Orrest Head. Brockhole. The Windermere Jetty Museum. Blackwell Arts & Crafts House. Troutbeck. England's largest natural lake — and the best-connected destination in the entire Lake District.
Windermere is the Lake District's most famous town — the gateway to England's largest natural lake and the destination that has drawn visitors since the railway arrived in 1847. The town of Windermere sits a mile from the lake shore, with its twin town of Bowness-on-Windermere at the water's edge. Together they form the most visited destination in the national park, offering an extraordinary range of activities, attractions, and experiences for every type of visitor.
The best free thing to do in Windermere is climb Orrest Head — a gentle 20-minute walk from the railway station to a viewpoint at 238 metres that offers one of the finest panoramic views in the Lake District. It was here that a young Alfred Wainwright first saw the Lake District in 1930 and fell in love with it, inspiring his famous guidebooks. The view takes in Lake Windermere, the Coniston Fells, the Langdale Pikes, and on a clear day, the summit of Scafell Pike. It is free, takes 40 minutes return, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Beyond Orrest Head, Windermere offers an exceptional range of attractions. Brockhole — the Lake District Visitor Centre — sits on 30 acres of grounds on the lake shore between Windermere and Ambleside, with kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, mini golf, a Treetop Trek, and beautiful Thomas Mawson-designed gardens. The Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories is one of the finest specialist museums in the north of England, with an extraordinary collection of historic boats. Blackwell Arts and Crafts House is a masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement with stunning views over the lake. And the Windermere Golf Club, Troutbeck valley walk, and Millerground wild swimming spot round out a destination that genuinely has something for everyone.
Did You Know?
Alfred Wainwright first saw the Lake District from Orrest Head in 1930 at the age of 23. He later wrote: "I was utterly enslaved by it." That single view from a 20-minute walk from Windermere station inspired a lifetime's work and seven volumes of guidebooks that have sold over two million copies.
Live data · Windermere is one of the wettest places in England — always pack a waterproof
Red = delays · The A591 between Windermere and Ambleside is the busiest road in the Lake District — avoid 9–10am and 4–6pm in summer
Select your travel style to see the best Windermere activities, walks, and attractions tailored for you.
30 acres of grounds on the lake shore with kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, mini golf, Treetop Trek, a free adventure playground, and beautiful Thomas Mawson-designed gardens. One of the finest family days out in the Lake District. Accessible by bus, ferry, or bike.
Windermere Lake Cruises operates from Bowness Pier, Ambleside, and Lakeside. The Northern Cruise (50 min) and the full-length cruise to Lakeside (45 min) are both excellent for families. An all-day Freedom of the Lake pass lets you hop on and off at all piers.
One of the finest specialist museums in the north of England — an extraordinary collection of historic boats including steam launches, racing boats, and the Beatrix Potter connection. Beautiful new building on the lake shore. Excellent café.
A 20-minute walk from Windermere station to the finest free viewpoint in the southern Lake District. Suitable for all ages. The view that inspired Alfred Wainwright. 40 minutes return. Signposted from the station.
A National Trust park at the southern tip of Lake Windermere with a beautiful lake shore, rowing boat hire, a café, and a children's play area. Free entry to the park. A perfect family afternoon.
Millerground is the best free wild swimming spot on Lake Windermere — a sheltered bay with a grassy bank, shallow entry, and beautiful views. A 10-minute drive from Windermere town. Popular with families in summer.
Windermere has the widest range of restaurants and shops in the southern Lake District.
One of the finest restaurants in the Lake District — multiple AA Rosettes, outstanding tasting menus, and a beautiful setting 2 miles from Windermere. Book well in advance.
Book a tableWindermere's best craft beer bar and restaurant. Excellent food, outstanding local ales, and a lively atmosphere in the town centre.
A superb café on the lake shore at Brockhole. Local food, lake views, and a beautiful terrace. Perfect for a post-activity lunch.
Visit websiteA good range of independent shops, outdoor gear retailers, and local food shops in the town centre. Less touristy than Bowness.
Several excellent outdoor gear shops in Windermere town — ideal for stocking up before a day on the fells. Boots, waterproofs, maps, and accessories.
An exceptional gift shop at Blackwell House with Arts and Crafts-inspired gifts, jewellery, textiles, and ceramics. Unique souvenirs from the Lake District.
Visit websiteA masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement (1900). Extraordinary interiors, exceptional craftsmanship, lake views.
Book ticketsOne of the finest specialist museums in England. Historic boats, steam launches, and the story of the lake.
Book ticketsThe view that inspired Alfred Wainwright. Free, 20 minutes from the station. The finest free viewpoint in the southern Lakes.
Windermere Air Show
July · Annual air show over Lake Windermere · One of the most spectacular events in the Lake District
Windermere Triathlon
June · Annual triathlon in and around Lake Windermere · Swim, cycle, run
Windermere in Autumn
October · The lake and surrounding fells are at their most beautiful in autumn · Fewer crowds, lower prices
Brockhole Autumn Activities
September–October · Special autumn events and activities at Brockhole on Windermere
Windermere Christmas
December · Christmas markets, festive events, and the most atmospheric time to visit the lake
Winter Walking Season
Year-round · Windermere is beautiful in winter · Orrest Head in frost is extraordinary
Windermere has good parking — but arrive early in summer as the town gets very busy.
Town centre · Best for shops and restaurants
On the lake shore · Best for Brockhole activities
Windermere is the terminus of the Windermere branch line from Oxenholme. Direct connections from London Euston (2h 30m) and Manchester Piccadilly (1h 15m). The best car-free arrival in the Lake District.
The 555 bus connects Windermere to Ambleside, Grasmere, and Keswick. Fares capped at £2. The best way to explore the central Lakes from Windermere without a car.
From a free viewpoint walk to a full lake experience day.
Train to Windermere + Orrest Head (free) + packed lunch + Millerground wild swimming (free). A full day for almost nothing.
Parking + Windermere Jetty Museum + lake cruise + lunch at Brockhole. A great value full day.
Parking + Brockhole activities + Blackwell House + dinner at a local restaurant. The complete Windermere experience.
Brockhole activities + evening lake cruise + dinner at the Gilpin Hotel. Windermere at its very finest.
Windermere is one of the wettest places in England — but it has excellent rainy-day options.
One of the finest specialist museums in England. Fully indoor. Excellent café.
Book ticketsA masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement. Fully indoor. Superb café.
Book ticketsThe covered lake cruises run in all weathers. A rainy cruise has its own dramatic beauty.
Book ticketsWindermere has excellent restaurants. A long lunch at the Gilpin or Brockhole Café is a perfect rainy-day option.
1 mile south. The lake shore, Beatrix Potter, lake cruises, and the best pier in the Lakes.
View hub →6 miles north. The Lake District's most complete town — great restaurants, walks, and rainy-day options.
View hub →10 miles south. The gateway town — Kendal Castle, Scout Scar, Levens Hall, and Kendal Mint Cake.
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