Towns and villages around Windermere lake
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.
Lakeside
Right at the southern foot of Windermere’s Western shore, you can find the Lakes Aquarium, one end of the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Steam Railway or take a launch north.
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.
Visit Bewilderwood at Brockhole, a popular family destination offering adventure, nature and relaxed outdoor space in a beautiful lakeside setting, with facilities that make it easy for all ages to enjoy a full day out together. Alongside play areas and open grounds, visitors can explore historic Thomas Mawson-designed gardens and natural spaces like ancient woodland, blending cultural heritage with opportunities to connect with nature.
Walks and rides around Windermere
Miles without Stiles routes, easy access routes
The Windermere and Ambleside area has 5 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. Miles Without Stiles – Bowness to Cockshott Point (2 km, 1.2 miles).
- 6. Miles Without Stiles – Windermere’s Western Shore (9 km, 5.5 miles).
- 7. Miles Without Stiles – 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. Miles Without Stiles – Brockhole (1.5 km, 0.9 miles).
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
Historic houses and museums around Windermere
More historic houses and galleries
- Blackwell, The Arts and Crafts House – Overlooking the lake, this Arts and Crafts housel has fine examples of decorative arts, furniture and objects inspired by nature. There are superb examples of stained glass, carved oak and iron work.
- Stott Park Bobbin Mill , English Heritage – A fully working Victorian mill, Stott Park is typical of the many mills which once supplied the spinning and weaving industry.
- Townend, National Trust – Typical Lakeland farmer’s house from the seventeenth century with all original interiors, woodwork and domestic implements
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.
Remember to stay safe on the water and be Lake District Kind. Before heading out, take a look at the water safety videos and guides on our swimming in the Lake District page.
View and download our handy lake map and guide to Windermere PDF below.
Travel to and around Windermere
Bus services
Buses stop at Windermere train station, Troutbeck, Waterhead, Ambleside, Lakeside and Newby Bridge. See Traveline.info for timetables.
- 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
Train to Windermere station
Oxenholme the Lake District is on the main West Cost mainline and from here there is a branchline 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.
Bike hire around Windermere and Ambleside
Try out pedal power for a whole new perspective of Windermere! Hire bikes from:
- Hawkshead Bike Hire
- Country Lanes Bike Hire – next door to Windermere station.
- Windermere Canoe and Kayak – on Ferry Nab Road, Bowness on Windermere and in Windermere.
- Ghyllside Cycles – The Slack, Ambleside
