Village Guide - Windermere

The Lake District Village Guide

Windermere

The village of Windermere is a busy, bustling town, and some might say the heartbeat of the South Lake District and has been attracting visitors since Victorian times. Beatrix Potter & William Wordsworth both wrote about this area, and the wonder of England’s largest lake. It’s a great place to base yourself for fantastic scenery, walks and viewpoints, and the shores of the lake just a straight mile walk downhill. Windermere is an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants, and shops, and is busy and bustling all year round.

It is also home to the only train station in the heart of the Lake District: Windermere Station, with connections to Oxenholme and the West Coast mainline. Autumn here brings the changing colours, and different weathers but always warm hospitality.

Where to walk

Jetty at Millerground, Windermere

Orrest Head Just across the road from here, you’ll see the entrance to the gentle hike up Orrest Head: the famous landmark with breathtaking views up and down the Lake, and the place which first inspired a certain AW Wainwright to begin his Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Hills.

Millerground A short lakeside amble, but with fabulous views right across the lakeshore and beyond. There are a few parking spaces close to it on Rayrigg Road, or you can simply walk from either Windermere or Bowness centres.

To Bowness-on-Windermere Get your best foot forward and enjoy a 1-mile stroll straight down the main street and you’ll reach the bustling town of Bowness, and the glittering lake.

Bowness even has a cinema and lots of places to browse, eat and drink and stop a while. If you don’t want to walk back, there are plenty of buses and taxis. Bowness-on-Windermere sits on the lakeshore and is home to many different water activities, with several marinas and sailing clubs dotted along the shoreline, and steamers and launches cruise from here all over the lake.

Viewpoint at Hammarbank This is an easily accessible viewpoint close to Millerground on Rayrigg Road. It’s a little carpark/layby just off the road, but a great place for a view a selfie, and very often an ice-cream!

What not to miss

Brockhole Visitor Centre A 5-minute drive or 2 mile walk from Windermere is Brockhole Visitor Centre, an amazing place to spend a day. Here you’ll find adventure playground, Tree Top Trek, cafes and restaurants and shops, boat and kayak hire, and archery, pony trekking and walks. The steamers stop here too so you can hop on and off as you explore.

Lakeland This fabulous homeware shop has its HQ flagship store in Windermere, and stocks innovative gadgets and cooking utensils. It sits next to Windermere Station and has a fabulous café too.

Peter Hall & Son This family business has been designing and making beautiful things mainly out of wood, and restoring antique furniture, since 1972. Their shop on the high street in Windermere is full of gorgeous objects, some made by them and by other craftspeople. stocks innovative gadgets and cooking utensils. It sits next to Windermere Station and has a fabulous café too.

Brockhole Thomas Mawson Garden

Food and Drink

Homeground

Some of the best coffee around, homemade cakes and amazing home-made breakfasts, salads, and lunches. They are walk-ins only; no bookings so take your chance and get there early!

Bandito Burrito

An unfussy café offering Mexican specialities, vegan dishes, and coffees, plus take out option.

The Little Ice Cream Shop

Handmade delicious gelato in Windermere often sees queues down the street!

The Lamplighter

A traditional, family run British restaurant with highly acclaimed Sunday lunches, afternoon teas and a cosy atmosphere. There is also a large outdoor seating area with plenty of undercover space.

Homeground Cafe

Lakelovers Top Pick in Windermere

Upper Sheriff’s Place Windermere | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Sleeps 6

Nestled between the twin towns of Bowness and Windermere, Cumbria, is this fabulous two-storey apartment, Upper Sheriff’s Place. Located over the first and second floors of a three-storey building, Upper Sheriff’s Place is the perfect abode for a group of friends or family to enjoy a holiday in the heart of the Lake District.