| Overview | Things to do | Suitability | Country Info (England) |
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The town of Windermere is now an extension of Bowness-on-Windermere , just a short distance up hill from the shores of the lake. Originally a tiny village named Birthwaite occupied the area, until the coming of the railway in 1847, when the railway company re named the village after the lake.
Windermere grew into a resort with many fine Hotels and private houses, built by wealthy industrialists who could live in the glorious surroundings of the Lake District and travel to work in ease, by rail. You can learn about the Lake District's geological beginnings, landscape, wildlife, traditions and people and see how it is cared for today. Marvel at the stunning Water Feature - Try out the Giant Video Microscope - Make a Glacier Move - Take a Magic Carpet Ride across mountains, lakes and valleys. At the heart of the Lake District and just a mile away from the lake of the same name, the Lakeland town of Windermere offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside and nearby fells. Its great selection of accommodation, ranging from family run B&Bs and cosy guest houses to luxurious hotels, provides the perfect base for a relaxing break in this beautiful area of the county The natural splendour of the area has provided inspiration for great writers, poets, artists and craftsmen. 'Hill Top' is where Beatrix Potter wrote her celebrated children's stories. The poet William Wordsworth spent many years in the village of Grasmere and his homes 'Dove Cottage', and in later years 'Rydal Mount' , house many mementoes of the great man. Windermere on the hillside and Bowness on the lake shore are set within the Lake District National Park, each with their own character and charm. At ten and a half miles long, Windermere is the longest lake in England and offers panoramic views of the surrounding fells. Blackwell , the recently refurbished and inspirational Arts and Crafts house designed by Baillie Scott, sits in an elevated position overlooking the lake. |
