Guidebook for Windermere
Drinks & Nightlife
Child and dog friendly just friendly pop in and relax to our warm ambience and soulful music, Specialist in Charcuterie/Cheese Baked Camembert And famous Grilled Sarnies, over 100 World Beers And Fine Wines
30 habitants recommandent
The Crafty Baa
21 Victoria StChild and dog friendly just friendly pop in and relax to our warm ambience and soulful music, Specialist in Charcuterie/Cheese Baked Camembert And famous Grilled Sarnies, over 100 World Beers And Fine Wines
Brown Sugar
Main RoadA family run pub, serving freshly prepared, home cooked food. Great wine list as well as cask ales and keg beers.
Very friendly staff.
Brookside Inn
Lake RoadA family run pub, serving freshly prepared, home cooked food. Great wine list as well as cask ales and keg beers.
Very friendly staff.
A classic British menu based on fresh local produce. Pork in all its forms is the speciality, but their menu will suit all tastes
9 habitants recommandent
The Pig
13 Crescent RdA classic British menu based on fresh local produce. Pork in all its forms is the speciality, but their menu will suit all tastes
A unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the English Lake District, sailing on Windermere combined with fine wines and first class food.
All from the comfort and luxury of a top of the range sailing yacht.
Sail N Dine
Glebe RoadA unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the English Lake District, sailing on Windermere combined with fine wines and first class food.
All from the comfort and luxury of a top of the range sailing yacht.
Great place to relax and have fun overlooking Lake Windermere. very busy
9 habitants recommandent
Lake View Garden Bar
Lake RoadGreat place to relax and have fun overlooking Lake Windermere. very busy
Food Scene
The food here is excellent, usually you need to book a table.
Middle price range but well worth a visit
9 habitants recommandent
The Lamplighter Dining Rooms
High StreetThe food here is excellent, usually you need to book a table.
Middle price range but well worth a visit
Cafe Italia
37 Main RdGreat food, reasonably priced, friendly staff
Fish Restaurant, menu changes daily. The freshest and tastiest seafood with flavours and influences from the mediteranean, South East Asia and Australasia
9 habitants recommandent
Hooked
Ellerthwaite SquareFish Restaurant, menu changes daily. The freshest and tastiest seafood with flavours and influences from the mediteranean, South East Asia and Australasia
A relaxed and friendly bistro-styled restaurant with an a-la-cart menu and daily additions boards available, great wine list and a large selection of local speciality ales.
Evenings are especially popular with people seeking a quieter place to eat. Seafood is the passion with freshly prepared lobster in various dishes with large bowls of steaming mussels and fish casserole.
17 habitants recommandent
Francines Coffee House
27 Main RdA relaxed and friendly bistro-styled restaurant with an a-la-cart menu and daily additions boards available, great wine list and a large selection of local speciality ales.
Evenings are especially popular with people seeking a quieter place to eat. Seafood is the passion with freshly prepared lobster in various dishes with large bowls of steaming mussels and fish casserole.
Fine Dining
Booking is a must. 6:30pm, last orders 8:30pm
AA Rosette given in recognition of the consistent quality, seasonality and local sourcing of ingredients on the menu, and for the creative excellence of Head Chef Roger Pergl-Wilson
6 habitants recommandent
Cedar Manor
Ambleside RoadFine Dining
Booking is a must. 6:30pm, last orders 8:30pm
AA Rosette given in recognition of the consistent quality, seasonality and local sourcing of ingredients on the menu, and for the creative excellence of Head Chef Roger Pergl-Wilson
Fine dining
Enjoy a diverse choice of dishes from the freshest local Cumbrian produce, with seasonal twists. A truly relaxed unpretentious social setting to enjoy Cumbrian food at its best.
Applegarth Villa & Restaurant
College RoadFine dining
Enjoy a diverse choice of dishes from the freshest local Cumbrian produce, with seasonal twists. A truly relaxed unpretentious social setting to enjoy Cumbrian food at its best.
Fine dining
Michelin starred restaurant. Combines great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours-modern British cuisine with a twist
10 habitants recommandent
Gilpin Hotel & Lake House
Crook RoadFine dining
Michelin starred restaurant. Combines great Lake District produce and classic methods to deliver unbelievable textures and flavours-modern British cuisine with a twist
Tapios
43 Crescent RdSpanish Tapas
Great selection of food and drink.
