we also love Ullswater for somewhere a little more remote and peaceful. We hope you get the opportunity to explore the Lakes soon!
I love little English towns so much and can’t wait to get back to them when this pandemic is over so I can wander Ambleside and check out some bookshops!
English towns are always so cute and quaint aren’t they? I can’t wait to get back out to explore them! I loved Ambleside, it is such a lovely place! Full of bookshops and coffee shops…what more could you need??
This is such a thorough post, thank you for completing not only activities but where to stay! The lake looks so cute! Are you allowed to swim here during the spring/summer?
I’m glad you like the guide! Yes you can swim in the lake! I wasn’t brave enough to take a dip mind you, I’m not sure how warm the water gets!
Ambleside looks so perfect! I love the architecture, it’s exactly what I think of for the United Kingdom. I was hoping to go to England this year, bummer, but now I’m excited for next year and I’ll have to do a Windermere Lake Cruise! I also want to tour the Wray Castle!
Ambleside is a lovely spot! The Lake District is a lovely area. I was gutted we didn’t have time to visit Wray Castle but it gives me an excuse to go back!
Why I need to visit Windermere? You’ve made that pretty clear! I’ve actually never heard of the Lake District. Too bad, since I’ve visited London quite often. Never mind, next time, I know better 😉
London is great but there are so many beautiful areas in England that make it worth venturing further afield! I hope you get an opportunity to visit!
I love the look of this, everything looks so quaint – and a Beatrix Potter museum?? OMG! 🤩🤩🤩
The Beatrix Potter attractions are well worth a visit! You get a fascinating insight into her life and the character attractions are magical!
Love this, wish I was there!
Thanks Paul, I wish I was too! I’m definitely overdue a Lake District escape!
Oh god, You are a savior. I am planning to visit next week and was trying hard to figure it out the places and here comes your post. Thanks a lot.
I’m so glad you found the guide useful! I hope you had a brilliant trip!
I’ve been trying to plan a trip to Lake District for years now and maybe this is a sign to stop putting it off! This such an informative post – thank you.
Ah I love the Lake District! It is such a beautiful region to explore – you won’t regret it! I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!
Love the Lakes! Would love to return but at present UK prices just freak me out… thank you for the great suggestions and lovely guesthouses to try
The prices are crazy right now, aren’t they? 😬 I hope you get the opportunity to visit soon 🤞
England has so many different sides to it, it‘s stunning! Thank you for all the ideas!
England is such diverse place, isn’t it? I love that we can travel for just an hour or two and find outselves somewhere totally unique! I hope you have an opportunity to visit Windermere soon!
I didn’t know there were so many interesting things to do in the Lake Windermere area. The World of Beatrix Potter and Bridge House – are my personal top places to visit, and of course, I would not want to miss the lake cruise! Thanks for the inspiration!
There are some wonderful things to do around Windermere. Although it is renowned for its natural beauty and lovely landscapes, there are still many fantastic attractions not to be missed. The lake cruise is certainly a highlight and now trip to Windermere is complete without it!
I have not been here an it looks just beautiful. I definitely want to get back to the UK for a lot more, and I’m adding this to my list. thanks..
The Lake District is such a beautiful area, it is well worth exploring when you are next in the UK. i hope you have an opportunity to visit soon!
When we finally get to England we will need to plan some time to visit Windermere. It was good to learn that you can visit for one day. But we might want to spend a few days and really enjoy this region. With a cute town and waterfalls too I am sure we will be fully engaged.
There are so many lovely places to visit in the Lake District, it is definitely worth visiting when you are in England. While Windermere is very achievable in one day, two or three with give you the flexibility to see everything without having to rush. I hope you have a wonderful visit!
I have wanted to visit the Lake District for so long. I hope I will see Beatrix Potter’s home this year. It is such a beautiful region.
I hope you have an opportunity to visit soon! The Lake District is such a beautiful region and it is so much fun to explore the Beatrix Potter connection around Windermere. It is easy to see how she was inspired by the beautiful countryside!