Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere
You can choose from many boat trips: the Blue Cruise (round-trip along Windermere's shoreline), the Green Cruise (circular cruise from Waterhead to Brockhole over Wray Castle), the Red Cruise (from Ambleside to Bowness) and the Yellow cruise (from Bowness to Lakeside with a stop at the Aquarium).
You can also rent your own boat from the rental kiosk to the right from the Bowness promenade. You could also have a look at kayak and canoe rental on the following site: Windermere Canoe and Kayak.
Walks in Windermere
Here are some walking suggestions:
Orrest Head
This walk is about 3 miles long and you will get treated with a panoramic view on Windermere, the Langdale Pikes and the Troutbeck Valley. The trail starts opposite the Windermere Station where you see the sign "Orrest Head".
Brant Fell in Windermere
This 1-hour walk takes you to the Brant Fell summit and back to Bowness. The starting point is on Brant Fell road in Bowness.
Drives in Windermere
We tried out and can recommend a drive we found in the Lonely Planet on the Lake District (2009 edition, p. 58). It takes you through the stunning countryside east of Windermere. It is about 25 miles long and takes 4 hours. Blackwell House is the first stop (see culture section). The house is an overwhelming example of Arts and Crafts decoration and has beautiful surroundings. If you head afterwards southeast along the A5074, you could treat yourself to a nice bite in the Punch Bowl Inn in Crosthwaite. The pub was awarded the 'Pub of the Year' title by the Michelin Pub guide in 2009. Further down on the A5074, you will come across Gummer's How, a great viewpoint on the Windermere lake. In the Fell foot Park (at the intersection between the A592 and A5074) you can take some relaxing walks around the lake. You'll be thrilled to see the plume of steam of the Haverthwaite Steam Railway before you head back along the eastern side of the lake.
The World Of Beatrix Potter
Impossible to visit Windermere without meeting up with Peter Rabbit. "The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction" lets you experience all 23 of Beatrix Potter's tales through an indoor recreation of the Lake District countryside. Jemma Puddle-duck, Mrs Tiggy-winkle, Benjamin Bunny and Simpkin will all be there! Modern techniques make sure you can see, hear and even smell everything about Peter Rabbit's world. There's also a brilliant tea room with food for young and old. The tea room won the Cumbria for Excellence Local Food and Drink Award in 2004. In May 2009 the Peter Rabbit 'Naturally Better' garden was added to the attraction. It features gooseberry bushes, fruit trees and of course Peter Rabbit's favourite carrots and lettuce. The gift shop has some items that are exclusive to the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction.
Shopping in Windermere
When you stroll on Lake Road to greet Lake Windermere you will pass along many tempting shops. The city's variety is very big: it goes from mountain kit over tacky souvenirs to trendy clothes and lovely bites.
Here are some of our favourites:
Love the Lakes on Ash Street
Booths in the Olde Station on Victoria Street. We found the staff extremely helpful and friendly and liked their nice uniforms.
Oak Street Bakery on 1 Oak Street offers a delicious selection of fresh breads.
Tourist Information Centre
We found the staff of the Windermere Tourist Office very helpful. They gave us lots of ideas for a family holiday. They also sell very helpful brochures for specific requirements e.g. walks for wheelchair users and pushchairs. They are on Victoria Street close to the railway station.
