Things to do near Windermere
Windermere is the best place to base yourself if you want to explore the Lake District, as some of the best attractions in the region are close by.
There is so much to see and do in Windermere, that you may find yourself deciding which attractions are top of your list, and work your way through them. Public transport links to and from Windermere are excellent, and the Mountain Goat Bus Service is worthy of note as it provides frequent transport, along with theferry services to and from Bowness and Ambleside.
Ambleside, just 4 miles north of Windermere, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest villages in the Lakes, with its cobbled, steep streets, quaint pavement cafés and old world charm.
Some of the most popular Ambleside attractions include: Mountain Journeys, offeringguided mountain activities, Windermere Lake Cruises and boat hire, Zefferelli´s Cinema and Restaurant, Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Hawkshead Trout Farm, Hill Top House, where Beatrix Potter lived and worked, and The Homes of Football, featuring the photographic art of Stuart Clark.
Grasmere, just 8 miles north of Windermere was described by William Wordsworth as: “The loveliest spot that man hath ever found.” Wordsworth fans can take a trip to Dove Cottage, Grasmere, Ambleside, and also tour Rydal Mount and Gardens, where the famous poet spent much of his working life, plus see Hawkshead Grammar School, where he first studied.
Founded in 1891, The Wordsworth Trust secured Dove Cottage ´for eternal possessions of all those who loved English poetry, all over the world.” Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake District, The Wordsworth Museum tells the fascinating story of one of England´s finest poets, and his love of the Lake District.
Rydal Mount nestles between Lake Windermere, the Lake District fells and Rydal Water, and was Wordsworth´s favourite home between 1813 and 1850. Visitors can wander through the house, which is still owned by the descendants of the famous poet.
Kendal, which lies 7 miles to the east of Windermere, boasts plenty of great attractions to suit all tastes and budgets, including:
Abbot Hall Art Gallery, where visitors can enjoy works of art in this beautiful Georgian villa on the edge of the Lake District. The gallery also offers a range of educational activities, lectures and events, to keep the whole family entertained.
The Old Brewery Arts Centre is well worth a visit. The town´s first brewery was licensed in 1758, and its first owner was John Whitwell, whose family lived at 122, Highgate, Kendal. The brewery was taken over by Vaux Breweries of Sunderland in the late 1940´s, and produced the famous ´Auld Kendal´ beer. The last brew was produced between 13th and 16th September, 1968, and the Old Brewery Arts centre tells the story of beer making in this old Lake District town market town.
TheQuaker Tapestry Exhibition and Tea Rooms is situated at the Friends MeetingHouse in Stramongate, Kendal, and attracts hundreds of visitors every month. The Quaker Tapestry consists of 77 panels of embroidery, and celebrates theideas and experiences of the Quakers since this unique religious society began in 1652 in Swarthmoor Hall near Kendal.
Sizergh Castle consists of a medieval house which was extended in Elizabethan times, and enjoys beautiful gardens. The oak-panelled rooms culminate in the Inlaid Chamber, and fine furniture and ceramics, which have been collected for centuries, adorn the rooms. Two lakes are situated in the impressive gardens, plus a rock garden, and there are plenty of short walks to enjoy from the castle with amazing viewpoints over Morecambe Bay and the Lake District Fells. The Strickland family still inhabit the castle.
If you are planning to stay in Windermere or Bowness, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Whether you prefer to stay in a boutique hotel, a guest house, a b & b, or a spa hotel in Windermere or Bowness, you can find plenty of great deals by booking directly online.
