Windermere Town

The small town of Windermere lies one and a quarter miles from Lake Windermere on its east bank. It was once known as the hamlet of Birthwaite.

View of Lake Windermere and the snow covered Langdales from Hammar Bank, Windermere Town

The town owes its development to the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere railway, the establishment of which was staunchly opposed by the poet William Wordsworth, who was concerned that the influx of visitors would spoil the natural appeal of the lake.

Windermere gradually grew until it merged with Bowness-on-Windermere in 1905, although both retain their distinctive town centres. Windermere now hosts a population of around 2,295 people. Many of the town's Victorian houses now operate as guest houses. Windermere has many amenities, tourist shops, a large number of which supply fell walking and climbing equipment, a number of museums and a Tourist Information Centre, which is situated near to the station.

Holehird Gardens, about a mile from the town, situated on a hillside on the southern side of the Troutbeck Valley, cover ten acres and are owned by the Lake District Horticultural Society. They host a superb collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and alpines. Among other features the gardens have an attractive rock garden, kitchen garden and an orchard. More on Holehird Gardens

Mist over Windermere from Orrest Head

North of the town lies the fell of Orrest Head, at 784 feet, some excellent views over Lake Windermere can be had from its summit. On a clear day, the Yorkshire fells and Morecambe Bay are clearly visible.