THE TOGETHER TRAVEL GUIDEBOOK
windermere,
at your own pace.
Lakeside mornings, fell-top views and time well spent together. Find your rhythm in the heart of the Lake District.
A PLACE TO LINGER
big landscapes.
little moments.
There is more to Windermere than its famous view. Follow a woodland path above the village, watch the boats drift out from Bowness, or cross to a quieter shore where the day moves a little more slowly.
This is a guide to the lake and the places around it: easy adventures, good food and thoughtful detours. Leave room between plans. Often, the best part is simply finding somewhere beautiful to sit.
Windermere village
Your arrival point by rail. Independent shops, cafés and the path up to Orrest Head sit inland, away from the lakeshore.
Bowness-on-Windermere
The lively lakeside neighbour, around 1½ miles downhill from the village. Come for boat trips, the promenade and places to eat.
Windermere, the lake
England’s largest natural lake stretches for roughly 10½ miles. Explore its wooded western shore, bays and waterside villages.
START HERE
three ways to fall for windermere
A first taste of the area, whether you have a whole weekend or just an unhurried afternoon.
Orrest Head · Windermere village
a view worth the climb
Take the woodland path from near the station to Orrest Head. At the top, the lake and fells open out in a panorama that has inspired generations of walkers.
Bowness · On the water
see the lake differently
Step aboard a Windermere Lake Cruises sailing from Bowness. Choose a short circuit or make a longer day of it with a stop at Ambleside or Lakeside.
Brockhole · Eastern shore
make time for play
Brockhole’s lakeside grounds bring gardens, woodland and family adventures together. Walk down to the water, then choose activities to suit your day.
ON FOOT
take the scenic route
You don’t need a high summit to find a memorable view. These are starting points for a day outside, not turn-by-turn route instructions.
ORREST HEAD
A rewarding short climb through woodland to an open viewpoint. The signed accessible route offers a gentler option, but still has gradients; check the route details before setting out.
SCHOOL KNOTT
Follow paths towards open fell and School Knott Tarn for a quieter perspective on the lake. Expect uneven ground and some muddy sections; take a map for the connecting paths.
THE WESTERN SHORE
Cross from Ferry Nab near Bowness, then follow the lakeside towards Claife Viewing Station or Wray. Walk an out-and-back section and leave time for the return crossing.
Pack waterproofs, suitable footwear and an offline map. Times are approximate; choose a route that suits your group and check the forecast before leaving.
discover the charm of picturesque windermere
A LITTLE INSPIRATION
handpicked itineraries from our team
A gentle Friday-to-Sunday plan. Move things around with the weather, your arrival time and whatever catches your eye.
FRIDAY
arrive & exhale
Afternoon
Arrive in Windermere village. Find a coffee, settle in and give yourself a little time to do nothing.
Before sunset
If daylight and weather allow, walk up Orrest Head for your first view. Otherwise, save it for tomorrow.
Evening
Keep dinner close to your base. A relaxed meal in the village is a lovely way to begin.
SATURDAY
follow the water
Morning
Head to Bowness after breakfast. Take a lake cruise and enjoy the changing view from the deck.
Afternoon
Have lunch in Bowness, then cross by ferry for a woodland walk near Claife. Check the return service first.
Evening
Book a table, linger over dinner and take a gentle waterfront stroll before heading home.
SUNDAY
one last lovely detour
Morning
Choose Blackwell for design and architecture, or Windermere Jetty Museum for the lake’s stories.
Afternoon
Fit in a final café stop. If you have more time, take a lakeside wander in the grounds at Brockhole.
Before you go
Leave a little margin for your train or drive. There is no need to rush the last hour.
AROUND THE TABLE
good food. even better company.
Start with a proper coffee, pause for a pub lunch and save an evening for something special. A few local places to explore.
Coffee & a slow start
Homeground
Windermere village
A village stop for coffee and brunch before heading out. Leave time for a wander around the independent shops nearby.
A well-earned drink
The Crafty Baa
Windermere village
An eclectic bar for craft beer and a relaxed evening in the village. Check the current food offering when you plan your visit.
Pub time, lakeside
The Angel Inn
Bowness-on-Windermere
An easy choice for a pub meal after exploring Bowness. Make time to stroll down to the waterfront before or after you eat.
Make an evening of it
The Samling
Near Ambleside · A little further afield
For a more considered dining occasion, look towards The Samling, above the northern end of the lake. Book ahead and arrange your journey home.
Picnic provisions
The village deli
Windermere village
Pick up bread, cheese and local chutney for a lunch on the fell.
A sweet stop
The ice cream parlour
Bowness-on-Windermere
A scoop of something local on the promenade before the walk back.
Lakeside lunch
The boathouse café
Near Brockhole
Simple lunches and cake with a view across the water.
Sunday supper
The country inn
Troutbeck
A roast and a log fire after one last walk.
DISCOVER WINDERMERE WITH TOGETHER TRAVEL CO
enjoy unforgettable escapes
in the beautiful lake district,
From lakeside cottages to hillside hideaways, our holiday homes put the best of Windermere on your doorstep. Stay a weekend or a week, and make the walks in this guide part of every day.
BEFORE YOU GO
a little planning.
a lot more ease.
The best days begin with a few thoughtful details. Here’s what to know before you set off for Windermere.
Getting here
Windermere station is reached on the branch line from Oxenholme Lake District. By road, approach via the A591; allow extra time at busy weekends. The station is in the village, not at the lake.
Getting around without a car
Buses link Windermere village, Bowness and Ambleside. The 599 is a useful lakeside route; check Stagecoach’s current timetable. Boat services offer another way to explore, with seasonal schedules.
Choosing your season
Spring brings fresh woodland and longer days. Summer is livelier on the water. Autumn adds colour to the shores; winter is quieter, with shorter daylight and more weather-dependent plans.
Access, families & dogs
Routes vary from paved promenades to rough fell paths. Check access statements with each attraction and activity provider. Keep dogs under close control around livestock and follow local signs.
What to bring
Layers, a waterproof, sturdy shoes and a reusable bottle belong in every day bag. Take an offline map for walks, and don’t rely on mobile coverage away from the villages.
Leave the Lakes as you found them
Use marked paths, close gates and take litter home. Park considerately in designated spaces. In an emergency call 999; for mountain rescue ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
Stay in touch
follow us on
instagram
