Windermere: Getting around

Millions of people visit the Windermere area each year. The A591 is one of the main routes into the Lake District, and there are car parks close to the lake shore. Or ditch the car in favour of the bus, train, cycle, boat or just your own two feet!

By bus

Buses stop at Windermere train station, Troutbeck, Waterhead, Ambleside, Lakeside and Newby Bridge. Frequent buses are:

By train

Windermere train station is the end of the branch line and has direct trains which run as far south as Manchester Airport. You can transfer at Oxenholme The Lake District (near Kendal) on the main West Coast line to the Windermere branch line. Oxenholme to Windermere takes approximately half an hour.

Useful public transport links

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By bike

Try out pedal power for a whole new perspective of Windermere! Hire bikes from:

Ferry

A car ferry links Ferry Nab on the eastern shore of Windermere with Ferry House, Far Sawrey on the west. It's a handy shortcut for Hawkshead, Grizedale forest and Kendal.

It is a drive-on, drive-off service where car passengers stay in their cars and an attendant comes round to collect the fare once the ferry is moving.

There are 18 spaces and it is a popular service so do expect queues during busy periods, especially in the summer.

For more details, download Cumbria County Council's leaflet The Other Shore: The Windermere Ferry - check out Cumbria County Councilwebsite (opens in new window).

Cruises

Take to the water to truly experience Windermere. The many different options and tickets allow you to hop off, walk back or just sit back and watch the mountains, woodlands and islands unfold before you. To plan your own voyage of discovery, take a look at Windermere Lake Cruises(opens new window).

Parking

If possible, please try to leave the car at home and use public transport to help keep the Lake District special.

If you're heading off into the rest of the National Park, keep an eye on the fuel gauge as in some of the more remote areas, filling stations are few and far between.

Our car parks around Windermere

Waterhead's location:

Short grid reference: NY 376 032. Postcode: LA22 0EN

Pay by mobile phone reference: 7262.

Waterhead car park is at the northern end of Windermere lake, close to the steamer pier. It is a mile from the centre of Ambleside. There are several hotels and cafes within the immediate area.

This is an ideal place to park if you wish to take a cruise on Windermere.

Walks from this location include Loughrigg; Jenkin Crag and Wansfell.

Facilities:

Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets. Baby-changing facilities.

Coach parking?

There is coach parking available at this car park.

Map location

Our car parks are marked on the map below as red drawing pin symbols.

Click a map control tool such as zoom in, move your mouse and click on the map. You can use the arrows to move around the map. Loading maps can take time, so please be patient!

Pay and display prices:

Payable every day 8am - 8pm including Bank Holidays

Want even more visitor information?

Cumbria Tourism logo - click to go to their website in a new window

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.

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National Parks - Britain's breathing spaces