| Windermere the lake is 10.5 miles long and ranges from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide. The northern end is Waterhead, a mile from Ambleside town centre, the middle being Bowness-On-Windermere and the southerly end bringing you to Newby Bridge.
The start of Windermere’s popularity began in 1847 when the Kendal to Windermere railway line was constructed. This enabled visitors to travel to the heart of the Lake District with ease. The train network has now grown to the direct line from Windermere to Manchester Airport and also the thriving West Coast Mainline that can be joined from Oxenholme The Lake District station. This has brought many visitors from outside the UK to the area and has put Windermere on the map internationally.
The town of Windermere is located on the east bank of the lake and is in actual fact one and a quarter miles from the lake. With a population of approximately 2,295, Windermere is one of the larger towns in the South Lakes. Many businesses have offices and shops in the town due to its location to the many smaller villages in the area. It has a supermarket, many local independent shops and the flagship Lakeland Limited store right next to the train station.
Surrounding the town and all the way down to the lake are a plethora of Windermere Hotels and Lake District Hotels . The choice really is endless. Boutique and niche hotels have begun to pop up making Windermere a quality destination suitable for young and old.
The lake offers many activities from Windermere lake cruises to fishing and water sports. Of course, if being on the water is not for you, the walking along the shore taking in the scenery and landscapes is equally as enthralling. The town of Bowness-On-Windermere sits right by the lake too. Again, a very busy town but a greater focus on tourism. Many excellent restaurants and bars along with clothing boutiques and gift shops are on offer there. It is also where the Beatrix Potter visitor centre of located. This has become especially popular since the release of the Miss Potter film starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. |