There is a reason Windermere remains one of the Lake District’s best-loved destinations. With its famous lake, beautiful countryside and charming lakeside towns, there are plenty of fun things to do in Windermere, whether you are planning a family day out, a romantic break or a relaxing weekend in the countryside.
You can spend the morning exploring the town, walk towards the lake, take a boat across the water and discover the stories and heritage that have shaped this corner of Cumbria. Add family attractions, beautiful viewpoints, independent shops and plenty of places to eat, and you have a destination that can keep you busy for days.
But before getting into the activities, it helps to understand what makes Windermere so special.
Where is Windermere?
Windermere is a town in Cumbria, North West England, within the Lake District National Park. The town itself is slightly inland from the lake, while Bowness-on-Windermere sits directly beside the eastern shore of Lake Windermere.
The two are close together and are often explored as one destination.
One thing that can surprise first-time visitors is that you can actually walk from Windermere town towards the lake and Bowness-on-Windermere. Depending on your route and pace, it can take roughly 30 to 45 minutes.
That might sound like a long walk simply to reach the water, but on a pleasant day it can be part of the experience. Rather than rushing from the town to the lake, you get to enjoy the streets, shops, cafés, buildings and surrounding scenery along the way.
And when the weather is on your side, there is plenty to look at. The walk becomes less about getting somewhere and more about enjoying the journey.
What is Windermere famous for?
The obvious answer is Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake. It stretches for around 10.5 miles and has been attracting visitors for generations. The arrival of the railway in 1847 helped establish Windermere as a major tourist destination, and the area has remained one of the Lake District’s best-known visitor spots ever since.
But Windermere is famous for more than its lake.
The area has a strong connection with Beatrix Potter, whose love of the Lake District influenced both her writing and her work to protect the landscape. Visitors can explore this connection at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere and further afield at Hill Top, her former home in Near Sawrey.
There is also the area’s fascinating boating heritage, historic buildings, traditional churches, arts and crafts, local folklore and long relationship with tourism.
So, while the lake may be what brings you here, the history and culture are what can make your visit much more interesting.
20 Fun Things to Do in Windermere
From exploring the town to getting out onto the water, here are 20 ideas divided into four areas. This makes it easier to find something that suits your trip, whether you are travelling with children, as a couple or simply want to experience more of the Lake District.
Things to Do in Windermere
1. Walk from Windermere town towards the lake
You do not have to drive directly to the lake.
Walking from Windermere town towards Bowness-on-Windermere and the water can take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your route and pace.
On a good day, it is a lovely way to see more of the area. Take your time, browse the shops, stop for coffee and enjoy the scenery rather than worrying about how quickly you reach the lake.
For couples, this can be a particularly pleasant way to start the day. Families with older children can also turn the walk into part of their adventure.
2. Visit Orrest Head for the views
For one of the most rewarding views around Windermere, make your way to Orrest Head.
The short uphill walk leads through woodland before opening up to panoramic views across Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. It is one of those places where the effort of the climb is quickly forgotten once you reach the top.
It is also a good option if you want one of the more scenic things to do in Windermere without paying for an attraction.
3. Explore Windermere town
Give yourself time to actually explore Windermere rather than treating it simply as a stop on the way to the lake.
Wander through the town, browse independent shops, find a café and take a look at the traditional buildings.
This is also where you can appreciate how tourism has shaped Windermere over the years. The railway’s arrival in the 19th century transformed the area into a popular destination, helping create the visitor culture that remains today.
4. Visit a Christmas shop in any season
Here is one of the more unusual things you can do in the area: go Christmas shopping even when it is nowhere near Christmas.
Christmas shops in the Windermere and Bowness area sell festive decorations, ornaments and gifts throughout the year. It is a quirky little stop when exploring the town and something different from the usual Lake District attractions.
For anyone who believes Christmas should last all year, consider this your excuse.
5. Enjoy a traditional café stop
After walking around Windermere, settle down somewhere cosy for a coffee, cake, lunch or afternoon tea.
A café stop might not sound like one of the headline attractions, but it is part of experiencing Windermere at a slower pace.
The Lake District is not somewhere you need to rush through. Leave room in your day to sit, look at the scenery and simply enjoy being there.
Things to Do in Windermere with Kids
6. Step into the world of Beatrix Potter
For families, this is one of the biggest highlights.
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness-on-Windermere brings all 23 of Beatrix Potter’s tales to life through interactive displays and recreated scenes. Children can see familiar characters including Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, while adults can learn more about Potter’s connection with the Lake District.
There is also a Peter Rabbit Garden and a themed café, making it easy to spend a few hours here.
If you are searching specifically for things to do in Windermere with kids, this deserves a place near the top of your list.
7. Spend the day at Brockhole
Brockhole on Windermere is designed with families and outdoor activities in mind.
There are adventure activities, open spaces and opportunities to enjoy the lakeside setting. The Lake District National Park also highlights Brockhole as a family destination and an educational venue.
