Things to Do in Windermere (2024)

Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, shop, tea rooms….see all things to do here >>

The Forestry Commission visitor centre is set deep in the heart of the Grizedale Forest, near Hawkshead. Things to do and see include an exhibition space, gift shop, tearoom, adventure playground, picnic tables and mountain bike hire. A good starting point for superb forest walks and mountain bike trails.….things to do here >>

Beautiful old steam trains run between Haverthwaite Village, Newby Bridge and Lakeside Pier on Windermere lake. Tie your 18 minute ride in with visiting some of the most popular Windermere attractions such as the Lakes Aquarium, the Lakeland Motor Museum and Windermere Lake Cruises ….things to do here >>

A blend of museum and zoo, the Lakeland Wildlife Oasis homes exotic species as part of its conservation breeding program. There’s a butterfly house, tropical halls and visitor facilities. 20 minutes from Newby Bridge.….all things to do here >>

From diving ducks to piranha, the aquarium houses native aquatic wildlife and more exotic species. Another of the most popular Windermere attractions, there’s also gift shop and a choice of restaurants. Located on Lakeside Pier where the boat and steam train trips call in….things to do here >>

One of the most popular things to do in Windermere for children is a visit to the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness. Here you’ll find modern displays of the favourite characters, storytelling, extensive Potter themed gift shop and restaurant. One of the premier indoor Windermere attractions for families ….more things to do here >>

Things to do in this Windermere lake shore park include picnics, paddling, duck feeding and rowing boat hire. There is National Trust gift shop and tea room. Fell Foot is on the Windermere Lake Cruises route and connects to Lakeside Pier for other top Windermere attractions.….things to do here >>

One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building & a Peter Rabbit experience. On the shore of the lake, it’s great for sunny days too ….more things to do here >>

One of the most popular things to do in Windermere, and the 16th most popular visitor attraction in the UK, is to take a boat trip on Windermere lake. “Steamers” and traditional launches run the full length of the lake, calling it at top Windermere attractions….things to do here >>

Just 20 minutes drive from the west shore of Windermere lake is beautiful Coniston Water. Coniston launch runs boat trips on the lakes in 2 traditional wooden launches. A more peaceful, relaxed environment.….things to do here >>

The all-weather Windermere visitor attraction holds a fascinating collection of 30,000 exhibits, including classic cars, motorbikes, bicycles, pedal cars & caravans and a display on the record-breaking Campbell family….things to do here >>

A must see Windermere area attraction for Wordsworth fans. Dove Cottage was Wordsworth’s home for 5 years and the adjoining Museum & Jerwood Centre holds the world’s greatest collection of manuscripts, books and paintings relating to British Romanticism ….things to do here >>

Newly re-opened in 2019 with a brand new home built for the collection at Windermere Jetty. This is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Windermere. It houses a collection of exquisite classic craft and also offers a unique behind-the-scenes view of the conservation work….things to do here >>

A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Now a small Windermere attraction with guided tours, steam weekends and a gift shop selling bobbin related products.….things to do here >>

Blackwell, the Arts & Crafts house, is one of England’s most important surviving houses from the turn of the 20th century. Now a popular Windermere attraction, things to do include a program of family activities, including a children’s trail. Also a gift shop and tea rooms.….things to do here >>

Telling the story of Coniston over the years, displays range from the Stone age with Langdale axes and other implements, the Bronze age (weapons and other artefacts) to the jet era with Donald Campbell and his famous Bluebird. ….things to do here >>

Some 100,000 visitors per year visit this little 17th century stone house and its lovely traditional cottage garden. This was Beatrix Potter’s home and where she wrote many of her best loved books. The house contains thousands of Potter artefacts and papers. ….things to do here >>

Take the Coniston Launch and call in to Brantwood for tea. The former home of John Ruskin, poet, artist, critic, social revolutionary, conservationist and one of the greatest figures of the Victorian age. The house & 20 acres of gardens hold important Ruskin collections ….things to do here >>

Townend, the Yeoman Farming House is now owned by the National Trust. It presents a unique insight into the life of one Lake District family through the centuries. Things to do include twice daily tours during the season and cooking afternoons.….things to do here >>

The Old Grammar School in the pretty village of Hawkshead was founded in 1585 by the Archbishop of York, Edwin Sandys. It is now a museum housing a unique collection of historic items relating to the school, whose most famous pupil was William Wordsworth.….things to do here >>

The family home of Lord & Lady Cavendish, Holker Hall is probably the finest house in the Lake District. Open to the public, you can tour the house with no rope barrier restrictions and enjoy 25 acres of award winning gardens and woodlands.….things to do here >>

Both the superb Elizabethan mansion and the renowned gardens are open to the public. Of special interest are the topiary gardens, the oldest in the world. There is also a tea room, gift shop, a plant centre and a children’s play area ….things to do here >>

Some 17 minutes drive from Windermere village, Sizergh Castle is a romantic medieval house set in large landscaped gardens. Things to do include wildlife spotting, house tours, a wild play trail where kids can explore and play, a cafe and a shop. A National Trust property.….things to do here >>

A National Trust property, Allan Bank is a great place to see red squirrels and have a picnic. There’s also a craft room to use or browse the library, make yourself a free cup of tea, and curl up with a good read. The woodland walk takes about 45 minutes. There’s also a walled garden and formal lawns to enjoy. ….things to do here >>

One for Wordsworth fans, pretty St Oswald’s Church graveyard contains the graves of many of William Wordsworth’s family and that of the poet himself. It is one of the most visited literary shrines in the world. Next to the church is the famous Sarah Nelson’s Grasmere Gingerbread shop….things to do here >>

Keen gardeners looking for things to do in Windermere will appreciate the five acres of gardens with their great diversity of plants that thrive in the area. Holehird Gardens are managed by the Lakeland Horticultural Society and have beautiful views across Windermere lake and the fells.….things to do here >>

Over 30 acres of gardens, woodlands, streams, waterfalls and a sculpture path. There are mosses, native flora and trees, including a Sweet Chestnut some 500 years old with a girth of 36 feet. The formal gardens were designed by Thomas Mawson ….things to do here >>

If you’re looking for free things to do in Windermere to while away an hour or two in peace and quiet, stroll down to this lovely 8 acre woodland garden, just a short walk from Ambleside town. There are fine collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, a stream and lovely views….things to do here >>

Open to the public from April to August, the 12 acre gardens were originally designed by Thomas Mawson. An interesting mix of formal and informal planting is set in 1,000 hectares of woodlands, home to osprey and golden eagle. In spring the rhododendrons, azaleas, and other shrubs create a blaze of colour. ….things to do here >>

Cumbria’s most prestigious garden centre is still owned by the same family who opened it in 1921. Their history in Lake District gardening spans 200 years. Now a pleasant all weather Ambleside attraction it offers leisure shopping and a restaurant as well as a large selection of plants and all things garden.….things to do here >>

Next to St Mary’s Church in Rydal, about 1.5 miles from Ambleside, Dora’s Field is covered with daffodils and bluebells in the spring. Wordsworth originally planted the daffodils in memory of his daughter. Surrounded by trees, it is a pleasant place to pause and sit on one of the benches provided.….things to do here >>