Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
More than ten miles in length, Windermere is England's largest lake that offers a wide variety of summer recreation including cruises, fishing, boating, sailing and scuba diving.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,175 reviews
Excellent
3,073
Very good
883
Average
153
Poor
34
Terrible
32
Anastasia (@monk3yseendo)
Malaysia2,381 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
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 )
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 )
Written 30 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RichAnnette
Yatton, UK33 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
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
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JoC
91 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
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.
Written 1 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Braindamagedbaron
Newark-on-Trent, UK1,836 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
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.
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.
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobo Ngan
Hong Kong, China430 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Not only relaxing , there are so many activities, site seeing, hiking, eating, lake cruise, camping, etc. Everywhere are so nice. This time, my teenage son take me to hiking, the view are so nice. There are so many bus route travel arround the main hiking point. Plan your hiking route with well schedule bus time.
Written 8 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tilly Lladnek
Northumberland, UK340 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
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
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
Written 25 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie
Melbourne, Australia82 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
Lake Windermere是Lake District National Park内最大的湖泊，也是英国最著名的旅游胜地之一。
一、交通
1. 自驾：从伦敦出发约需4-5小时车程，从曼彻斯特出发约需1.5-2小时车程。
2. 火车：可以乘坐火车到温德米尔镇（Windermere），从伦敦出发约需3小时，从曼彻斯特出发约需1.5小时。本人超级讨厌坐飞机，所以出行能坐火车就坐火车。发现在trainpal上购买railcard 输入RC777E 会有20%的折扣，推荐给大家。
二、景点
1. 温德米尔湖游船：乘坐游船是欣赏湖区美景的最佳方式，可以选择短途或长途游船，沿途停靠多个景点。
2. Beatrix Potter World：位于Bowness-on-Windermere，是一个以著名童书作家比阿特丽克斯·波特（Beatrix Potter）为主题的博物馆，适合家庭游客。
3. Wray Castle：一个维多利亚哥特式的城堡，位于湖的西岸，可以参观城堡内部并漫步于周围的花园。
4. Hiking and Walking Trails：湖区有许多适合徒步和散步的路线，如Loughrigg Fell、Orrest Head等，可以欣赏湖光山色。
一、交通
1. 自驾：从伦敦出发约需4-5小时车程，从曼彻斯特出发约需1.5-2小时车程。
2. 火车：可以乘坐火车到温德米尔镇（Windermere），从伦敦出发约需3小时，从曼彻斯特出发约需1.5小时。本人超级讨厌坐飞机，所以出行能坐火车就坐火车。发现在trainpal上购买railcard 输入RC777E 会有20%的折扣，推荐给大家。
二、景点
1. 温德米尔湖游船：乘坐游船是欣赏湖区美景的最佳方式，可以选择短途或长途游船，沿途停靠多个景点。
2. Beatrix Potter World：位于Bowness-on-Windermere，是一个以著名童书作家比阿特丽克斯·波特（Beatrix Potter）为主题的博物馆，适合家庭游客。
3. Wray Castle：一个维多利亚哥特式的城堡，位于湖的西岸，可以参观城堡内部并漫步于周围的花园。
4. Hiking and Walking Trails：湖区有许多适合徒步和散步的路线，如Loughrigg Fell、Orrest Head等，可以欣赏湖光山色。
Written 7 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheYoungRetiredCouple
London, UK133 contributions
May 2024 • Family
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.
Written 25 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane D
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK6 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A stunning lake with perfect photography spots.
A beautiful backdrop of valleys, hills & tree lines. Fantastic walks around the area and a fantastic range of activities such as boat trips, paddle boarding and lunch at one of the local cafes/restaurants.
Recommend: Lake Cruise
A beautiful backdrop of valleys, hills & tree lines. Fantastic walks around the area and a fantastic range of activities such as boat trips, paddle boarding and lunch at one of the local cafes/restaurants.
Recommend: Lake Cruise
Written 15 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
86780
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
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.
Could have used more time in Windermere and less time in Hawkeshead and Coniston.
Beautiful scenery and lots picturesque countryside.
Written 3 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iam planning to go to lake Windermere tomorrow. iam planning to use a camping stove right next to the lake area..is that permitted I know BBQ and open fires are not allowed but can I cook on a camping stove?? Is it allowed
Written 3 June 2023
Do you have to pre book boat trips / slots to sail your own electric boat on Windermere or can you just turn up on the day? We are going next week (half term) but aren’t sure what our plans are yet.
Written 28 May 2023
We did not have to pre book for our trip, and we saw other people doing what we did by turning up and buying tickets.
Written 29 May 2023
Me and my friend are coming to Lake Windermere and the surrounding area for a few days. We enjoy hiking but i have back injury at the moment so not looking for anything to intense! We also are interested in the villages and other things local to the area! Any suggestions?
Written 3 October 2021
It is flat around the lake so no problem walking, the shops are pretty flat as well. We were only there for the day so can't help you with the hills
Written 4 October 2021
Does anyone know how much it is to hire a boat per hour please?
Not a guided tour, one where i can take it out myself with my partner
Written 16 July 2020
I’m sure we usually pay around £50 for a couple of hours! Maybe see if they have a website?
Written 17 July 2020
I'll be staying 2 hours away from Windermere and want to make sure I have time to get there, explore, and get home before it gets too late. How long does it take to explore this area?