Porto Restaurant
3 Ash StreetRefined eatery for creative modern flare. Romantic
Francines Coffee House
27 Main RdContinental style restaurant and cafe
House of Siam
3 and 5 Grosvenor Terrace
Thai
Great food, great service
Jintana Thai Restaurant
Lake RoadTraditional Thai restaurant and some fusion dishes
The Little Chippy
6 Beech StreetFamily run, welcoming cafe, serving homemade food and cakes in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast, traditional afternoon teas. Fully licensed
Sugar & Spice Cafe & Bistro
11 Main RdFamily run, welcoming cafe, serving homemade food and cakes in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Breakfast, traditional afternoon teas. Fully licensed
Golden Mountain
7 Victoria StGreat food, recommend
San Pietro Restaurant Windermere
Birch StreetGreat recommendations, Italian, fab review and directly underneath
Sightseeing
Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, archery, laser clay shooting, raft building, brave the cave, mini golf, pony rides, Childrens Adventure playground, shop, cafe
For a family-friendly stroll with excellent views of Windermere and the southern lakes, walk to Orrest Head. This simple route requires no prior hiking experience, as you'll follow just one well-marked trail. The entire journey takes 45-60 minutes on foot from nearby Windermere. Be wary of the paths near the top of the trail, which may be steep for those with physical limitations. If you prefer to return by a different route, take the footpaths back to the village from the top. Make Orrest Head a centerpiece of your Windermere vacation itinerary,
29 habitants recommandent
Orrest Head Viewpoint
Glebe RoadFor a family-friendly stroll with excellent views of Windermere and the southern lakes, walk to Orrest Head. This simple route requires no prior hiking experience, as you'll follow just one well-marked trail. The entire journey takes 45-60 minutes on foot from nearby Windermere. Be wary of the paths near the top of the trail, which may be steep for those with physical limitations. If you prefer to return by a different route, take the footpaths back to the village from the top. Make Orrest Head a centerpiece of your Windermere vacation itinerary,
Blea Tarn is a well-known beauty spot, but its reputation is well deserved. Parking is available on the opposite side of the road to the tarn, from which a large track leads down toward the tarn.
Descend from the track to the shore of the tarn to experience the tranquillity of this jewel of the Lakes. You can return the way you came, or for the full walk, follow the track on the far side of the tarn to eventually cross the road and take the path up to Side Pike.
Return back down a little way and take the path to the left, traversing round the hill to The Squeeze, a place where you might need to take your back pack off to squeeze through.
19 habitants recommandent
Blea Tarn
Blea Tarn is a well-known beauty spot, but its reputation is well deserved. Parking is available on the opposite side of the road to the tarn, from which a large track leads down toward the tarn.
Descend from the track to the shore of the tarn to experience the tranquillity of this jewel of the Lakes. You can return the way you came, or for the full walk, follow the track on the far side of the tarn to eventually cross the road and take the path up to Side Pike.
Return back down a little way and take the path to the left, traversing round the hill to The Squeeze, a place where you might need to take your back pack off to squeeze through.
Nestling at the foot of some spectacular fells and with its own lake, this village has many shops, pubs and cafes. You can also visit Wordsworth's grave in the churchyard and buy the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread.
Popular walks include following Red Bank Road and then the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water.
In the summer you can hire rowing boats on the lake.
97 habitants recommandent
Grasmere
Nestling at the foot of some spectacular fells and with its own lake, this village has many shops, pubs and cafes. You can also visit Wordsworth's grave in the churchyard and buy the legendary Grasmere Gingerbread.
Popular walks include following Red Bank Road and then the footpath along the west shore of the lake towards Rydal Water.
In the summer you can hire rowing boats on the lake.
Coniston Water is about five miles long and half a mile wide. Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village.
The lake is about half a mile down from the village, where you can hire boats and bikes from Coniston Boating Centre (opens in new window). There are shops, pubs and places to eat in the village.
Brantwood (opens in new window) overlooking the eastern shore, John Ruskin's home, is open to visitors with its beautiful gardens and views. The Ruskin Museum (opens in new window) in the village features an exhibition about Sir Donald Campbell, who was killed in 1967 making an attempt on the world speed record in his speedboat
59 habitants recommandent
Coniston
Coniston Water is about five miles long and half a mile wide. Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village.
The lake is about half a mile down from the village, where you can hire boats and bikes from Coniston Boating Centre (opens in new window). There are shops, pubs and places to eat in the village.
