Windermere town
Rail hub, shops, easy buses, not lakeside
City hotel guide
Windermere
Windermere, located in the Cumbrian district of the Lake District, is England’s largest lake by length, area, and volume. Historically known as Winder Mere, this ribbon lake stretches approximately 11 miles (18 km) long and reaches depths of up to 64 meters. Its popularity among travelers surged after the opening of the Kendal and Windermere Railway branch line in 1847, establishing it as a key tourist hub in the region. For hotel travelers, Windermere serves as an excellent base due to its central location within the Lake District National Park. The town lies within the unitary authority area of Westmorland and Furness, historically marking the boundary between Westmorland and Lancashire. The outflow, the River Leven, drains into Morecambe Bay, connecting the lake to broader regional waterways. A notable feature for visitors is the presence of the Freshwater Biological Association, established on the lake's shore in 1929. This institution has been pivotal in early research regarding lake ecology, freshwater biology, and limnology, adding a layer of scientific and educational interest to the area. Travelers staying in local hotels can enjoy scenic views of the lake, which sits at an elevation of 39 meters above sea level, and explore the surrounding natural beauty. While the lake is significantly smaller than Scotland's largest lochs or Northern Ireland's loughs, its compact size and accessibility make it ideal for short stays or as a gateway to wider Lake District adventures. The area offers a blend of historical charm, natural splendor, and modern tourism infrastructure, catering well to both leisure and business travelers seeking a peaceful yet connected environment.
477Hotels
0Brands
0Programs
🕐 Europe/London · 💱 GBP
Terry Kearney from Liverpool, Merseyside, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Best time to visit
☀️ Best months: Aug
Jan7° / 2°💧159mm
Feb8° / 3°💧146mm
Mar10° / 3°💧175mm
Apr12° / 4°💧88mm
May15° / 8°💧95mm
Jun19° / 11°💧119mm
Jul18° / 12°💧211mm
Aug19° / 12°💧106mm
Sep17° / 11°💧173mm
Oct14° / 9°💧195mm
Nov9° / 5°💧200mm
Dec6° / 2°💧238mm
High/low are monthly means, 💧 is mean monthly precipitation (2022–23, Open-Meteo); green = comfortable & drier.
Where to stay
Bowness-on-Windermere
Busy lakeside, piers, pubs, attractions
Ambleside and Waterhead
North-lake base with walks, dining, boats
Troutbeck
Quiet Lakeland village above Windermere
Brockhole and Low Wood
Lake-edge resort strip between towns
Newby Bridge and Lakeside
South-lake, quieter, steam railway access
Area guides are reference info (AI-assisted, web-grounded); never ranked by price or commission.
Getting there & around
From the airport
Manchester Airport is the most practical main airport. Take the train to Windermere, either direct on some Northern services or by changing at Oxenholme The Lake District; allow about 2.25-3 hours. From Windermere station, Bowness lakefront is about 5-10 minutes by bus/taxi or 25-35 minutes on foot. A taxi/private transfer from Manchester Airport is roughly 1.75-2.5 hours, traffic dependent. Liverpool or Leeds Bradford can work, but usually need more changes and are less convenient.
MAN airport guide (official info · terminals · lounges) →
Around the city
There is no metro. Use Stagecoach buses, trains, walking, taxis and Windermere Lake Cruises. Key buses include 599 between Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside and Grasmere, and 555 linking Lancaster/Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere and Keswick. For tourists making several bus trips, get the Stagecoach North West Explorer day or multi-day ticket; buy on the app or on board. Boats link Bowness, Ambleside Waterhead, Brockhole and Lakeside. Check last buses and boat times, especially outside summer.
🚆 Windermere railway station🚆 Staveley railway station🚆 Burneside railway station🚆 Coniston railway station🚆 Kendal railway station
As of 2026-06-20 — confirm current schedules/fares with the operator.
Before choosing where to stay
Where to Base
Stay in the town center or along the lakeshore for easy access to amenities and scenic walks. The area is well-connected for exploring the wider Lake District.
Getting Around
Since the railway branch opened in 1847, Windermere has been a major tourist destination. Visitors can easily reach the area via rail networks, with good road connections to surrounding regions.
Best Season
Accessible year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying lake views and visiting ecological sites like the Freshwater Biological Association grounds, while autumn offers beautiful scenery.
Nearby attractions
Windermere
largest natural lake in England
Hill Top Farm
writer's house museum in Hawkshead, Cumbria, England, UK
Orrest Head
mountain in the United Kingdom
Claife Heights
mountain in United Kingdom
Esthwaite Water
lake in the United Kingdom
St Martin's Church, Bowness-on-Windermere
church in South Lakeland, UK
St Mary's Church, Windermere
church in Windermere, Cumbria, England, UK
Coniston Water
lake in Cumbria, England
Wray Castle
Neogothic mansion
Galava
Roman fort near Ambleside, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Moss Eccles Tarn
lake in the United Kingdom
Holehird Gardens
10 acre site
Dining
The Samling
The full-length windows in the striking slate and glass extension of this Lakeland country house provide spectacular views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside. This local area provides much of the produce on the tasting menu, with some coming from the hotel's own greenhouse and gardens. The skill of the chefs is evident in their technical mastery and fine balancing of flavours; well-seasoned monkfish ballotine is a prime example, expertly cooked sous vide and accompanied by a beautifully subtle carrot and saffron sauce.
