Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and the town that bears its name is the main gateway to the southern Lake District — a busy, well-served tourist town combined with the quieter, more residential village of Bowness-on-Windermere on the lake's eastern shore. Together they form the most visited destination in the Lake District National Park, drawing millions of visitors each year to the lake, the fells and the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds them.
The lake itself is 10.5 miles long and 219 feet deep — the largest lake in England and one of the most beautiful. Lake cruises run year-round between Waterhead (Ambleside), Bowness and Lakeside, passing wooded islands, historic boathouses and dramatic fell backdrops. Belle Isle, the lake's largest island, has been privately owned since the 18th century. The Windermere Jetty Museum, opened in 2019 in a stunning purpose-built building, houses the world's finest collection of historic boats.
The surrounding fells offer some of the finest walking in England — Orrest Head, just above the town, gives a panoramic first view of the lake; Loughrigg Fell, Wansfell and the higher summits of the Langdale Pikes are all within day-walk reach. Hill Top Farm, Beatrix Potter's home at Near Sawrey, is just 3 miles from Bowness across the lake ferry.
Windermere has its own railway station with connections to Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line, giving access to London in approximately 3 hours 20 minutes. House prices average £365,000, reflecting very high demand from second-home buyers and lifestyle relocators.
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Who is Windermere Good For?
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VisitBritain- Windermere Lake CruisesRegular services connecting Waterhead, Bowness and Lakeside on England's largest lake. The 'islands cruise' passes wooded islands and historic boathouses. Runs year-round.
- Windermere Jetty MuseumA world-class museum of historic boats in a stunning lakeside building, opened 2019. Houses a unique collection of Victorian and Edwardian steam launches and racing boats.
- Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's Farm)Beatrix Potter's much-loved farmhouse at Near Sawrey, preserved exactly as she left it. Accessible by ferry across the lake. One of the National Trust's most visited properties.
- Bowness-on-WindermereThe charming lakeside village below the town, with piers, ice cream shops, boat hire and the constant bustle of the Lake District's most popular destination.
- Orrest HeadA short but rewarding 30-minute walk from Windermere town gives one of the finest panoramic views in the Lake District — the full length of the lake with the high fells beyond.
- The World of Beatrix PotterA charming indoor attraction in Bowness bringing Beatrix Potter's characters and landscapes to life. Perfect for families with young children.
- Water Sports on the LakeKayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and wild swimming are all available on Windermere. Several hire centres operate from Bowness and Waterhead.
- Bowness Village & ShopsBowness has a wonderful cluster of independent shops, galleries, outdoor gear retailers and restaurants centred on St Martin's Church and the lakefront.
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