Brantwood (opens in new window) overlooking the eastern shore, John Ruskin's home, is open to visitors with its beautiful gardens and views. The Ruskin Museum (opens in new window) in the village features an exhibition about Sir Donald Campbell, who was killed in 1967 making an attempt on the world speed record in his speedboat
One of the most popular things to do in Windermere for children is a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter . Here you will find modern displays of your favourite characters, storytelling, extensive Potter gift shop and restaurant. One of the premier indoor Windermere attractions.
103 habitants recommandent
L'attraction du monde de Beatrix Potter
Crag BrowOne of the most popular things to do in Windermere for children is a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter . Here you will find modern displays of your favourite characters, storytelling, extensive Potter gift shop and restaurant. One of the premier indoor Windermere attractions.
Beatrix Potter, you can get a bus easily £8.30 for the day, hop on and off
31 habitants recommandent
Beatrix Potter Gallery
Main StreetBeatrix Potter, you can get a bus easily £8.30 for the day, hop on and off
Newly re-opened in 2019 with a brand new home built for the collection at Windermere Jetty. This is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Windermere. It houses a collection of exquisite classic craft and also offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of the conservation work…
29 habitants recommandent
Windermere Jetty, Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Rayrigg RoadNewly re-opened in 2019 with a brand new home built for the collection at Windermere Jetty. This is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Windermere. It houses a collection of exquisite classic craft and also offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of the conservation work…
The Walled Garden is at the heart of Holehird Gardens but its treasures are hidden as you approach through the wooden door from the car park. The stunning display that greets you as you enter is all the better for that suspense! Your eyes can't help being drawn to the tall lilium regale and the even taller, deep blue delphinium 'Cassius' in the centre bed but there are plenty of other, perhaps more subtle, plants to delight equally.
The National Collection of astilbe is an arresting sight in high summer as the closely planted beds, mainly in harmonious shades of pink, purple and white, form a river of colour alongside the farm drive. Varieties to look out for include astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' and the contrasting deep red of a. japonica 'Montgomery'. An LHS favourite is a. japonica 'Henry Noblett', named for one of our founder members.
The rose beds have been extended and are looking better than ever this year. Look out for them just beyond the astilbes. Outstanding examples abound but personal favourites include rosa alba 'Celeste', r. floribunda 'Pretty Lady' and the delightful climbing miniature 'Open Arms'.
Visit us
6 habitants recommandent
Holehird Gardens
The Walled Garden is at the heart of Holehird Gardens but its treasures are hidden as you approach through the wooden door from the car park. The stunning display that greets you as you enter is all the better for that suspense! Your eyes can't help being drawn to the tall lilium regale and the even taller, deep blue delphinium 'Cassius' in the centre bed but there are plenty of other, perhaps more subtle, plants to delight equally.
The National Collection of astilbe is an arresting sight in high summer as the closely planted beds, mainly in harmonious shades of pink, purple and white, form a river of colour alongside the farm drive. Varieties to look out for include astilbe arendsii 'Snowdrift' and the contrasting deep red of a. japonica 'Montgomery'. An LHS favourite is a. japonica 'Henry Noblett', named for one of our founder members.
The rose beds have been extended and are looking better than ever this year. Look out for them just beyond the astilbes. Outstanding examples abound but personal favourites include rosa alba 'Celeste', r. floribunda 'Pretty Lady' and the delightful climbing miniature 'Open Arms'.
Visit us
Brockhole sur Windermere
So many activities to do here. Great for families
A blend of museum and zoo, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis homes exotic species as part of its conservation breeding program. Look and learn, hands on interactive exhibits. The collection of animals ranges from starfish to snakes, from molluscs to monkeys, and includes endangered species, fruit bats, lemurs, snow leopards .
30 habitants recommandent
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
A blend of museum and zoo, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis homes exotic species as part of its conservation breeding program. Look and learn, hands on interactive exhibits. The collection of animals ranges from starfish to snakes, from molluscs to monkeys, and includes endangered species, fruit bats, lemurs, snow leopards .
One of the most popular things to do in Windermere, and the 16th most popular visitor attraction in the UK, is to take a boat trip on Windermere lake. “Steamers” and traditional launches run the full length of the lake, calling it at top Windermere attractions
16 habitants recommandent
Lakeside Pier - Windermere Lake Cruises
One of the most popular things to do in Windermere, and the 16th most popular visitor attraction in the UK, is to take a boat trip on Windermere lake. “Steamers” and traditional launches run the full length of the lake, calling it at top Windermere attractions
Beautiful old stream trains run between Haverthwaite Village, Newby Bridge and Lakeside Pier on Windermere lake. Tie your 18 minute ride in with visiting some of the most popular Windermere attractions such as the Lakes Aquarium, the Lakeland Motor Museum and Windermere Lake Cruises
69 habitants recommandent
Chemin de fer de Lakeside et Haverthwaite
Beautiful old stream trains run between Haverthwaite Village, Newby Bridge and Lakeside Pier on Windermere lake. Tie your 18 minute ride in with visiting some of the most popular Windermere attractions such as the Lakes Aquarium, the Lakeland Motor Museum and Windermere Lake Cruises
One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building and Peter Rabbit experience.
