The Lake District in England is a charming, storybook region – and not just because it’s the home of Peter Rabbit! This picturesque area is a wonderful getaway any time of year. The lakes, of course, are beautiful and the little villages make you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Windermere is one of the most famous and most beautiful villages on the lake and a great place to base yourself during your getaway. Keep reading for the best things to do in Windermere, England on your trip to the Lake District!
1: Drive Through Kirkstone Pass
Kirkstone Pass is without a doubt one of the most beautiful drives in the Lake District. At just under 1,500 feet in elevation, it’s the highest altitude pass in the area and offers amazing views.
The winding road is stunning and you’ll see rolling fields, mountains, sheep grazing and old stone walls.
The entire drive is about 17 miles and will bring you from Ambleside/Windermere to Patterdale.
2: Take a Scenic Cruise on Lake Windermere
If you’re going to the Lake District, chances are you want to spend as much time as possible on or near the lake. There’s a lot to do on Lake Windermere, but one of my favorite things is to take a scenic cruise.
These cruises run year round and, even in the colder months, they’re worth it. It’s fun to learn about the area and spend some time on the water.
In addition to a scenic cruise, there’s also “hop on, hop off” cruises and cruises that take you between specific towns as well. All of these options are totally worth it as well!
Check out these great options:
- Hop-on Hop-off Cruise, 24 hour ticket
- Windermere Red Cruise: Sail Between Bowness and Ambleside
- Windermere Yellow Cruise: Sail between Bowness and Lakeside
- Private Sailing Experience on Lake Windermere
3: Go on a Hike to Stock Ghyll Force
While there are some nice hikes/walks in Windermere, like Orrest Head, I recommend driving over to Ambleside and checking out Stock Ghyll Force. This 70 foot waterfall in a forest is really pretty and great for all ages (just don’t bring a stroller).
It’s definitely more of a nature walk in the woods than a real hike, but some parts of the path can be steep and muddy. The walk is just over a mile total.
From Ambleside, it’s a quick 15 minute walk to the start of the trail. Or, you can park up by Force Cafe (right by the start of the trail) and grab a coffee before you start the walk.
For those who love nature walks and exploring the outdoors, this Lake District Walking Tour is a fantastic option!
4: Try the Famous Grasmere Gingerbread
The recipe for Grasmere Gingerbread dates back to 1854 and this treat is definitely a must try when visiting Windermere.
Compared to the gingerbread I’m used to, which is more of a cake, Grasmere Gingerbread is more crispy and chewy. The little shop itself is also great and you really feel like you’re going back in time.
The shop is located right in the center of the quaint Grasmere village, which is fun to stroll around and check out the other shops. They also have a shop in Hawkshead (pictured below)!
5: Check Out the Eclectic Pubs – The Crafty Baa is My Favorite
England is, of course, known for its pubs and Windermere has a great selection! Go for food, or drinks, or both – but don’t miss out.
A few of my favorites in the area include:
- Ambleside Tap Yard
- The Crafty Baa
- Hole in T’ Wall (the oldest pub in town!)
- The Drunken Duck Inn (15 minute drive from Windermere)
6: Explore the Nearby Villages
While Windermere is very charming and a great place to base yourself during your trip, visiting the Lake District isn’t complete without checking out some of the other towns.
Three of my favorites are Ambleside, Grasmere and Hawkshead. Ambleside is the closest, just 11 minutes by car, followed by Grasmere and then Hawkshead. Hawkshead and Grasmere are only 20 minutes by car from Windermere, so it’s easy to visit all three in one day.
In addition to visiting these villages by car, you can also take the ferry to several of them! If it’s a nice time of year, I definitely recommend doing this. It’s a great way to see Lake Windermere and to visit some beautiful towns.
7: Enjoy High Tea at Broadoaks Country House Hotel
When in England, I love having afternoon tea. There are a variety of great teahouses and hotels to enjoy high tea, but my favorite is Broadoaks Country House Hotel. It’s a less than 5 minute drive from the center of town and the hotel is so cozy and picturesque.