You can also reach Brockhole by boat, which means the journey can become part of the day out rather than simply another transfer.
8. Explore Wray Castle
Wray Castle is another excellent choice for families.
The castle sits on the western shore of Lake Windermere, where children can explore the grounds and lakeshore. There are also places for paddling and picnics, along with exhibitions inside the castle.
And there is something particularly memorable about arriving by boat.
9. Take the family on a lake cruise
A boat trip is one of the easiest ways to experience Windermere with children.
Instead of asking little legs to walk all day, everyone can sit back and watch the scenery pass by. You can also use the boats to reach different parts of the lake and combine your cruise with other attractions.
Windermere’s lake cruises connect several popular destinations around the water, making them useful as well as enjoyable.
10. Look for Bownessie
Want to add a little imagination to your family day?
Keep an eye on the water for Bownessie, Windermere’s legendary lake creature. Local folklore has reported sightings for more than a century, and the story has become part of the area’s modern cultural identity.
You might not spot the creature, of course — but that is rather the point.
Make a “spot the creature” game of it with the children while walking along the lakeshore or taking a boat trip. Who knows what might appear in the water?
Things to Do in Bowness-on-Windermere
11. Explore Bowness waterfront
Bowness-on-Windermere is where the lake really comes into focus.
Walk along the waterfront, watch the boats and enjoy the views across the water. From here, you can also join a cruise or continue exploring the town’s shops, cafés and restaurants.
The area around Bowness Pier is particularly convenient because several attractions and walks are within easy reach.
12. Visit Windermere Jetty Museum
For a deeper understanding of the lake, visit Windermere Jetty Museum.
Located on the shores of Windermere, the museum explores the history of the lake through its boats, people and changing relationship with visitors. It includes interactive displays, exhibitions and workshops, making it a good option for families as well as adults interested in local history.
This is where your Windermere visit moves beyond simply admiring the scenery and starts explaining the story behind it.
13. Visit St Martin’s Church
For a taste of local heritage, make time for St Martin’s Church in Bowness.
The church dates back to 1483 and is one of the earliest surviving churches in Cumbria. Its interior includes historic features and stained glass connected with the region’s religious heritage.
It is a quieter experience compared with the busy waterfront, but well worth visiting if you enjoy history and architecture.
14. Browse the shops and local cafés
Bowness is a good place to slow down between attractions.
Browse the shops for souvenirs and gifts, stop for lunch or find somewhere for tea and cake.
This is also where you can pick up something connected with the Lake District’s famous characters and traditions, from Beatrix Potter gifts to local products.
15. Catch a show at The Old Laundry Theatre
For an evening cultural experience, check what’s on at The Old Laundry Theatre.
The theatre in the centre of Bowness hosts a varied programme including theatre, comedy, music and film. It offers a different way to experience the area once the day’s sightseeing is finished.
Things to Do Around Lake Windermere
16. Experience Lake Windermere by boat
No visit is really complete without experiencing the lake itself.
A cruise allows you to see Windermere from the water, with views of the surrounding hills, woodland and islands. You can choose to make the cruise the main event or use it to travel between different attractions.
There are 18 islands on Windermere, according to the Lake District National Park, and some can be viewed from the water while others have their own fascinating histories.
17. Try a water activity
For those who want more than sightseeing, get onto the water yourself.
Depending on the activity and operator, you can try experiences such as rowing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or sailing.
For families with older children and adventurous couples, this can add a completely different side to a Windermere trip.
Always check the operator’s age, ability and safety requirements before booking.
18. Take a ferry across the lake
The lake is not simply something to look at — it can also be part of your transport.
The Windermere car and passenger ferry connects parts of the lake and provides another way to experience the scenery. Foot passengers can also use the ferry as part of walks around the western shore.
It is particularly useful if you want to explore beyond the busy centre of Bowness.
19. Discover Beatrix Potter’s Lake District
If you have fallen in love with the Beatrix Potter connection, take it further.
The Beatrix Potter Walk explores parts of the landscape that inspired her work, including the shores of Lake Windermere, Cockshott Point and the route towards Near Sawrey and Hill Top.
Hill Top was Potter’s former home and inspired 13 of her books. The house remains filled with many of her possessions and provides a fascinating link between the real landscape and the fictional world she created.
For literary fans, this is one of the most meaningful things to do in Windermere Lake District.
20. Take a lakeside walk and simply enjoy the scenery
Finally, leave some time with no particular agenda.
Walk beside the water. Find a bench. Have a picnic. Take photographs. Watch the boats.
The Lake District National Park has several accessible Miles Without Stiles routes around Windermere, including routes suitable for pushchairs, young children and visitors with limited mobility.
This is perhaps the simplest way to understand why people keep coming back to Windermere.
You do not always need another attraction.
Sometimes the lake is enough.
Things to Do in Windermere for Couples
Windermere has a lovely way of making couples slow down and enjoy the moment. With the lake, rolling hills and peaceful countryside all around you, a romantic day here does not need to be carefully planned from morning until night.