Written 23 January 2020
There is more than enough to occupy you for a week depending on your interests! I suggest you contact Windermere tourist information centre website and select 1 activity that makes your fancy. Can't go wrong with a boat trip though.
Written 27 January 2020
Can you take dogs on the motor boats?
Written 9 August 2019
yes, dogs are welcome aboard our self drive motor boats but we do advise you to keep them on a short lead at all times
Written 11 August 2019
Fred Appleton-Kerry-Eed
Serbia
Nothing to do with the lake itself but there is a frequent debate in my household as to if water is wet? What is your opinion? Please debate in the answers, many thanks. Looking forward to finally solving this argument
Written 29 May 2019
Just google the question and you get this answer 😉
Answer 1:
Being a liquid, water is not itself wet, but can make other solid materials wet.
Wetness is the ability of a liquid to adhere to the surface of a solid, so when we say that something is wet, we mean that the liquid is sticking to the surface of a material.
Whether an object is wet or dry depends on a balance between cohesive and adhesive forces. Cohesive forces are attractive forces within the liquid that cause the molecules in the liquid to prefer to stick together. Cohesive forces are also responsible for surface tension. If the cohesive forces are very strong, then the liquid molecules really like to stay close together and they won't spread out on the surface of an object very much. On the contrary, adhesive forces are the attractive forces between the liquid and the surface of the material. If the adhesive forces are strong, then the liquid will try and spread out onto the surface as much as possible. So how wet a surface is depends on the balance between these two forces. If the adhesive forces (liquid-solid) are bigger than the cohesive forces (liquid-liquid), we say the material becomes wet, and the liquid tends to spread out to maximize contact with the surface. On the other hand, if the adhesive forces (liquid-solid) are smaller than the cohesive forces (liquid-liquid), we say the material is dry, and the liquid tends to bead-up into a spherical drop and tries to minimize the contact with the surface.
Water actually has pretty high cohesive forces due to hydrogen bonding, and so is not as good at wetting surfaces as some liquids such as acetone or alcohols. However, water does wet certain surfaces like glass for example. Adding detergents can make water better at wetting by lowering the cohesive forces . Water resistant materials such as Gore-tex fabric is made of material that is hydrophobic (water repellent) and so the cohesive forces within the water (liquid-liquid) are much stronger than the adhesive force (liquid-solid) and water tends to bead-up on the outside of the material and you stay dry.
Answer 2:
To answer this question, we need to define the term "wet." If we define "wet" as the condition of a liquid sticking to a solid surface, such as water wetting our skin, then we cannot say that water is wet by itself, because it takes a liquid AND a solid to define the term "wet."
If we define "wet" as a sensation that we get when a liquid comes in contact with us, then yes, water is wet to us.
If we define "wet" as "made of liquid or moisture", then water is definitely wet because it is made of liquid, and in this sense, all liquids are wet because they are all made of liquids. I think that this is a case of a word being useful only in appropriate contexts.
Written 29 May 2019
Hi I visit Bowness-on-Windermere and the other surrounding attractions on a regular basis . I on my last 3 visit been very disappointed in the attitude of some of the hotels and businesses in the Bowness-on-Windermere area . On my last visit I was shocked when I saw security persons who were intimidating and rude , the site of these arrogant bouncer was stop anyone entering the pup restaurant to go to the toilet.i saw a large number or persons with children refused entry to the toilet unless they purchased a drink and food before, I can see a point the some pubs restaurant do not want the public to use there toilets yet the expect customers from all over the world to spend there money . My question it why when so may people visit the Bowness-on-Windermere area is there not additional toilet facilities provide. There is only one public toilet I know of the was locked out of order , I the it about time the businesses , council , and locals started treating multi cultural people in a respectful way , before in turns out like Blackpool, so my question is why on a busy weekend is the public toilet not working and why do business treat customers so bad, they sell products food drink , but don’t allow person young old and disabled to use a toilet how bad dose that look to all visitors, I was also shocked when asking the boat staff where the nearest toilet no one knew or could be bothered . The council should take notes and show more respect to visitors
Written 22 April 2019
Our experience is that the availability of loos in general are limited in certain parts of the UK. So, we are always on the lookout for a local Tesco, Sainsbury, etc. where we KNOW there will be toilets. Do your research first. We don't mind going to a pub for a drink just to have access to their toilets. I do agree that local councils should be more proactive in meeting the needs of tourists, especially in high trafficked areas such as the Lake District.
Written 20 May 2019
I am traveling from Hong Kong.
I am planning a short trip of 2-4 days in the Lake District in early September this year & will be driving to the region. I am interested in the scenery of the lakes. However, I and my wife are not keen on trail walking.
Would anyone suggest the best base and the duration of the trip?
Thanks!
Po
Written 29 July 2018
Hello - obviously we're going to say come to Windermere!! But for easy car-free transport, range of cruises and option to visit other attractions, we offer a broad and frequent service. Have a look at our website for more info! enjoy your visit!
Written 1 August 2018
from manchister.. pls can i go there with a train?? how can i do pls??
Written 1 January 2018
I agree with Mark B. However please be aware that Windermere Town And Station are 1- 1.5 miles from Lake Windermere. The nearest access point on the Lake to the station is Bowness on Windermere.
Written 2 January 2018
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