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Lake · Windermere, Inglaterra
Lake Windermere
The largest natural lake in England, about 18 km long, between Newby Bridge and Ambleside, with pleasure boats leaving from Bowness, wooded islands and fells around.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lake Windermere
Windermere is the largest natural lake in England, about 18 km long and just over 1.5 km at its widest point, in the southern Lake District. It occupies a glacier-carved valley and has about 18 islands, the largest being Belle Isle, opposite Bowness, with an 18th‑century round house. Since the arrival of the railway in 1847 it has been the region's tourist centre.
Windermere Lake Cruises' pleasure boats depart from Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, with trips from 45 minutes to 3 hours, and some use old-hulled vessels. The car and pedestrian ferry links Bowness to the west bank, from where you continue to Hill Top and Hawkshead. At Lakeside in the south the Lakeside and Haverthwaite steam train usually runs in season, and in Bowness you can hire rowboats and motorboats.
Bowness-on-Windermere, on the lakeshore, has a pier, cafés, shops and Beatrix Potter's world, an attraction for children featuring the books' characters. Above the town of Windermere the hill Orrest Head, about a 20‑minute climb from the station, offers a view of the whole lake with the fells beyond; it was there that the writer Alfred Wainwright fell in love with the area.
The west bank, quieter, has National Trust woodlands and the Victorian Wray Castle, open to the public. The water is cold, and the lake has speed rules for boats.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 3 hours for a boat trip; half a day including the climb to Orrest Head and the Bowness waterfront.
Best time
From May to September, when there are more boats and services. In the late afternoon the view from Orrest Head catches the low sun over the fells. In winter boats operate on reduced timetables.
How to get there
Windermere train station is about 2 km from Bowness pier, a 25‑minute downhill walk, or reachable by local bus. Boats call at Bowness, Ambleside, Lakeside and other piers. By car there are paid car parks in Bowness.
Tip
Take the boat from Bowness to Ambleside and return by bus, or combine boat and ferry to reach Hill Top via the west bank. Climb Orrest Head as soon as you arrive by train for your first view of the lake.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lake Windermere
How big is Lake Windermere?
About 18 km long, the largest natural lake in England.
Where do the boats depart from?
From Bowness, Ambleside and Lakeside, with cruises from 45 minutes to 3 hours.
Where to see the lake from above?
From Orrest Head, a hill about a 20-minute walk from Windermere station.
Are Windermere and Bowness the same town?
They're neighbouring: Windermere is up above with the station, and Bowness is on the lakeside, about 2 km away.