54 habitants recommandent
Château Wray du National Trust
One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building and Peter Rabbit experience.
The aquarium is at the Lakeside Pier, where you can arrive by boat, or you could come on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. There is ample parking.
69 habitants recommandent
Aquarium des Lacs
The aquarium is at the Lakeside Pier, where you can arrive by boat, or you could come on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. There is ample parking.
Set deep in the heart of Grizdale forest, near Hawkshead. Things to do include an exhibition space, gift shop, tearoom, adventure playground, picnic tables and mountain bike hire. A good starting point for superb walks and mountain trails.
85 habitants recommandent
Grizedale Forest
Set deep in the heart of Grizdale forest, near Hawkshead. Things to do include an exhibition space, gift shop, tearoom, adventure playground, picnic tables and mountain bike hire. A good starting point for superb walks and mountain trails.
Things to do in this Windermere lake shore park include picnics, paddling, duck feeding and rowing boat hire. There is National Trust gift shop and tea room. Fell Foot is on the Windermere Lake Cruises route and connects to Lakeside Pier for other top Windermere attractions.
96 habitants recommandent
Parc Fell Foot du National Trust
Things to do in this Windermere lake shore park include picnics, paddling, duck feeding and rowing boat hire. There is National Trust gift shop and tea room. Fell Foot is on the Windermere Lake Cruises route and connects to Lakeside Pier for other top Windermere attractions.
The all-weather Windermere visitor attraction holds a fascinating collection of 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars, motorbikes, bicycles, pedal cars & caravans and a display on the record-breaking Campbell family
52 habitants recommandent
Musée de l'automobile de Lakeland
The all-weather Windermere visitor attraction holds a fascinating collection of 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars, motorbikes, bicycles, pedal cars & caravans and a display on the record-breaking Campbell family
Dove Cottage in Grasmere, was William Wordsworth‘s home from 1799 to 1808. Here Wordsworth produced the most famous and best-loved of his poems, and his sister Dorothy kept her famous Grasmere journals.
Dove Cottage was built in the early 17th Century and for over 170 years was an inn called the ‘Dove and Olive’. It closed in 1793, and in 1799 Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy moved in. In 1802 after her marriage to William, Mary Hutchinson arrived. Their three oldest children were born at Dove Cottage – John in 1803, Dora in 1804 and Thomas in 1806. William’s friend Thomas De Quincey also lived here, moving in after the Wordsworths left.
The Wordsworths had many visitors to Dove Cottage – Walter Scott, Thomas De Quincey, Charles and Mary Lamb, Robert Southey, Mary’s sister Sara Hutchinson and most of all Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Wordsworth’s growing family and the many visitors meant that Dove Cottage became too small, and in May 1808 they moved to Allan Bank in Grasmere.
55 habitants recommandent
Dove Cottage
Dove Cottage in Grasmere, was William Wordsworth‘s home from 1799 to 1808. Here Wordsworth produced the most famous and best-loved of his poems, and his sister Dorothy kept her famous Grasmere journals.
Dove Cottage was built in the early 17th Century and for over 170 years was an inn called the ‘Dove and Olive’. It closed in 1793, and in 1799 Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy moved in. In 1802 after her marriage to William, Mary Hutchinson arrived. Their three oldest children were born at Dove Cottage – John in 1803, Dora in 1804 and Thomas in 1806. William’s friend Thomas De Quincey also lived here, moving in after the Wordsworths left.
The Wordsworths had many visitors to Dove Cottage – Walter Scott, Thomas De Quincey, Charles and Mary Lamb, Robert Southey, Mary’s sister Sara Hutchinson and most of all Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Wordsworth’s growing family and the many visitors meant that Dove Cottage became too small, and in May 1808 they moved to Allan Bank in Grasmere.
The family home of Lord & Lady Cavendish, Holker Hall is probably the finest house in the Lake District. Open to the public, you can tour the house with no rope barrier restrictions and enjoy 25 acres of award winning gardens and woodlands.
