Windermere

Windermere in the Lake District - ten and a half miles long and 219 feet deep - is England's largest lake. Its name comes from the Scandinavian for 'lake of a man called Vinandr'.

England's largest lake

Ambleside is half a mile north of the lakeshore. This bustling town is full of tea shops, restaurants and walking equipment shops. It's a great starting point for many different walks.

Waterhead at the north end of Windermere is a picturesque stop for the cruisers, with cafes and a garden centre.

Brockhole - The Lake District Visitor Centre (opens in new window) is a former house on the lakeside with gardens, shop, cafe, exhibitions and adventure playground.

The village of Windermere is a mile inland uphill from the lake. Here you can find Bed and Breakfasts, a supermarket, shops, cafes and the railway station.

Bowness is about halfway down on the eastern shore and full of shops, restaurants, cafes, attractions, hotels and Bed and Breakfasts.

Ferry Nab on the eastern shore is where the car ferry departs for Ferry House.

Fell Foot, belonging to the National Trust, is a lovely place to enjoy the lakeshore.

Lakeside at the foot of the lake has a hotel and the Aquarium of the Lakes, and is the terminus of a steam railway.

Newby Bridge is at the far southern end of Windermere, with hotels and cottages.

More information

Check out the links on the left, Your guide to Windermere leaflet (PDF) and Windermere map (PDF)

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.