Windermere Tourist Information

The town of Windermere is now an extension of Bowness-on-Windermere, just a short distance up hill from the shores of the lake. Originally a tiny village named Birthwaite occupied the area, until the coming of the railway in 1847, when the railway company re named the village after the lake. Windermere grew into a resort with many fine Hotels and private houses, built by wealthy industrialists who could live in the glorious surroundings of the Lake District and travel to work in ease, by rail.

Three miles north west of Windermere is the Lake District National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole, a beautiful lakeside mansion, set in award winning landscaped grounds with superb views. There is lots to see and do, making Brockhole a great place for a family day out. You can learn about the Lake District’s geological beginnings, landscape, wildlife, traditions and people and see how it is cared for today. Marvel at the stunning Water Feature – Try out the Giant Video Microscope – Make a Glacier Move – Take a Magic Carpet Ride across mountains, lakes and valleys.

Windermere Lake Cruises leave from the jetty at Brockhole and you can take a 45-minute cruse on Lake Windermere.