The best things to do in Windermere
Whatever time of year you decide to visit Windermere, you will find a wealth of things to see and do. Whether you want to enjoy Windermere boat trips, take a tour of Honister Slate Mine or explore the famous lake on foot, you won´t be disappointed with the vast range of attractions to choose from.
Boat trips on Windermere
No trip to Windermere is complete without hiring a boat to explore the famous lake, or by taking advantage of one of the many boat trips available most of the year. You can either cruise directly across the river, or stop off at some of the attractions between Bowness, Ambleside or Lakeside. The Beatrix Potter Attraction at Bowness provides a great day out for the kids, and the Lakes Aquarium at Lakeside is also a popular place to visit. Enjoy a relaxing sail across Windermere, or buy an all-day ticket which will allow you to hop on and off the boat where you choose. Many trippers take a picnic, and combine a boat trip with a walking tour of Windermere.
Walks around Windermere
Whether you want to enjoy challenging walks around Windermere, or a gentle stroll around the shoreline, you will find plenty of trails around this famous lake. One of the favourite Windermere walks is up to Orrest Head, which offers magnificent views over open countryside. The Bowness Bay Walk is also ideal for visitors who want a stroll around the busy village, with its wide variety of restaurants, pubs and shops. If you carry on down Lake Road, you will come to the Bowness Bay boat trips and steamers, which will transport you across Windermere.
The Windermere Waterfalls
The Windermere waterfalls can be accessed on foot. Walk down Rayrigg Road in Windermere, and you will pass the Millerground Waterfalls, which are a popular attraction for visitors.
Children´s attractions in Windermere
There are plenty of children´s attractions in Windermere, whatever time of year you visit. If you enjoy outdoor pursuits, you can find plenty of adventure playgrounds around Windermere. Brockhole Visitor Centre is one of the best, plus Windermere offers some great cycling trails, walking routes and boat trips. There are also plenty of horse riding centres in Windermere, and whether you are experienced riders or beginners, you can book lessons if required. For smaller kids, the Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness is a popular attraction, where most of the famous author´s characters, including Jemima Puddleduck, seem to come to life. The Lakes Aquarium is also worth a visit, and you can take a ferry from Bowness Bay directly to it. This award-winning aquarium allows the kids to get up close and personal with some of the species, and also to learn more about conservation in the area.
Cafés and pubs in Windermere
Windermere is home to some of the best cafés and pubs in England, and most are kid-friendly. Sample some typical Cumbrian food during your stay, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices. For good home-baking, try some of the local cafés, inns and country pubs to choose from in Windermere and Bowness. Some of the best cafés and pubs in and around Windermere include: The John Peel Inn at Bowness, Monties Café in Bowness, the Village Inn at Bowness or, if you fancy eating on the move, try the delicious sandwiches from Bowness Butties. Jerichos in Windermere is well worth a visit, if you want to go a bit more upmarket, and the Watermill Inn at Ings village, near Windermere was voted CAMRA pub of the year in 2009.
Whether you are visiting Windermere for the first time or you are a regular visitor to this beautiful part of England, you will always find plenty of things to see and do, whatever the weather. Windermere also offers visitors some of the best boutique hotels, spa hotels, themed hotels, camp sites, bed and breakfast accommodation, and guest houses available in the Lake District. Book early to avoid disappointment.
