Windermere in a Day: What to See & Do

21 July 2017

Windermere is one of the most popular destinations in the Lake District, and it isn’t hard to see why it draws so many visitors, year after year.

There is so much to see and do in the area, and plenty of history too. Not to mention the beautiful landscape and the lake itself.

So if you are planning a trip to Windermere, you may be wondering what to see and do. Even if you only have a day trip to enjoy the area, you can fit in quite a few of the great activities on offer, and as Windermere is only a short distance from our Lake District based parks, we thought we’d help you put by offering up a few suggestions.

Local attractions

Windermere Lake Cruise

Enjoy England’s longest lake from the water itself with Windermere Lake Cruises, which have the makings of a perfect day out!

You can start your journey from Ambleside, Bowness, Brockhole or Lakeside Pier, and either make a day of it or just a 45-minute cruise, as well as several options in between.

There is a wealth of attractions right close by, so you can even buy a combined ticket for a cruise and a couple of attractions, which can be a really savvy way to enjoy the area if you only have one day!

Discounts are available with our holiday passport, so be sure to ask for more information if you are staying with us.

The World of Beatrix Potter

Bring the magic of Peter Rabbit and his friends to life with a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere!

Beatrix Potter was not only a renowned author of children’s books but also integral to the conservation of the Lakeland area we enjoy today. Learn more about the importance of her conservation efforts, and learn about the story of her writing with interactive exhibits.

It is a delightful experience for children and adults alike, and there is even a family friendly cafe where you can enjoy refreshments and home-made cakes, soup, and scones.

Lakeland Motor Museum

Petrol heads will really enjoy a trip to the Lakeland Motor Museum, where you will find a collection of over 30,000 fascinating exhibits.

Explore the history of road transport of the 20th Century, whether it be cars, motorbikes, or automobilia.

You will also find recreations of a 1920s garage, a 1950s cafe, and period shops, making it much more than just a collection of vintage cars, and a truly interesting day out for all the family.

The Lakeland Motor Museum is also included in our holiday passport, so do be sure to enquire about deals.

Treetop Trek

For a bit of adventure, head to Treetop Trek, where you can experience 35 treetop challenges in which you swing, climb, and fly through the canopy of the incredible woodland.

Highlights include three parallel 250-meter zip lines with wonderful views over Lake Windermere and the nearby fells, and a series of tree top nets suspended up high!

Grab a bite to eat

While you enjoy your day out, you will no doubt need to top up your energy levels with some great local food. Here are just a few of the great places to eat in the area!

Vinegar Jones

Grab some quality fish and chips to eat by the lake, or grab a table inside and take a load off your feet at Vinegar Jones in Bowness-on-Windermere.

Having been in business for over 20 years, Vinegar Jones was refurbished in 2013 after a fire, and is now better than ever!

Enjoy all of the classic chippy favourites you love, as well as vegetarian and halal options. And they even do gluten free fish and chips!

Porto

Porto is a great option if you are looking for something a little fancier, with a newly refurbished restaurant and menus to suit everybody.

Whether you’re after a light lunch, a sandwich, or a taste of the award winning à la carte menu in the evening, the modern British menu and beautiful presentation of the food won’t disappoint!

We hope this has given you some inspiration of how to fill a day in the beautiful Windermere area. If you’re headed to the Lake District soon why not check out our roundup of the most Instagrammed spots here so you can seek out the most picturesque views?