Windermere: A Jewel of the Lake District
Highlighted by the largest natural lake in the country, Windermere is a picturesque destination that is surrounded by charming villages, mountains and lush greenery. From outdoor leisure activities to being the home of The World of Beatrix Potter, this area in the Lake District is also not short of things to do. You will also find plenty of hotel choices, shops and restaurants, making Windermere an ideal location – regardless if you are looking for a relaxing weekend retreat or feature-packed holiday.
Exploring Nature
The main selling point of travelling to Windermere is the nature that it possesses. Overflowing with eye-catching sights to see and places to discover, the area is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. As the focal point of the area, Lake Windermere is a popular destination for many travellers. Spanning over ten miles in length, the lake is an idyllic setting for boating and other water-based activities. But Windermere is more than just a lake. For example, Orrest Head is a favourite destination choice for those walking the hills and mountains of Windermere. This is thanks to it boasting stunning views of the area, while being easily accessible for walkers of any ability. Another spectacular place of natural beauty can be found at Holehird Gardens. As the base for the Lakeland Horticultural Society, this attraction contains an impressive 12 acres of fabulous gardens that are produced and maintained by volunteers.
Areas of Interest
With numerous villages and towns populating the land, Windermere cannot be described as lacking in terms of things to do in the area. With the railway station, hotels and guest houses, and shops, the Windermere town centre is a popular option for most when being a base for getting around. Although perhaps surprisingly, the town centre does not actually touch the famous lake – in fact, it’s approximately one kilometre away! If you want to a visit a similar town that does border the lake, Bowness-on-Windermere is another honeypot for tourists. This is thanks to not just the town’s proximity near to the lake, but also for being one of the major centres in the UK for outdoor activities. As for other places of interest, the town of Ambleside bustles with shops and is the start/end point for various walks in the area, while Lakeside benefits from the popular Lakes Aquarium and being the beginning point for the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.
Attractions for Everyone
Now while it does not boast the quantity of attractions that major English cities typically provide, Windermere is still an area that has plenty of things to do for all the family. Located in Bowness-on-Windermere, arguably the most famous is The World of Beatrix Potter. This attraction is an extensive look at the author Beatrix Potter, where you can enjoy an array of displays and interactive exhibits. Another family-friendly activity can be found in the form of Brockhole on Windermere. This attraction has a little bit of everything that makes the area so appealing. Fancy a relaxing walk through 30 acres of wondrous grounds and gardens? Maybe take part in some archery or mini golf? Or perhaps swing, climb and fly your way through the woodlands via the exhilarating Treetop Trek? Well you can find all that – and much, much more – at Brockhole on Windermere! Other fun activities in the area include paintballing, pony treks, off-road tours and the highly-regarded Michael Coates Clay Shooting.
Shopping, Dining & Drinking
Nature and activities might be at the forefront, but this doesn’t mean that Windermere doesn’t feature a healthy amount of shopping and dining opportunities. Throughout the area, you will come across a wide selection of stores. From independent retailers to nationwide chains, you will find nearly everything you could require in terms of gifts and necessities when on your travels. Yet away from buying the latest deals, Windermere is a nice place to grab a bite to eat. As well as traditional British cafes and restaurants, options that serve international cuisine such as Italian and Indian also populate the area. As for going out for a drink, don’t expect to be up late into the night while revelling at a nightclub. Yet Windermere is in its element when providing warm, cosy pubs that serve a hearty selection of meals and drinks. And if you are lucky, you might even book a hotel that contains its own pub!