Welcome to our Windermere and Lake District visitor guide. Experience one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations. With plenty to see and do around Windermere Village the main attraction is the Lake. Windermere Lake is just over 1 mile from the village and is easily accessible by car, foot or public transport. Therefore making it one of the best places to visit in the Lake District.

Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere is the UK’s Largest lake at 10.5 miles long. There are a variety of cruises available on the Lake. With a great selection of other watersports available for the more adventurous. From wakeboarding, paddleboarding or to captaining your own luxury yacht charter there is sure to be something you will enjoy.

There are a number of ferries operating on Lake Windermere. You can utilise these to explore the surrounding villages and enjoy a day on the water. 

Check out our things to do section for activities available on Windermere. Things to do in Windermere

Villages around Lake Windermere

Around Lake Windermere are the three main villages of Bowness on Windermere, Ambleside and Windermere Village. All three have their own unique charm and any one would make a perfect base for your Windermere stay. Use our Accommodation guide to find the ideal holiday accommodation for your stay. Windermere Accommodation

Ambleside/Waterhead

Ambleside is to the North of the lake and is accessed through the picturesque village of Waterhead. Ambleside is a picture postcard village set in the heart of the Rothay Valley. Just over a mile from the northern point of Lake Windermere. It’s one of The Lake Districts most popular destinations. It is the perfect base for exploring all the Lake District has to offer.

The picturesque village of Ambleside’s access to the lake is through the adorable hamlet of Waterhead. Waterside cafés, cozy shops and walking paths abound at Waterhead. The little hamlet of Waterhead is one of the best places to visit in Windermere.

Ambleside is the ideal destination if you love hiking! It has many of the best walks available in the area. For shopaholics Ambleside has loads to offer being a busy shopping hub. With a great variety of chain stores and specialist shops . There is a great selection of accommodation in Ambleside. Check out our accommodation listings to find the perfect spot.

Bowness on Windermere

In the middle of Lake Windermere and halfway between Windermere Village and Newby bridge to the South lies Bowness on Windermere. Here you can shop, eat, get an ice cream and watch the bustle of the steamers arriving and departing from Bowness Bay. With a variety of activities, access to Bowness Bay and all the boat charters that leave from there, and a great selection of places to stay Bowness on Windermere is a wonderful choice for travelers to the Lake District.

Windermere Village

Windermere Village is just over one mile from the lake and it has its own railway station with connections to London and Exeter. It is a bustling little town with a great variety of local shops, things to do and places to stay. The Connection to Beatrix Potter and the surrounding area can be seen at many of the attractions in the area.

Use our Visit Windermere guide to help plan your trip from accommodation, things to do and places to eat and start your next adventure here.