Windermere in the Lake District
The Lake District has been a popular destination since Victorian times and Windermere is England's largest lake. At the mid-point of Lake Windermere lies Bowness-on-Windermere, with Ambleside at the northern tip and Newby Bridge at the southern end of Lake Windermere.
Bowness-on-Windermere became a popular resort when the remote and rugged Lake District was made accessible by the arrival of the railways.
The Windermere steamers (including 'Tern' which has seen over 100 years service although now converted to diesel propulsion) continue to ply Windermere maintaining the service inaugurated in 1869 connecting with steam trains at Lakeside. The Windermere to Oxenholme railway line has survived threatened closures and is now the only mainline railway service left in the whole of the Lake District. A fast limited-stop service operates between Manchester Airport and Windermere for the convenience of overseas visitors and links at Oxenholme with express services to London, Scotland and other parts of the UK.
The high ground in the Bowness and Windermere areas provides several excellent viewpoints such as Orrest Head and Post Knott from which to take in the breath-taking scenery which has changed little since Victorian times. There is a wide variety of self catering cottages and bed and breakfast accommodation available.
Bowness-on-Windermere has grown to cater for the needs of tourists and as a focal-point of the Lake District, this attractive location is now a popular venue for weddings, parties and other special celebrations as well as for a relaxing vacation. Bowness has many shops offering a variety of quality goods, numerous restaurants, a cinema and theatre. For visitors arriving by train or coach there are plenty of taxis and self-drive cars can be rented. Frequent buses serve Ambleside, Grasmere, Kendal and Keswick and the railway station at Windermere town (about 1 mile distant) has frequent services to London, Manchester Airport and Glasgow. There is plenty to see and do. Relax and let the magnificent scenery roll by with commentary from a knowledgeable local driver with Mountain Goat, Lakes Supertours and Park Tours & Travel each offering a wide selection of half and full day mini-coach tours. Steamers on the lake provide a regular service to Ambleside and Lakeside as well as circular tours around Windermere and the islands. Boats can be hired whilst hot-air ballooning provides a leisurely way to view the Lake District for the more adventurous! Horse riding,archery,clay pigeon shooting and fishing are available. Windermere Golf Course is about 2 miles. Tourist Information Centres at Bowness Bay and Windermere Town can advise on a wide range of other local activities.
Steamer on Windermere in the Lake District
The Lake District National Park
The Place for the Perfect Holiday in England
One of the most popular Holiday Destinations in Britain
The Place for the Perfect Holiday in England
One of the most popular Holiday Destinations in Britain