Windermere’s natural attractions, with its famous lake and imposing mountains, make the area a centre of activity for outdoors enthusiasts. However, if you’re looking for a more sedentary experience, you won’t be disappointed either, as there is no shortage of things to see and do in the area. Here are five of Windermere’s most popular attractions.
1. Windermere Lake Cruises
A cruise on Lake Windermere is Cumbria’s most popular tourist attraction, and it’s easy to see why. The views of the surrounding mountains are nothing less than magnificent and the lake has a wonderful serenity about it. There are cruises on offer ranging from 45 minutes to three hours, or you can enjoy the flexibility of a ‘Freedom of the Lakes’ pass, which allows you to hop on and off boats all day long. You can choose between modern cruisers and vintage steamers. Windermere Lake Cruises is located at the pier in Bowness.
2. World of Beatrix Potter
Children will particularly delight in this unique theme park, where Beatrix Potter’s characters are all brought to life in a magical indoor recreation of the Lakeland countryside. Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle are all there in larger-than-life form. There is also the Miss Potter Room, which educates visitors on everything about the life of Beatrix Potter with an interactive display, short film presentation and a number of interesting exhibits. The museum is located in the nearby village of Bowness, less than 2 miles from Windermere.
3. Orrest Head
Orrest Head is an excellent viewpoint, offering panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells and villages. This was the first ever climb made by the famous walker and author, Alfred Wainwright. The summit stands at 784 feet and is an easy walk from Windermere. It is just one mile away and takes around 50 minutes. The walk is clearly signposted from the bus station in Windermere, opposite the train station on the A591.
4. Fell Foot Country Park
South of Windermere town, the National Trust-owned Fell Foot Country Park lies on the edge of Lake Windermere, just off the A592. It’s an idyllic spot which offers extensive access to the lake’s shores. The fully restored Victorian park and eighteen acre grounds offer visitors an incredible display of flowers and shrubs, all set against the magnificent backdrop of the lake. There are picnic areas and rowing boats available for hire. Children will love this place too, as there is an adventure playground for the little ones and an adventure trail which ends with a trapeze swing.
5. Windermere Steamboat Museum
Windermere Steamboat Museum houses the world’s finest collection of historic steamboats and motorboats, including 12 vintage steamboats, several of which can take passengers out on Lake Windermere. One of the more remarkable in the collection is the 1850 SL Dolly – the oldest mechanically powered boat in the world, with its original engine still in good working order. Special events throughout the season include the British Classic Motorboat and steamboat rallies. The museum is located on Rayrigg Road, in central Windermere.
Further information on all of these attractions – and more – can be found at the Tourist Information Centres in Bowness and Windermere, or you can pick up details from most hotels in Windermere.
Also check out our page on Windemere Tourist Information or if you’ve decided to visit, Compare the best deals on Windemere Hotels