🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Places to discover
What to see in Windermere ?
29 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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Landmarks & heritage (11)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAArmitt Museum and Library
Landmark
A small local museum dedicated to Lake District history, housing original watercolours by Beatrix Potter and works by John Ruskin. A cultural gem frequently overlooked by tourists.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALow Sweden Bridge
Landmark
Old humpback stone bridge spanning Scandale Beck, a vestige of medieval packhorse routes. A secret spot known to local walkers, just ten minutes on foot from the centre.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWindermere Jetty Museum
Landmark
Contemporary lakeside museum opened in 2019, housing England's largest collection of historic lake vessels, including the country's oldest floating motor boat. Striking architecture on stilts along the water's edge.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SADove Cottage
Landmark
The house where Wordsworth lived from 1799 to 1808 and composed his finest works, including The Prelude. The adjacent museum houses original manuscripts of exceptional significance.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAGalava Roman Fort
Landmark
Remains of a second-century Roman fort at Borrans Park, overlooking Lake Windermere. Little-known amongst hurried visitors, this site offers rare historical perspective on the region.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAAmbleside Roman Fort (Galava)
Landmark
Ruins of a 2nd-century Roman fort on the lakeside within Borrans Park—often overlooked by visitors passing unknowingly nearby. A silent testament to 2,000 years of history in a stunning lakeland setting.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SABridge House
Landmark
A diminutive seventeenth-century dwelling built upon a stone arch spanning Stock Ghyll. An absolute icon of Ambleside, once home to an entire family, now managed by the National Trust.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SATownend (National Trust)
Landmark
17th-century farmhouse-manor at Troutbeck, occupied by the same family for 400 years and preserved exactly as it was, complete with original furnishings and books. One of England's finest surviving rural houses.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SATownend, Troutbeck
Landmark
A seventeenth-century farmhouse in National Trust hands, preserved with the original furnishings and possessions of the Browne family. A rare testament to four centuries of rural Lakeland life, worlds away from Bowness's crowds.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABlackwell, The Arts & Crafts House
Landmark
A masterwork of 1900 Arts & Crafts design by M.H. Baillie Scott, commanding views over Windermere. Original interiors feature carved woodwork, stained glass and period furnishings — largely unknown to passing tourists.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAChurch of St Martin, Bowness-on-Windermere
Landmark
A fifteenth-century parish church at the heart of Bowness, home to an exceptional medieval stained-glass window depicting the Crucifixion, salvaged from a Flemish church. A haven of tranquillity mere steps from the lakeside tourist tumult.Nature & parks (7)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAStagshaw Garden
Nature
A National Trust woodland garden perched above Waterhead, spectacular in spring when rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom. Refreshingly quiet, with sweeping views toward the lake.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAStagshaw Garden
Nature
A National Trust woodland garden in terraces above Ambleside, spectacular in spring when rhododendrons and azaleas burst into bloom. Quiet even at peak season, with plunging views towards the lake.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SASkelghyll Wood
Nature
Ancient forest managed by the National Trust, scattered with sessile oaks and centuries-old beeches. The path to Jenkins Crag cuts through it, but the wood itself deserves a slow exploration, especially in autumn.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWansfell Pike
Nature
Summit of 484m accessible from Ambleside via a steep but short path. 360° views across Windermere, Coniston and the Langdale Pikes, with far fewer crowds than the better-known fells.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAStock Ghyll Force
Nature
A 20-metre waterfall hidden within woodland, just a ten-minute walk from Ambleside town centre. The shaded path traces the torrent's course, spectacular after heavy rain—one of those places locals treasure and guidebooks overlook.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABorrans Park
Nature
Municipal park on the shores of Lake Windermere, discreet and cherished by locals for picnics facing the water. Ideal for watching sailboats and swans away from the bustle of Waterhead.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAHolehird Gardens
Nature
Alpine and rock gardens run entirely by volunteers of the Lakeland Horticultural Society, boasting an exceptional collection of mountain plants. Sweeping views across the lake from the upper terraces.Viewpoints (5)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABrant Fell
Viewpoint
Wooded fell overlooking Bowness-on-Windermere, accessible in 30 minutes from Ambleside via National Trust footpaths. Its open summit delivers lake views without demanding arduous climbing.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABrant Fell
Viewpoint
Accessible hillside from Bowness town centre in 30 minutes, offering one of the finest lake views without the crowds. Well-marked path through woodland and pasture, with the option of returning via Post Knott.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAJenkin Crag
Viewpoint
Rocky promontory above Ambleside offering spectacular views of Windermere without the effort of a major fell. Reachable in 30 minutes from Waterhead, it's the locals' favourite photography spot at sunset.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAJenkins Crag viewpoint
Viewpoint
A rocky promontory above Windermere, reachable from Waterhead in 30 minutes on foot. Vertiginous views across the lake and boats, particularly striking in late afternoon light.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAOrrest Head
Viewpoint
A 20-minute climb from Windermere town centre rewards you with a 360° panorama across the lake and surrounding fells. This was Alfred Wainwright's first Lake District outing — and it changed his life entirely.Activities (4)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAAmbleside Climbing Wall
Activity
Indoor climbing facility run by Ambleside Sports, frequented by local climbers training before tackling routes on the Langdale Pikes. A fine place to meet the local outdoor community.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALow Wood Bay Water Sports Centre
Activity
A water sports facility on the eastern shore offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and wakeboarding with certified instructors. The finest way to get on the water without queuing for crowded ferries—half-day hire available.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWindermere Lake Cruises - Bowness Pier
Activity
Historic steamboats plying England's largest natural lake since 1845. Ferry across to Ambleside or Lakeside to experience the water at its finest, far from the crowded shoreline.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWaterhead Pier
Activity
A landing stage on Windermere serving ferries to Bowness and Lakeside. Locals rely on it as everyday transport, not merely a tourist attraction.More to discover (2)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAIngs Church & Village
Place
Understated village on the A591 with an elegantly proportioned 18th-century church and the Watermill Inn, which brews its own ales. An authentic stop between Kendal and Windermere, virtually unknown to visitors.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SATroutbeck Village
Place
Linear village typical of the Lake District, with period fountains and stone farms. Locals favour it for its peaceful paths between Windermere and Kirkstone, away from the beaten track.