The name Windermere is derived from the Norse name ‘Vinandr’, and the English ‘mere’, a lake, thus it was in Viking times Vinandr’s Lake. Windermere is both a lake and a town, though perhaps surprisingly the town does not actually have a frontage onto the lake. This is because the town, previously called Birthwaite, was given the name after the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere Railway in 1847 to emphasize what was of most interest to travellers using the new station. What was Birthwaite, like the town of Bowness-on-Windermere into which it almost merges but from which it is still very distinct, boomed in the later Victorian era, as the Lake District became fashionable for opulent second homes for the industrial magnates of Lancashire who built magnificent country houses there. These days most of those mansions are grand hotels. The Victorians came like today’s visitors to enjoy the beautiful lake and the fairly gentle walking on the foothills of the fells around it. Beatrix Potter’s family came often, to Wray Castle on the west bank, and Brockhole on the east – Brockhole is now the National Park Visitor Centre, famed for its landscaped gardens and beautiful location. The young Beatrix fell in love with the area and when literary success provided her with the funds bought property and eventually moved there. The lake is just under 11 miles long, and up to a mile wide, and is England’s largest area of freshwater, big enough to have a slight tide. Fed by the rivers Rothay and Brathay, the Cunsey Beck and Trout Beck, and numerous smaller streams, and drained by the Leven, the deep water is clean and chilly, ideal for the char which came here when the ice age formed the lake. Potted char is a local delicacy, though fishermen may have more sport with the trout and pike that populate Windermere. Messing about in boats is still a big draw for visitors. There are two boating clubs, the Royal Windermere Yacht Club, and the Windermere Cruising Association. From the thirties to the fifties the lake saw various speedboat records set, but since 2005 there has been a 10 knot speed limit on the water to the frustration of motorboat owners, but perhaps to the delight of those who enjoy the tranquillity of the place. Windermere was part of the inspiration for Swallows and Amazons, as might be guessed by those looking at the many dinghies sailing there, and seeing the various islands dotted about the water – Belle Isle near Windermere is the largest of these at 38 acres. If you prefer to let someone else do the steering there are lake cruises available. Three steamers (actually motorboats) ply the lake between Waterhead in the north, Bowness, and Lakeside near Newby Bridge in the south. These used to be British Rail run, connecting passengers with the lines at those places. There is also a cable-ferry for cars across the lake from Ferry Nab near Windermere on the eastern shore and Far Sawrey on the western. Windermere is a gentle place, with gentle surroundings, these days with much to cater for tourists. A nice point of contrast though for those enjoying a little quiet on the water is that Windermere is said to house an Eachy, one of Lakeland’s water monsters. In the second part of the 20th century there were numerous sightings of a creature likened to a giant eel.
Attraction
Gardens at Holehird
Lake District Visitor Centre (The)
Lakeland Equestrian
Townend
Windermere Steamboat Centre
Budget
Fir Trees Guest House *book online*
MontClare Guest house *book online*
Rosemount *book online*
Thornbank House *book online*
Camping
Limefitt Park
Parke Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
Caravan Park
Hill of Oaks Caravan Park
Parke Cliffe Camping & Caravan Estate
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
Care Home
Classes
Cottage
Bluebell Cottage
Lilac Cottage
Sykes Holiday Cottages
Dentist
Doctor
St Mary's Surgery
Windermere Health Centre
Estate Agent
Cumbrian Properties
Halifax Property Services
Matthews Benjamin
Mossop Alfred & Co
Holiday Park
Fallbarrow Park
Pound Farm Lodges
White Cross Bay Holiday Park
Hostel
Lake District Backpackers Lodge
Inn
Pub and Bar
New Hall Inn
Queens Hotel
Watermill Inn
Wordsworth Hotel
Restaurant
Beech Hill Hotel and Spa
Jambo
Kwela's
Lakeside Hotel on Windermere
Langdale Chase Hotel
Lucy4 At The Porthole
New Hall Inn
Nissi
Queens Hotel
Storrs Hall on the Lake
The Hideaway at Windermere
Villa Positano
Village Inn & Restaurant
Watermill Inn
Wild Boar Hotel
Wordsworth Hotel
School
Windermere C Of E Junior School
Windermere St Anne’s School
Self-Catering
Apart Hotel-Oakdene
Fallbarrow Park
Lickbarrow Lodge
Oakdene Apart-Hotel
Pound Farm Lodges
Sykes Holiday Cottages
Solicitor
Taxi
Tour Guide
Vet
Sports Clubs
Lake District Boat Club (Sailing)
Phoenix (Windermere) Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Royal Windermere Yacht Club (Sailing)
Windermere (Men's Hockey)
Windermere (Women's Hockey)
Shops
Cumbria Books
Fireside Bookshop
Valerie Anns
Boots
EH Booth & Co Ltd
Lakeland Pharmacy
Morse Point
Strollers
Gina Ricci
Cedar Gallery
Pinfold Gallery
Cookhouse Gallery
Booths Supermarkets
Darryl's Cafe
Ashworths of Windermere
Huddlestons Butchers
Claytons Butchers
Forget Me Not
Antiques
Serpentine Antiques
Thornton J W
The Birdcage
Activities
Lakes Supertours(Boat Trips and Cruises)
Pleasure in Leisure Ltd(Climbing)
Pleasure in Leisure Ltd(Climbing)
Kankku(Motor Sports)
Curlew Guided Walking(Walking)
Low Wood Watersports & Activity Centre(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Windermere
Ravensworth Hotel (0.13 miles)
Surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Lake District, this traditional guest house is only a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Windermere village and the railway station. The Ravensworth ... More | visit website
Rockside Guest House (0.16 miles)
Traditional lakeland stone period property, full of character and charm. Prominently located at the head of Windermere village 2 minutes walk from the train and bus station. Relaxed atmosphere and ... More
Cedar Manor (0.16 miles)
Set in half an acre of mature private gardens, dominated by a magnificent 200 year old Cedar Tree, Cedar Manor makes the ideal location for anyone wishing to take 'Time Out' from the hustle and ... More | visit website
The Hideaway at Windermere (0.18 miles)
Tucked quietly away, just behind the village of Windermere, sits a secret treasure which truly lives up to its name. The Hideaway at Windermere, a Restaurant with Rooms, is a beautiful Victorian Lakeland home, surrounded ... More | visit website
LAKELOVERS (0.21 miles)
Lingmoor Guest Accommodation (0.21 miles)
This charming traditional Lakeland house offers comfortable accommodation in a great location, in the centre of the village of Windermere, in the heart of the beautiful Lake District. The superb location makes ... More
Applegarth Hotel & Restaurant (0.25 miles)
The Applegarth has all the friendliness and comfort of a family-run hotel - in a building rich with historical interest.
Five minutes from the hotel you could be stepping out ... More | visit website
Low Brandle Howe (0.28 miles)
Low Brandle Howe has five fabulous Garden ... More | visit website
The Elleray (0.29 miles)
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