natural wonder
Lake Windermere
England's largest natural lake, stretching over 10 miles through the heart of the Lake District with stunning mountain backdrops.
2 km · about 5 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomEngland
Windermere
England, United Kingdom · Europe
About Windermere
Windermere works well as a base: 10 minutes from Staveley, 2km from Lake Windermere.
Windermere is in England, United Kingdom, with about 7,800 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Staveley, about 6 km away.
Windermere and Bowness, formerly just Windermere, is a civil parish in the Westmorland and Furness district, in the ceremonial county of Cumbria, England. It includes the towns of Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere, the village of Troutbeck Bridge, the hamlet of Storrs and the areas of Ferney Green and Heathwaite.Read more
In 2021 the parish had a population of 7,676. The parish borders Cartmel Fell, Claife, Colton, Crook, Hugill, Kentmere, Lakes, Satterthwaite and Staveley-in-Cartmel. There are 82 listed buildings in Windermere and Bowness. Windermere and Bowness Town Council's meetings take place at Langstone House.
Where to Stay in Windermere
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Windermere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Windermere?
Within an hour or so of Windermere: Lake Windermere (2 km), Bowness-on-Windermere (2 km), Hill Top, Near Sawrey (Miss Potter) (6 km), Esthwaite Water (6 km).
Are there any good drives near Windermere?
The nearest famous roads are Kirkstone Pass, Kirkstone Pass and The Struggle and A591 Windermere to Keswick.
Where is Windermere?
Windermere is in England, United Kingdom, about 6 km from Staveley.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 7,765
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- England
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 54.3809, -2.9071
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Windermere
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Bowness-on-Windermere
The busiest lakeside town in the National Park, the departure point for Windermere steamers and home to the World of Beatrix Potter.
2 km · about 5 min drive
film location
Hill Top, Near Sawrey (Miss Potter)
Beatrix Potter's farmhouse in the Lake District, used in Miss Potter and the source of her illustrated landscapes.
6 km · about 10 min drive
natural wonder
Esthwaite Water
A small, fertile lake between Windermere and Coniston, near Beatrix Potter's Hill Top farm at Near Sawrey.
6 km · about 10 min drive
waterfall
Stock Ghyll Force
A 21 m waterfall reached by a short woodland walk from the centre of Ambleside, once powering the town's mills.
6 km · about 10 min drive
landmark
Ambleside
A stone-built town at the head of Windermere, known for the tiny Bridge House straddling Stock Ghyll and as a walkers' base.
6 km · about 10 min drive
mountain pass
Kirkstone Pass
The Lake District's highest motor road, topped by an ancient inn and sweeping views over Brothers Water.
9 km · about 20 min drive
famous road
Kirkstone Pass and The Struggle
The Lake District's highest pass road at 454m; the 'Struggle' from Ambleside is a 1-in-4 climb to the Kirkstone Pass Inn.
9 km · about 15 min drive
Driving roads near Windermere
15 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- Right hereKirkstone PassThe Lake District's highest motor road, topped by an ancient inn and sweeping views over Brothers Water.
- Right hereKirkstone Pass and The StruggleThe Lake District's highest pass road at 454m; the 'Struggle' from Ambleside is a 1-in-4 climb to the Kirkstone Pass Inn.
- Right hereThe Old Man of ConistonA 803 m fell rising directly above Coniston village, scarred by centuries of copper and slate workings and topped by a wide summit cairn.
- Right hereWrynose PassA wild mountain pass connecting the Langdale and Duddon valleys with panoramic views of the central Lake District fells.
- Right hereLangdale PikesThe jagged skyline of Harrison Stickle, Pike o' Stickle and their neighbours above Great Langdale, one of the Lake District's defining silhouettes.
- 17 kmHardknott Pass SummitEngland's steepest road pass with gradients up to 33%, offering spectacular views of the Eskdale valley and surrounding Lakeland fells.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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