10 habitants recommandent
Holker Hall
The family home of Lord & Lady Cavendish, Holker Hall is probably the finest house in the Lake District. Open to the public, you can tour the house with no rope barrier restrictions and enjoy 25 acres of award winning gardens and woodlands.
The stone circle at Castlerigg is situated near Keswick in Cumbria, North West England. One of around 1,300 stone circles in the British Isles and Brittany, it was constructed as a part of a megalithic tradition that lasted from 3,300 to 900 BC, during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages.
44 habitants recommandent
Cercle de pierres de Castlerigg
Castle LaneThe stone circle at Castlerigg is situated near Keswick in Cumbria, North West England. One of around 1,300 stone circles in the British Isles and Brittany, it was constructed as a part of a megalithic tradition that lasted from 3,300 to 900 BC, during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages.
Blackwell is one of England’s most important surviving houses from the turn of the 20th century. It was designed by M H Baillie Scott between 1897 and 1900, and is a superb example of Arts and Crafts movement architecture, with most of the original decorative interiors still intact. The house is of international importance, standing at the crossroads between Victorian and Modern architecture. It was given a Grade 1 listing in 1998.
Having assimilated the philosophies of John Ruskin and William Morris, Baillie Scott brought a new approach to the design of the house. He dismissed the victorian plan in favour of a modern open plan design, utilising space and light to form the large, yet comfortable and adaptable living spaces. Baillie Scott also designed every detail within the house. His use of traditional craft skills and simple enduring local materials is evident in the intricate carved oak panelling, stained glass, decorative plaster work, metalwork and fabric designs.
42 habitants recommandent
Blackwell - the Arts & Crafts house
Blackwell is one of England’s most important surviving houses from the turn of the 20th century. It was designed by M H Baillie Scott between 1897 and 1900, and is a superb example of Arts and Crafts movement architecture, with most of the original decorative interiors still intact. The house is of international importance, standing at the crossroads between Victorian and Modern architecture. It was given a Grade 1 listing in 1998.
Having assimilated the philosophies of John Ruskin and William Morris, Baillie Scott brought a new approach to the design of the house. He dismissed the victorian plan in favour of a modern open plan design, utilising space and light to form the large, yet comfortable and adaptable living spaces. Baillie Scott also designed every detail within the house. His use of traditional craft skills and simple enduring local materials is evident in the intricate carved oak panelling, stained glass, decorative plaster work, metalwork and fabric designs.
Beatrix Potter Gallery
Main StreetNational Trust Hill Top
Golf
Visitors welcome.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, the course is awe inspiring, with the natural rolling landscape providing protection for the course which measures a modest 5122 yards (par 67 with a standard scratch of 66).
Situated in a World Heritage Site with the stringent planning permissions of a National Park, the course has to manage without bunkers, but natural hazards including heather and bracken in the rough combined with narrow fairways and rocky outcrops ensures that the course provides a challenge to golfers of all levels and abilities.
With some of the best USGA standard greens in the country, paired with fantastic fairways, the course is famous for its excellent condition. The greenkeeping team work hard to ensure that throughout the year the quality of the playing surface matches the quality of the views – on a clear day players can get wonderful 360 degree panoramic views from Morecambe Bay in the South, Coniston Old Man in the West, the Langdales and Fairfield Horseshoe in the North before sweeping round to High Street in the North East and the Pennines in the East.The welcome at Windermere matches it’s wonderful course and spectacular landscape; we know that you will not be disappointed.
7 habitants recommandent
Windermere Golf Club
Visitors welcome.
Situated in the heart of the Lake District, the course is awe inspiring, with the natural rolling landscape providing protection for the course which measures a modest 5122 yards (par 67 with a standard scratch of 66).
Situated in a World Heritage Site with the stringent planning permissions of a National Park, the course has to manage without bunkers, but natural hazards including heather and bracken in the rough combined with narrow fairways and rocky outcrops ensures that the course provides a challenge to golfers of all levels and abilities.
With some of the best USGA standard greens in the country, paired with fantastic fairways, the course is famous for its excellent condition. The greenkeeping team work hard to ensure that throughout the year the quality of the playing surface matches the quality of the views – on a clear day players can get wonderful 360 degree panoramic views from Morecambe Bay in the South, Coniston Old Man in the West, the Langdales and Fairfield Horseshoe in the North before sweeping round to High Street in the North East and the Pennines in the East.The welcome at Windermere matches it’s wonderful course and spectacular landscape; we know that you will not be disappointed.