We visited Windermere on a Sunday afternoon. There are many stores and eateries in the village of Windermere. The serenity and tranquility of Lake Windermere brings an amazing peace. Definitely a place to visit when you are in the Lake District.

We stayed in a gorgeous B&B between Bowness and Windermere (Fir Trees - reviewed separately) and as this was our second visit we took a more leisurely pace this time. Especially as we were visiting with a 1 year old! The highlight of this visit was definitely watching the sunsets from nearby Queen Adelaide's Hill and the short walk along the shore there, past the picturesque piers. We explored the nearby towns a little more this time too, with Bowness being our preference as seemed slightly less crazy busy then Windermere, there is a big carpark with electric charging points and there is a nice little promenade walk along the waterfront with ducks to feed (buy small bags of duck feed for 50p in the souvenir shops you walk past). Grasmere is also easy to explore with a large carpark and some gorgeous walks from here. It was a rainy visit this time, but we found a few great indoors activities to do with little ones, particularly The World of Beatrix Potter and the aquarium at south of Lake. Next time, if the weather is better, we will make a day trip on the boat and steam train. A full day trip itinerary as combines a 40 minute boat cruise from Bowness pier and then a 20 minute trip on the steam train in traditional 1950’s carriages. Spend an hour at Haverthwaite at the playground and cafe before starting the journey back. The train passes through beautiful scenery. Before boarding the boat to also visit the aquarium, as it is nearby. Tickets are £24.50 for the package and can be bought at the Lakeside Station, or £10 just to ride the steam train. Last time we did a lot more hiking; around Grasmere Lake, upto Rydal Cave and around Rydal Water which we highly recommend. Other unexpected highlights last year were Stott Park Bobbin Mill and Claife Viewing Station. We also enjoyed Hill Top Farm but this was very busy. If visiting on a sunny day then the views across Lake Windermere are really beautiful and you need nothing more than sturdy pair of walking shoes and a backpack with a picnic lunch!

Lovely and touristy never went on the lake as was extremely cold. The parking was free up to good Friday but no signs telling you this. It was a local walking his dog told us as we were apprehensive to park as the meters were all faulty . The town is up a hill but you can get a bus and walk back down.

The lake was absolutely stunning! We only spent a few hours here but could definitely spend longer. The views and the horizon were amazing even on a rainy day. While we were walking round the Lake we could spot the places where some Movies were filmed and could take some photos of the gorgeous landscape. The only downfall is that there were no bins. We needed to hold our packaging during our whole walk until we saw one in the car park. They could scatter a few bins so it would be easier and it might also stop some people littering as I doubt everyone would carry a empty wrapper for hours

Lake Windermere is quite simply stunning and a jewel in the UK's crown. Spectacular views, gorgeous scenery and wonderful nature at every turn, it's picture perfect. If you've never been you really must. The Lake District is obviously a focal point for so many breaks and so it can get very busy. Yet you always find your own little slice of the peaceful pie if you look hard enough. Take a picnic or stop at one of the many, many places dotted around the vastness of the lake for refreshments. Get the ferry over to Belle Isle from Bowness and enjoy that little haven too. An idyllic island with a circumference walk to enjoy. A day out to remember, forever.

Comfy coach, excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable and friendly! Could have used more time in Windermere and less time in Hawkeshead and Coniston. Beautiful scenery and lots picturesque countryside.

Stunningly beautiful lake and hills. Worth a visit. We cycled around the side of the lake and hired a boat with the family. Great fun. It was busy in June, so will be even busier in August. But worth a trip.

Unsurprisingly the beautiful sunny weather brought us to the lakes of Windermere. We parked at the main carpark close to an adventure park and headed down a lush green path which led us right up to the water front. It was refreshing seeing people out and about enjoying the crisp fresh air playing footie or simply soaking in the sun given the years of pandemic. Nearby, the alluring scent of burgers on a grill got our tummies rumbling. Why just cruise down when you can be the captain of your own boat? Ever wanted to re-live your titanic dreams? Yes yes we know what you are thinking. We are referring to the famous Jack and Rose flying at the bow scene and not the sinking scene. Today, anyone can hire a motorised boat and cruise down the waters of Windermere even if you do not have a power boat license. The only thing you need to know is that the boat will point the opposite way you steer the tiller. And if you are in doubt, give way to everyone else for the safety and comfort of everyone. Even if you did max out the little outboard motor mounted to the back of the boat in a feeble attempt of breaking the sounds barrier and travel at the speed of sound, the only thing you would probably end up breaking is your back due to the choppiness of the ride all thanks to your own folly. Our advise? Commandeer safely and take your time to cruise down the lake and fill your cameras with photos whilst soaking in the sun rays and beautiful surroundings. Once you have gotten underway, kick back, relax and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings! Families out at sea, some even cheerfully waving at us whilst we explored the lovely lake. The warm rays of the sun against our face, the gentle waves splashing against the water’s edge with families playing a round of footsie in the fields, its almost as though life is back to what is supposed to be. Hence we decided to put on our sunnies, kick back, and soak in the cheerful ambiance as the alluring scent of beef patties covered by melting cheese fleshly smoked over the grill floated over and ticked our taste buds. More photos & videos can be found on IG & YouTube ( monk3yseendo )

Beautiful location, lots to do and can be a reasonably cheap day out if you go prepared with picnic lunch. Car parking can fill up quickly in the holidays and is a mix of free and chargeable spots. If you want to make the most of it, boat trips are a good way of visiting other places, plenty of restaurants but best to book at busy times. A picnic and paddle at Cockshott Point on a summers day with small kids is lots of fun or visit Peter Rabbit at world of Beatrix Potter if it’s raining, check to see if there are any shows on at their little theatre.

Stunning place to visit. We did a boat trip around part of the lake it took 45 mins & was great & very informative even though the weather was not great it was well worth doing. It’s a lovely drive around the lake going through some nice villages plenty of places to stop & eat at really love the area even better when the weather is good