The branch line from Oxenholme station stops here. Plus you can find our own headquarters amidst the iconic slate-built cottages. This is a small, friendly, traditional Lakeland community. Yet Windermere also feels sophisticated and cosmopolitan. Modern cafes and eateries dot the little streets. Plus there are many excellent independent stores and gift shops.
The Lakeland hills are all around you, and the wonderful lake frontage of Bowness Bay is moments away. Windermere is our own home for good reason. We are sure it will become a second home for you, too. As well as being the ideal base for exploring the wider Lake District, there are top attractions and things to do in Windermere village itself and close by. There are also beautiful Windermere Walks.
Total Adventure offer a hire service of Canoes, Bikes, Kayaks and SUPs. Explore the Lake District by land or water while having fun and getting some exercise!
Mountain Goat minibus tours have their main booking office in Windermere village, opposite our main offices. Professional guides will escort you and your party around the very best of the Lake District in ease and comfort. The company is highly experienced, and offer a range of tailored trips. Trips include their ‘Ten Lake Spectacular’, and shorter taster adventures. A lovely way to spend a day or two when you stay in one of Lakelovers’ Windermere cottages. – http://www.mountain-goat.co.uk
Wonderfully exhilarating guided off-road 4×4 tours. Drive your very own specially prepared vehicle over mountain tracks. Experience the Lake District in a thrilling and alternative way. You can find the Kankku offices near the train station and Booths supermarket, and our own office on Victoria Street. – http://www.kankku.co.uk
A visit to the well-known kitchenware specialist is a must for all those with a culinary bent. This branch is the flagship store for the company, located past the rail station. The cafe upstairs is rightfully popular. – http://www.lakeland.co.uk
No checklist of what to do in Windermere would be complete without a cruise on the lake which gives the town its name. Head down to Bowness pier, where steamers and passenger launches take you to Ambleside in the north and Lakeside in the south. This is a wonderful way to explore the beauty of England’s longest lake. You may wish to consider the Islands Cruise, which takes you round the pretty little islets scattered across Windermere. – https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk
Built by Baillie Scott, Blackwell Arts and Craft House is a treasure trove of furniture from the turn of the last century. The terraced gardens, designed by Thomas Mawson, offer superb views over the lake to the Coniston hills. – http://www.blackwell.org.uk
Go to the waterfront in Bowness and hire your very own boat. Cruise the tranquil waters of Lake Windermere under your own steam. The marina on Glebe Road offers electrically-powered craft that are easily handled. They allow you to explore the lake for an hour, half a day, or a full day. – http://www.bownessbaymarina.co.uk
Wondering what to do in Windermere with your children? Lakelovers recommend a visit to this charming exhibition. It brings Beatrix Potter’s celebrated tales to vivid life. Youngsters will always remember their encounter with Benjamin Bunny, Peter Rabbit and friends. Plus they can even explore Mr. MacGregor’s garden. You may wish to take the car ferry across to Sawrey and visit Miss Potter’s home at Hilltop. – http://www.hop-skip-jump.com
Climbing Rocks, Abseiling & Ghyll Scrambling in the Lake District – http://www.cragsadventures.com/
The Tourist Information Centre and Cafe is situated on Victoria Street near the our offices and the rail station. It is full of more great ideas for things to do in Windermere. – http://www.windermereinfo.co.uk
There is a Co-op on Oak Street and several other convenience stores. Booths supermarket, near the train station and opposite our offices, offers high quality groceries. There are supermarkets in Kendal, including Morrisons, Asda, and Aldi.
There is a petrol station on Main Road in the town centre, and further on Rayrigg Road in Bowness, south on the A591 at Troutbeck Bridge and north at Ings.
Goodly Dale Health Centre lies off the main road between Windermere and Bowness. Westmorland General Hospital is located at Kendal. – http://www.onemedicalgroup.co.uk/windermere-and-bowness-medical-practice
Oakhill Veterinary Group have a practice situated on Lake Road in Windermere. – http://www.oakhillvetgroup.co.uk/home.html
Pay and display car parks are located at Broad Street and at Station Precinct by the rail station. On-road parking around the town centre is time limited, so please be sure to read the signs on the street where you leave your car.
The A591 winds north to the walking hub of Ambleside and Wordsworth’s Grasmere. If you venture down the east shore of England’s longest lake, past Bowness, you can find the hamlet of Newby Bridge at the bottom end of Lake Windermere. Things to do including a visit to the Lakes Aquarium and a ride on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
Taking the car ferry straight across the water lets you explore Sawrey and Beatrix Potter country. Heading south on the A591 takes you to the market town of Kendal. It offers supermarkets and other shopping opportunities. South of Bowness in the rolling back-country, the Lyth Valley is peaceful and beautiful. While a drive through the charming Troutbeck valley takes you to the steep Kirkstone Pass. This provides a stunning drive, and access north-east to lovely Ullswater. Windermere is perfectly placed for touring by bus, too. If you want to take it easy and put your adventures in the hands of expert guides, we would recommend The Mountain Goat minibus tours. The main booking office is in Windermere, close to Lakelovers’ own offices. Their day trips include a tour of Beatrix Potter country and a ‘Ten Lakes Spectacular’. – http://www.mountain-goat.co.uk
Leave the M6 motorway at Junction 36 and pass Kendal, following the A591 straight through to Windermere. Windermere rail station is the final stop on the branch line from Oxenholme, by Kendal, which itself is on the west coast mainline. Buses run frequently from Kendal and Lancaster. Information on bus timetables in the Lake District can be found below: http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/roads-transport/public-transport-road-safety/transport/publictransport/busserv/busservmap.asp
