visit windermere and bowness...

The linked towns of Windermere and Bowness at the heart of the Lake District have been an attraction for visitors since Victorian times.

With the lake shore of Windermere so close, there is always something to do whatever the season - walking along the lakeside, enjoying panoramic views of the lake and mountains

from several viewpoints, experiencing a wholehost of water-based activities, luxuriating in the pleasures of travelling around the area by steamer, open-top bus or steam locomotive or discovering the lake for yourself by hiring a rowing boat, dinghy or cruiser.

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explore windermere & bowness

History & heritage

Windermere, originally called ‘Vinand's mere' (after a Norse chief), has long been a magnet for visitors.

history
heritage

Art & culture

Windermere is home to the Old Laundry Theatre, Cumbria's only professional in-the-round theatre.

art & culture

Natural environment

Windermere's 17km long lake is fed by the rivers Brathay and Rothay at its northern end and outflows into the River Leven.

natural environment

What's on

While you are in Windermere why not go along to one of the fantastic local events.

local events

quirky facts...

Slave trade

Storrs Hall was built by John Bolton, a wealthy shipowner who dealt in the slavery trade. It is said that the slaves were kept in the cellars of Storrs Hall until buyers could be found for them.

Bright lights

The two towns of Windermere and Bowness were the second area in England to have electric street lighting - supplied from a hydro-electric plant at Troutbeck Bridge.

Frozen years

In 1895 Windermere became ice-bound for 6 weeks, making it possible to walk across from one side to the other. Other frozen years were 1864, 1946 and 1963.