Skip to content
elderly woman, woman and child getting on green double decker bus

Getting to and around Windermere and Ambleside

Discover more
Home Explore Places to go Explore Windermere and Ambleside Getting to and around Windermere and Ambleside
Large white motorised boat on Windermere. Blue and grey lake, green woodland and low brown fells in background

By boat

Enjoy England’s longest lake on a cruise, walkers shuttles, the Windermere Ferry or by hiring a boat.

Boat hire and boat trips on Windermere

By bus

From the bustling hub of Windermere station buses will take you to Bowness, Coniston, Langdale, Ambleside and beyond. Why not sit back and enjoy the view from the top deck of an open top bus? Check out the timetables and fares on the Stagecoach website.

Plan your journey on the Stagecoach website
Two people with bikes next to a train

By rail

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!

Visit National Rail's journey planner
A mixed age family of four stood on the viewing platform at Claife Heights.Remains of stone-brick walls with a colourful stained glass window

Walking

There are great walking routes to get around Windermere and Ambleside, including the West Windermere Way. 

Filter our walks and rides routes in the Lake District National Park by location, length and accessibility. Plan your trip with our route information and map, using the link below to our walks and rides page.

 

Walks and rides
Mountain bikes on grey tarmac propped against grey slate wall

Cycling

Check out some of our great cycling routes.

Cycle routes
A young family with pushchair and grandad walking along a lakeshore path with mountain views in the distance

Accessible routes

Miles without Stiles are walking routes for everyone. They take you along lake shores and riversides, to tarns and through woods, historic remains, and fell summits with amazing views.

Miles without Stiles routes around Windermere:

See all accessible routes
path up to hill top house with green gate and watering can

Getting to Beatrix Potter's House at Hilltop

You can catch a Stagecoach 505 bus to Hawkshead and walk along the mainly off road trail to Hilltop (3km/1.9miles), or catch the Windermere Ferry from Bowness (Ferry Nab) to Ferry House and walk to Hilltop (2.5km/1.6miles). Or why not hire a bike to explore the area?

  • Boots: Stroll over Claife Heights or catch the bus  from Ferry House to Hilltop then walk back down on the off road path.
  • Bikes: Hire one in Hawkshead or Bowness.
  • Boats: Take a cruise on Windermere.
  • Bus: Stagecoach 505 to Hawkshead, 599 to Bowness.
  • Places to visit: Include Beatrix Potter’s former home at Hilltop, Claife Viewing Station and the picturesque village of Hawkshead with a range of shops and eateries and the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

More information on travel, Windermere and Ambleside

keswick 555 double decker bus driving down road with stone cottage to left and dry stone wall with blossom tree to right

Getting to and around the Lake District

Landscape view of ennerdale water and surrounding fells on a sunny day. Adult male stood with mountain bike on ennerdale bridge

Active travel

Aerial view of lake Windermere at sunset/ Purple blue lake, green woodland and fields, brown fells and buildings surrounding the lake. Motorised, sailing and small boats on the water.

Explore Windermere and Ambleside

01
03