Windermere

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Lake Windermere at dusk

By David Atkinson, your Windermere expert

I write for Coast Magazine, Daily .... Read more

Why go to Windermere?

Last updated 8 March 2011

For the heart of the action.

Take to the water

Windermere is split confusingly between Windermere town with its train station and Bowness-on-Windermere, the accommodation hub and base for the must-do Windermere Lake Cruises (see my Lake District attractions page). It’s the beating heart of the Lakes, bustling with infrastructure and packed out in high season – you have been warned.

The community guide Windermere: loveliest of lakes has more.

Family attractions

Windermere is the key family destination with some great places to eat and town-centre attractions for families. It’s also a magnet for Asian tour groups, completing a Beatrix Potter odyssey through the Lakes. To escape the madding crowd, then, the best of the hidden-gem accommodation is to be found outside of town; see my Windermere hotels page for more details.

For more expert advice on Windermere, follow these links:

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expert rated...

Windermere Hotels

Price fromRating (out of 5)
1. Gilpin Lodge
4.7
2. Linthwaite House Hotel
4.7
3. The Samling
4.6
4. Holbeck Ghyll
4.6
5. Brown Horse Inn
£94
4.6
See all expert-rated Hotels in Windermere

Windermere Things to do

Price guideRating (out of 5)
1. Windermere Lake Cruises
Mid-range
4.7
2. Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Mid-range
4.6
3. Lakeland Motor Museum
Mid-range
4.4
4. Lakes Aquarium
Mid-range
4.4
5. The World of Beatrix Potter
Mid-range
4.0
See all expert-rated Things to do in Windermere