5. Around Windermere
Windermere
England’s longest lake is surrounded by a mixture of gently sloping wooded hills and more dramatic fell tops like Orrest Head and Gummer’s How. Steamers run the full length of its 12 and a half miles.
Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole
Overlooking Windermere, this former house and its grounds now play host to the public with its adventure playground, cafe and picnic areas. Find out more at Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre.
Ambleside
A mile inland from Windermere, Ambleside is a bustling town of outdoor equipment shops, bookshops, gift shops, cafes and restaurants and a cinema. Nestled in the valley between various fells, it’s the start and end point for many walks.
Waterhead
You can take a launch from the piers here south down towards Bowness. There are also some cafes and hotels.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Half way down Windermere, and a mile and a half downhill from Windermere village and its railway station. A great place to shop, eat, get an icecream and watch the bustle of the steamers arriving and departing from Bowness Bay. You can also hire rowing boats.
Lakeside
Right at the southern foot of Windermere you can find the Lakes Aquarium, one end of the Haverthwaite Steam Railway or take a launch north.
Useful links
- Our Windermere section
- Bowness on Windermere Information Centre
- Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre
- 5. Bowness to Cockshott Point - Miles without Stiles route
- 6. Windermere's Western Shore - Miles without Stiles route
- 7. Red Nab to High Wray Bay - Miles without Stiles route
Next stop
Whistlestop map
Want even more visitor information?
Visit Golakes (opens in new window), the official website of the tourist board for The Lake District and Cumbria. Browse and book accommodation and attractions online and see what's on in the area.