You can never go to too many afternoon teas, so if you have time, these are some other great options:
- The Fizzy Tarte (right in town)
- Cedar Manor (in town)
- Storrs Hall (10 minute drive)
8: Check out the The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Beatrix Potter spent 30 years living in the Lake District and the famous Peter Rabbit stories are heavily influenced by the area.
Right in the center of Windermere you can visit the The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction. Here you’ll find exhibits that showcase the different stories and take you into the world of Peter Rabbit. This little museum is great for anyone who loves Peter Rabbit, no matter their age.
Book your tickets in advance HERE.
The gift shop is fantastic as well, and I’m usually not the biggest fan of gift shops.
After checking out the exhibits, be sure to head over to the themed Peter Rabbit Cafe for brunch, lunch or an afternoon tea.
In addition to The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, you can also visit Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s farmhouse. You can explore the cottage and gardens and learn more about her life in and work in the Lake District.
From Windermere, it’s a 25 minute drive to Hill Top.
Note that Hill Top is closed in the winter months. In the high season, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance.
It’s also possible to experience all things Beatrix Potter on a half day tour with a guide! Check it out here.
9: Check out the Art Shops & Take a Class
Windermere has some great galleries and art shops to check out. I bought two really beautiful paintings that are an excellent addition to my art wall.
A couple great ones to check out include:
- Thuline Studio
- They also offer workshops for families & individuals that can be booked here!
- Cook House Gallery
- Craig Long Gallery
- Windermere Fine Art Gallery
10: Go on a Fun Tour
The entire Lake District is really beautiful and one of the best things to do in Windermere is to take a tour to explore and get to know the area!
There are local tours and experiences that last just a couple of hours, or full day adventures if you’re looking to explore even further.
A few great tours near Windermere to check out include:
- From Windermere: Ten Lakes Full-Day Tour of Lake District
- Lake District: Ghyll Scrambling Adventure
- From Windermere: Mountain Passes & Muncaster Castle
- White Water Rafting in the Lake District
- William Wordsworth: Morning Half Day Tour with an Expert Guide
- Lake District: Heavy Horse Riding Experience
- This is about an hour drive from Windermere.
Where to Stay in Windermere
Windermere is home to a plethora of beautiful accommodations. Whether you’re looking for charming inns, a historic hotel or a holiday home, you’ll find tons of great options in Windermere.
My preference is always to choose something close to town so you can walk to cafes, shops and restaurants. However, while in the Lake District you’ll likely have a car to travel around, so being a little outside of town isn’t a big deal.
The one expectation to this is if you’re traveling around only by public transit. If so, I recommend staying in town.
The best accommodations in Windermere:
Q&A: The Best Things to do in Windermere, England
- How many days do I need in the Lake District?
- A weekend, preferably a long weekend, is enough time to get a feel for the Lake District and explore some of its best sites. However, I would say 4-5 days is a great amount of time to really be able to experience a lot of what this beautiful region has to offer!
- Do I need a car in Winderemere?
- You can get all the way to Windermere by train. You will need to switch in Oxenholme, which is easy. However, it’s very nice to have a car in the Lake District as it will allow you to explore the surrounding towns and areas more freely.
- While you can rely on public transport (buses, trains, tours and ferries) you’ll have less flexibility.
- It is possible to visit without a car, of course, but it may be less relaxing and require more planning.
- How far is the Lake District from London?
- Windermere is about 3 hours by train or 5 hours by car.
- Where should I stay in the Lake District?
- Windermere is a very popular choice! It’s easily accessible by train, has a good ferry service and is home to a cute downtown with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.
- From Winderemere, it’s very easy to visit the other charming towns in the Lake District, making it the perfect place to base yourself for your trip.
- Windermere is a very popular choice! It’s easily accessible by train, has a good ferry service and is home to a cute downtown with lots of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Thanks for reading the 10 Best Things to do in Windermere, England!
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