Towns and villages around Windermere lake
With Windermere being England’s largest lake, there is lots to explore and see. The towns of Windermere and Ambleside and Bowness-on-Windermere village are hives of activity year-around.
The northern end of Windermere extends towards the centre of the Lake District National Park. Its location and connections to Kendal mean there are excellent public transport options to explore the area, stopping along the way at pubs, cafes, shops and routes.
Ambleside
A mile inland from the northern tip of Windermere lakeshore, Ambleside is a bustling town of outdoor equipment shops, bookshops, gift shops, cafes and restaurants and a cinema. Nestled in the valley between various fells, it’s the start and end point for many classic lakeland walks. Waterhead sits one mile to the south of Ambleside and from here you can hop on the ferry, hire a boat, launch your kayak, park your car or enjoy one of the many cafes and bars.
Bowness-on-Windermere
Half way down Windermere, and a mile and a half downhill from Windermere village and its railway station. Pop into our Bowness Bay Information Centre, shop, eat, get an ice cream and watch the bustle of the steamers arriving and departing from Bowness Bay.
Windermere
Windermere is just over one mile from the lake and is where the Oxenholme to Windermere railway line terminates. It is a busy little town with a good variety of local shops. Running from Kendal, with connections from Carlise, Lancaster and beyond, Windermere’s railway station stops close to the centre of the town.
Lakeside
Lakeside is a quieter village than Windermere, Bowness and Ambleside to visit at the southern tip of Windermere lake. It is a great location to stop for a break along the West Windermere Way walk, a 5.58km route. If you travelling across Windermere by boat, jump off at Lakeside to experience a different side of Windermere (literally). The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway runs connects these villages, with a stop at Newby Bridge.
Places to visit with families around Windermere
Brockhole on Windermere
Inspire learning in the heart of the Lake District with our educational visits to Brockhole. Whether you’re planning an educational day out or a fun school trip, there’s so much on offer! Our learning team provides tutored sessions for all age groups, with hands-on workshops in geography, visual art, science and more.
Routes around Windermere and Ambleside
As the largest body of water in the Lake District, many routes stem from the area.
There are a number of great Miles Without Stiles accessible routes around Windermere for all to enjoy. You can also join a free guided walk or discover a route to walk, run or cycle.
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Windermere and Ambleside area has easy-access routes suitable for those with limited mobility, wheelchairs, trampers, pushchairs, visual impairments, young children and legs that need care. The routes have no stiles and are graded for some, many or all with descriptions on length, terrain, path type and facilities.
- 5. Bowness to Cockshott Point – 2 km, 1.2 miles
- 6. Windermere’s Western Shore – 9 km, 5.5 miles
- 7. Red Nab to Wray Castle – 5 km, 3.1 miles. You can combine route 6 and 7 together for a 13km / 8.5 mile walking or cycling route along the shore.
- 8. Brockhole – 1.5 km, 0.9 miles
- West Windermere Way accessible route – 1.72km, 1.07miles
West Windermere Way
The West Windermere Way is located at the south-west of Windermere lake.
We have three versions of the West Windermere Way, with enjoyable routes for all. You may find one of the following the best for you:
- West Windermere Way (walk) – the full route, ideal for walkers (5.58 km)
- West Windermere Way (multi-user) – ideal for walkers, cyclists and horse riders (4.65 km)
- West Windermere Way (accessible) – ideal for Miles Without Stiles users (1.72 km)
The Greenwood Trails
A collection of walks in Rusland, an area that stretches between Windermere and Coniston Water to the south of Grizedale forest.
- Trail 1: Old Hall Farm to Rusland Moss and Hay Bridge – 2.5 km / 6.7 km / 8.7 km
- Trail 2: Haverthwaite Heights to Abbots Reading – 3.5 km / 4.8 km
- Trail 3: The Bobbin Mill to High Dam, Yewbarrow and Finsthwaite – 4.3 km / 10 km
- Trail 4: Oxen Park to Bethecar Moor – 6 km / 9.5 km / 11.5 km
- Trail 5: Rusland valley and Yewbarrow – 7.5 km / 13.7 km
- Trail 6: Grizedale West multi-user accessible trail – 10.5 km with optional extra loops
- Trail 7: Finsthwaite Tower and The Knott – 5.6 km
- Trail 8: Satterthwaite and Rusland – 7.5 km / 9.5 km
On the water
Windermere is England’s largest lake at 10.5 miles long, or just over 18 km. It is known as a long and narrow ribbon lake, carved by its glacial past, making it 64 metres or 210 ft deep.
There are 18 islands on Windermere. Many are called ‘holme’ after the local word for ‘island’, which originates from the old Norse language. The majority of Windermere’s islands can be visited by boat or board. The largest lake, Belle, is privately owned and can’t be visited.
Remember to stay safe on the water and be Lake District Kind.
On the water
Sit back and enjoy a cruise on the lake with Windermere Lake Cruises, with optional hop-off points.
Bring or hire a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or motor boat, or bring your rod for fishing.
Before heading out, take a look at the water safety videos and guides on our swimming in the Lake District page.
Windermere lake activities guide
Read our handy water activities guide and map for Windermere, explaining the activities you can do.
Please ensure you’re aware of relevant speed limits and byelaws and to remember to check, clean and dry your equipment to help stop dangerous invasive species from spreading between different areas.
Travel to and around Windermere
The towns and villages surrounding Windermere are popular all year round.
Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside are some of the best connected locations in the Lake District, as are the villages, attractions and outdoor adventures along the journey. Jump on a bus, boat or train to make travel part of the adventure. Our accessible Miles Without Stiles routes are a great way for anyone to explore the area whilst taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Bus
Buses stop at Windermere train station, Troutbeck, Waterhead, Ambleside, Lakeside and Newby Bridge.
- Number 599 – Windermere to Bowness
- Numbers 555/556 – Windermere Kendal Ambleside Grasmere and Keswick
- Number 6 – Lakeside, Newby Bridge and Ulverston
- Number 508 – Troutbeck and Ullswater
Not only can you travel to Windermere and Ambleside, but you can carry on the journey to Bowness, Coniston, Langdale, Ambleside and beyond. Why not sit back and enjoy the view from the top deck of an open top bus?
Train
Trains run direct to Windermere station from Manchester, or with a change at Oxenholme from London, Birmingham and many more. Check out times and prices, you may be surprised how quick it is!
Oxenholme is on the main West Cost mainline. From here there is a branch line to Windermere. Oxenholme to Windermere takes approximately half an hour. Windermere station is about a mile and half from the lake, which takes about half an hour to walk, or you can catch the number 599 bus.
Boat
Enjoy England’s longest lake on a cruise, walkers shuttles, the Windermere Ferry or by hiring a boat.
The Windermere Ferry links Ferry Nab on the eastern shore of Windermere with Ferry House, Far Sawrey on the west. It’s a handy shortcut for Hawkshead, Grizedale forest and Kendal. It is a drive-on, drive-off service where car passengers stay in their cars, with space for 18 cars.
Bike
Try out pedal power for a whole new perspective of Windermere. Hire bikes from Hawkshead Bike Hire at our Hawkshead Information Centre, located to the west of Windermere.
