5 best places to visit in Windermere: A local’s guide

Windermere is a major tourist hub and for good reason, but how do you narrow down what to see and do during your trip? Well, as locals to the area, we’re here to offer the best recommendations!

In this guide, we’re spilling on the best places to visit in Windermere so you know exactly what to prioritise on your list.

1. Orrest Head

Best for: Seeing stunning views without effort

If you’re wondering what to see in Windermere, the view from the summit of Orrest Head fell should be top of your list. This well-known walk guarantees stunning 360-degree views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding fells. The route above takes just over an hour, but if you’re after something longer, you can combine it with other local routes like Brant Fell.

Insider tip: This route gets busy during peak season, so we’d recommend a weekday for a quieter experience. And for the best photo opportunities, time your visit around sunrise or golden hour!

How to get there: You can start the walk straight from Windermere bus station. If driving, you’ll find parking in the village or on Broad Street.

2. Millerground 

Best for: Experiencing the lake without crowds

If you’re looking for more low-key things to do around Windermere, add Millerground to your list. This stony lakeshore is perfect for soaking up the beauty of Lake Windermere up close. 

Millerground is a popular local swim spot, and you can hire a paddleboard or kayak if you’re after more adventure. To get there, you’ll venture down a gravel path, through a small woodland, before arriving at the shore to admire the lake, paddle, or skim stones.

Naturally, you’ll find some tourists gathered along the lakeshore, but it’s nothing compared to the crowds at Bowness Bay. Better yet, you can visit Queen Adelaide’s Hill from here, which involves a short, gentle climb, but promises breathtaking views of the lake and fells. 

Insider tip: The main jetty gets busy, so it’s worth heading further down the lakeshore to find a quieter spot!

How to get there: Walk from Millerground car park, just off Rayrigg Road, or from Windermere town centre. This route from the train station will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.

3. Windermere Jetty Museum

Best for: Spending a rainy day with the family

Windermere Jetty Museum is the perfect place to learn about the town’s boating heritage, keep the kids entertained, and enjoy coffee with a view. It’s made our list because you can get up close to historic vessels and motorboats in interactive galleries, built right above the water. 

You can also observe the conservation workshop or book an exclusive heritage boat trip for a one-of-a-kind experience. Little ones can sail miniature boats across the model boating pond, and the café offers its own experience, with panoramic views across the water.

Insider tip: Book tickets online (£12 for adults, £6 for children under 15, and family passes start at £20*) to secure your spot ahead of time.

*Prices accurate at the time of publishing.

How to get there: There’s free parking available at the museum for up to 4 hours if you spend more than £5 in the café or museum. You can also walk or drive along Rayrigg Road if the car park is full.

4. Windermere Town Centre

Best for: Browsing independent shops and cafés 

If you’re wondering what to do in Windermere, the obvious answer is to explore the town itself. It’s got everything you need to indulge in a spot of retail therapy and follow up with a hearty brunch.

Here are our top recommendations:

• For shopping: Daniella Draper’s for sustainably made jewellery, the National Park Print Shop for indie art prints, or The Corner Shop for gifts and souvenirs to take home.
• For coffee: ASAP Coffee and Homeground are our top choices if you’re after a specialty flat white, a long black, or a refreshing iced latte. 
• For food: Homeground is the place to go for a mean brunch, while Toast delivers generously filled fresh toasties (totally worth the queue). For dinner, San Pietro is ideal for indulgent Italian dining, while Tapios is perfect for small plates. 
• For drinks: Hands down, The Crafty Baa is the place to go for a drink, with over 100 craft beers, real ale, and cider.

Insider tip: If visiting during peak season, you’ll need to book your table in advance at San Pietro and Tapios. Homeground doesn’t take bookings and the queue does pile up, so it’s best to head there for opening time (9am on weekends) or go for a late lunch.

How to get there: The town centre is a 5-minute walk downhill from the bus and train stations. If you’re staying in Bowness-on-Windermere, it’s a 20-minute walk up Lake Road.

5. Windermere Lake Cruises

Best for: Seeing lots in little time

A cruise on the lake is one of the most popular things to do in Windermere. In fact, this activity has held its place in VisitEngland’s Top Ten most popular paid-for attractions in England for several years.. 

We recommend the Red Cruise to Ambleside (75 minutes) with Windermere Lake Cruises, which includes a stop-off at Windermere Jetty Museum. The Blue Cruise (45 minutes) offers a short, scenic tour of the lake’s islands, or you can buy the Freedom of the Lake pass to get hop-on-hop-off access all day.

Insider tip: Prices and timetables change seasonally, so it’s worth checking the website before visiting. Tickets for the Freedom of the Lake pass currently start at £35*.

*Prices accurate at the time of publishing.

How to get there: Bowness Bay is the closest place to board from Windermere, which is a short walk downhill or a quick bus ride away. You can also hop on at other places along the lake like Ambleside, Lakeside, and Wray.

Explore Windermere from a Coppermines cottage

There are plenty of places to go in Windermere that make it worth visiting. Take in the views from Orrest Head, rent a paddleboard from Millerground, or browse independent stores and coffee shops in the town centre.

After a day on your feet, a Coppermines cottage gives you a proper place to relax, dry off, and cook up a tasty meal. Our holiday cottages in Hawkshead & Windermere put you a short drive away from the town for a quiet escape in a beautiful, rural location.