What is Windermere famous for?

Windermere town initially grew in popularity following the instalment of the railway line in 1847 connecting the town with the West Coast Main Line. Easier access to the town encouraged more tourists to the beauty spot. Other factors encouraging visitors include the status of Windermere lake, the towns connection with famous authors and poets, plus more…

  • Lake Windermere and Belle Isle

Windermere lake is famous for being the largest natural lake in England, measuring over 11 miles long and one mile wide at its widest part. The lake has 19 islands, with the most famous being Belle Isle; the largest island on the lake home to a luxurious 16th century roman inspired house. The roman styled architecture reflects the history of the island, which was once home to a Roman governor who built a villa on the land. The island house draws resemblance to the architecture of the Pantheon in Rome. The island is still privately owned and off limits to tourists.

  • Railway

In 1847, Kendal and Windermere railway’s branch line was created, making Windermere lake and town more accessible to visitors resulting in the town becoming a popular holiday destination over the years. Windermere railway station is still a popular hub for train and bus connections. The most regular train service is to Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line. The station used to be a lot bigger however tracks have been removed over the years. The Booths supermarket beside the station has been designed to mimic the original train-shed that once stood in its place.

  • Boating

Due to Windermere being the largest lake in England, the water has been a popular place for boating challenges and tours over the years. Steam ferries and cruises have been operating on the lake since the 1800’s with services now owned and ran by Windermere Lake Cruises Ltd. The company still operate three original large railway boats dating back to 1891. Taking a boat trip across Windermere is an easy and fun way to explore the area. Boating activities are popular on the lake; there a five large boating clubs based around the shores including the South Windermere Sailing Club, Windermere Motor Boat Racing Club, the Lake District Boating Club, the Royal Windermere Yacht Club and the Windermere Cruising Association. Competitive power boating and water-skiing are also popular activities on the lake with world water speed records being set on the lake. The first record was broke by Sir Henry Segrave in 1930, who sadly died after his boat capsized on his third record breaking run on Windermere after crashing near Belle Grange. Later in 1950, racer Norman Buckley set several world water speed records on Windermere.

  • Three Lakes Challenge

The Three Lakes Challenge is the swimming equivalent to the National Three Peaks hiking challenge and involves swimming the length of Windermere. The challenge was first completed by a group of 5 swimmers in 2015.

  • Poets

Famous Lakeland poet William Wordsworth spoke highly of Windermere’s beauty in his work The Prelude, stating ‘at my feet I saw Lake, islands, promontories, gleaming bays, A universe of Nature’s fairest forms Proudly reveled with instanteous burst, Magnifecent and beautiful and gay.’  The work of Lake poets in the 18th century attracted visitors to the Lake District from near and far, with readers desperate to set eyes on the beautiful places the poets described in their work.

  • Windermere on screen

The setting of both Windermere town and lake has appeared a number of times on popular TV shows and films, showcasing the stunning area on our screens at home and in the cinema. 

  • BBC series ‘Swallows and Amazons’: In 1962, the boathouse of Huyton Hill Preparatory School (now Pullwood House) featured in the original BBC series based on the children’s book by Arthur Ransome. The boathouse can be found on the northwestern shore of Windermere. 

  • Snow White and the Huntsman: The 2012 Hollywood hit fantasy film used locations from all around the Lake District when filming, including views of lake Windermere. Actresses’ Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron spent some of their own time exploring Windermere town. 

  • Without a Clue: The popular 1988, comedy film with a twist on the Sherlock Holmes stories was set in a number of Lake District locations including Windermere lake and town. The film stars well-known actors including Michael Caine.