Start with a leisurely walk from Windermere town towards Bowness-on-Windermere. Take your time, stop for a coffee along the way and enjoy the pretty streets and scenery. Once you reach the lake, step aboard a cruise and see Windermere from the water, with the hills and woodland unfolding around you.
Later, wander through Bowness, browse the shops, settle down for afternoon tea or find a quiet spot beside the lake. If you are an adventurous pair, you could even try a water activity together or explore one of the area’s countryside walking routes.
And you do not need an expensive experience to make the day memorable. Pack a picnic, find a beautiful viewpoint, sit beside the water and watch the landscape change around you. Some of the best things to do in Windermere for couples are the simplest ones — a shared walk, a quiet conversation and a beautiful view you will both remember.
A Taste of Windermere’s Heritage and Culture
Windermere’s appeal is not only about scenery.
Its story is tied to the growth of tourism, the arrival of the railway, the boats that have travelled across the lake and the writers, artists and residents who have been inspired by the landscape.
Beatrix Potter’s connection is perhaps the most famous, but the wider Lake District has also been home to literary figures including William Wordsworth and has a long tradition of farming, crafts and local communities. The Lake District itself was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017 for its cultural landscape and heritage.
For visitors who want more than photographs, attractions such as Windermere Jetty Museum, St Martin’s Church, Hill Top and the area’s historic houses provide a chance to understand the place behind the postcard.
What Makes Windermere Special?
Perhaps it is the variety.
You can arrive expecting a beautiful lake and discover a destination with much more to offer.
There are things to do in Windermere with kids, from Peter Rabbit and castles to boats and outdoor adventures. There are experiences on the water for active travellers. There are heritage attractions for history lovers, literary connections for Beatrix Potter fans and quiet walks for anyone who simply wants to escape the noise of everyday life.
And then there are the little discoveries — a Christmas shop in the middle of summer, a glimpse of an old building, a café you did not expect to find or a beautiful view appearing around the next corner.
That combination of the famous and the unexpected is part of Windermere’s charm.
Frequently Asked Questions About Windermere
Is Windermere worth visiting?
Yes. Windermere combines Lake District scenery with outdoor activities, family attractions, heritage, culture, shops, cafés and lake cruises. It is suitable for day trips, weekend breaks and longer stays.
What is Windermere famous for?
Windermere is famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest natural lake, as well as its beautiful Lake District scenery and strong connection with Beatrix Potter. The area is also known for its boating heritage and long history as a popular tourist destination.
What are the best things to do in Windermere with kids?
Some of the best things to do in Windermere with kids include visiting the World of Beatrix Potter, exploring Wray Castle, spending time at Brockhole, taking a lake cruise and looking out for the legendary Bownessie.
Can you walk from Windermere town to the lake?
Yes. Windermere town is within walking distance of Bowness-on-Windermere and Lake Windermere. The walk can take roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on your route and pace. It is a pleasant option when the weather is good and allows you to see more of the town and surrounding area along the way.
What are the best things to do in Windermere for couples?
Couples can take a scenic lake cruise, walk to Orrest Head, enjoy a lakeside picnic, explore Bowness, have afternoon tea or simply spend time walking beside the water.
What is there to do in Bowness-on-Windermere?
Popular things to do in Bowness-on-Windermere include exploring the waterfront, taking a lake cruise, visiting the World of Beatrix Potter, visiting Windermere Jetty Museum, exploring St Martin’s Church, shopping and enjoying local cafés and restaurants.
Is Lake Windermere the same as Windermere town?
No. Windermere is the inland town, while Lake Windermere is the large lake beside it. Bowness-on-Windermere sits directly beside the lake. Windermere town and Bowness are close together and are commonly explored as part of the same trip.
Can you visit Windermere without a car?
Yes. Windermere has a railway station, and the surrounding area can be explored using local buses, walking routes and boats. Lake cruises and ferries can also help you reach different parts of the lake without driving.
How long do you need in Windermere?
You can see some of the highlights in one day, but two or three days will give you more time to enjoy the lake, visit attractions, explore Bowness and discover more of the surrounding Lake District.
What can you do in Windermere when it rains?
Rain does not have to ruin your visit. Consider indoor attractions such as the World of Beatrix Potter, Windermere Jetty Museum, local shops, cafés, museums or the theatre. It is also worth remembering that Lake District weather can change quickly, so packing a waterproof jacket is always sensible.
Ready to Explore More of the UK?
A trip to Windermere can be one part of a much bigger UK adventure. Whether you are travelling from the Philippines to visit family and explore Britain, or heading from the UK to the Philippines for a holiday or to see loved ones, getting the right flight is an important part of the journey.
At Mabuhay Travel, we specialise in flights between the UK and the Philippines, helping Filipino travellers find suitable flight options for their journey.
We do not create fixed sightseeing itineraries, but if your trip involves travelling between the UK and the Philippines, our team can help you with your flights.
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