All about Windermere

Windermere is 10.5 miles long and ranges from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide at its widest point. At the northern point of Windermere is Waterhead, just a mile from Ambleside, and Bowness-on-Windermere is situated near the middle of the lake shoreline. The southerly end of Windermere brings you to Newby Bridge.

Windermere first became popular with tourists in 1847 when the Kendal to Windermere railway line was constructed. The railway enabled wealthy Victorian visitors to travel to the heart of the Lake District with ease, and the network has now grown so much that trains are available direct from Manchester Airport to Windermere.

The busy West Coast Mainline can be joined from Oxenholme. The link from Manchester Airport has bought thousands of visitors to the Lake District from outside the UK and has put Windermere and Bowness on the map internationally.

One of the best things about Windermere and Bowness for visitors from overseas is the vast range of things to see and do around the region. Windermere and Bowness also offers visitors a fantastic choice of accommodation including superb boutique hotels with spa baths and hot tubs, which are ideal for a romantic weekend.

Windermere town is actually located on the east bank of the lake and is just over a mile from the lake itself. The population of Windermere is approximately 8,300, and this is one of the larger towns in the South Lakes. The town has many independent shops and businesses, plus a large Lakeland Limited store next to the train station.

A range of boutique hotels have opened up in Windermere and Bowness and there is now a much wider choice of accommodation than there was 10 years ago, when the majority of guesthouses comprised of basic B & B-style rooms. Romantic weekends in the Lake District have increased in popularity and the Lake District has now evolved into a quality destination for young and old.

Whatever floats your boat, you will find it in the Lake District, and whether you are looking for a quiet luxury hotel in Windermere, a campsite in Coniston or a guesthouse in Grasmere, you will find it. Take your time to explore Windermere, and enjoy lake cruises, fishing, water sports or stroll around the fens and woods nearby.

The scenery and landscapes around Bowness-on-Windermere are stunning, and this busy town offers visitors a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants and also the world famous Beatrix Potter Visitor Centre, which has increased in popularity since the release of the film, Miss Potter, starring Ewan McGregor and Rene Zellweger.