WebsiteOld Stamp House
In the heart of the Lake District sits this quirky little restaurant, which occupies the cellars of an old house where William Wordsworth used to work as the Distributor of Stamps for Westmorland. It's now owned by brothers Ryan and Craig Blackburn. The former is in the kitchen, crafting the ‘A Journey Around Cumbria’ tasting menu that showcases his passion for exceptional local produce. The skilfully prepared dishes have been well conceived and carefully balance bold and delicate flavours; each one has a story – sometimes historic, sometimes personal.
WebsiteTHE SCHELLY
A delightful operation from the team behind The Old Stamp House and situated directly above it, this deservedly busy restaurant is named after a local fish found in only four nearby lakes. It’s indicative of the distinctly Lakeland feel to the menu, which is epitomised by the likes of lip-smacking Herdwick hogget shoulder, plus a dish of ‘mushrooms found around the woods in Ambleside’. Sit at the counter to see the chefs or by the window to people-watch the tourists passing by. Desserts such as sticky toffee madeleines cooked to order ensure you’ll leave on a sugary high.
WebsiteHenrock
Named after a rocky outcrop on Lake Windermere, this elegant restaurant sits inside the charming Linthwaite House hotel and is part of Simon Rogan's ever-evolving empire. The décor is minimal yet cosy, with plain wooden tables and lovely artwork on the walls. Simon's sustainable ethos is evident on the menu, with many ingredients in the colourful dishes coming from his 'Our Farm' estate and other produce – like Cartmel Valley venison – sourced in the local area. Warm, friendly staff enhance the experience.
WebsiteForest Side
An engaging team welcome you to this substantial Lakeland mansion; start with drinks in the lounge and take in views over the surrounding fells. The room has a rustic feel and a glass-topped table crafted from a wind-blown tree takes centre stage. Ingredient provenance plays a major role, with produce often coming from their Victorian kitchen garden or local suppliers, as well as being foraged by the team. Skilfully prepared, creative dishes are full of vibrant colours, textural contrasts and sublime flavours, such as scallop with homemade tabasco and Worcestershire sauce.
WebsiteDrunken Duck Inn
This picture-postcard pub sits in the heart of the beautiful Lakeland countryside and must be one of the most desirable in the region. Inside, the extended inn is overflowing with charm and character, especially in the buzzing bar. The generous cooking includes the likes of celeriac and hazelnut Kiev or venison loin and pie with beetroot fondant, and they can be paired with ales brewed on-site. Relaxed, chatty service enhances the experience, as do the boutique bedrooms, some of which boast terraces with stunning fell views.
WebsiteRowan
In an understandably popular part of the picturesque Lake District, the Rothay Manor country house hotel stands proud with its Regency-era grandeur and stylish modern additions. Rowan is its restaurant, occupying an elegant dining room that features original shutters and cornicing alongside bold William Morris wallpaper and striking chandeliers. The concise à la carte is full of seasonal goodness, all executed with skill and care. Look out for bright, fresh fish dishes like roast cod with 'nduja, gremolata, broad beans and shrimp.
WebsitePunch Bowl Inn
The picturesque Lyth Valley plays host to this charming 17th-century inn, which stands beside a pretty church. Guests are split over multiple dining areas, including a more formally elegant space and a cosy beamed bar, which is ideal for a pint. The cooking centres around traditional, well-executed dishes showing off the best of local produce, such as Cumbrian lamb loin with an intensely flavoured, well-reduced jus. Cosy bedrooms are available if you want to stay the night and explore more of the local landscapes.
WebsiteAttraction data from Wikidata (CC0) and open sources, ranked by notability and distance — for reference.
See all guide-listed restaurants in Windermere (Michelin / Black Pearl) →
Airport lounges (MAN)
1903 Lounge Additional Fee Applies
Aspire Lounge
Aspire Lounge
Escape Lounges
Escape Lounges
The Evergreen Bar And Brasserie
Lounge access is reference info — confirm current terms with the operator; commission never ranks.
Flights to Windermere
Off-site flight search (affiliate link — no in-app checkout, no price shown).
Search flights to WindermereMost-covered hotels in Windermere
Ranked by verified records and coverage depth — never by price, never by commission.
12345678
Broadoaks Boutique Country House
5★0 recordsSparse
High Street Apartment
5★0 recordsSparse
Hawksmoor Guest House
5★0 recordsSparse
Wheatlands Lodge-Windermere - Award Winning - Adult Only - Free Car Park
5★0 recordsSparse
Mulberry
5★0 recordsSparse
The Howbeck & The Retreat 5min to Lake, Restaurants & to the free Hydro Wellness Club
5★0 recordsSparse
Lakes Hotel and Spa
5★0 recordsSparse
Craig's Suites Windermere
5★0 recordsSparse