Windermere
Windermere
Windermere holds the title as the lake districts busiest town originally a small Farming hamlet it suddenly grew in size due to the arrival of the railway in1847 and the rising popularity of the Lake District due to the Victorian visitors who flocked here.
Now a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts Windermere with its biggest lake more than 10 miles long is England’s largest it attracts fishermen, yachtsmen hikers, walkers and mountaineers who occupy the many hotels guest houses and B & Bs. The town has plenty of shops, studios and craft outlets to explore along with numerous cafes restaurants and bistros.
The lake and scenery are magnificent not far away are the equally popular destinations of Bowness and Ambleside all lakeside tourist centres. The lakes as they are known has many famous associations with such names as Wordsworth, Beatrix potter and John Ruskin.
The latter liked the place so much he settled here his house Brantwood can be visited near Coniston. Beatrix potter owned several farms and properties in the area her former home hilltop in Sawrey now owned by the national trust is open to visitors.
The name Windermere is believed to be Norse in origin developed from Winand or Vinands lake like most of the lakes in the area it was formed by glacial action 13000 years ago, these lakes are characterized by their depth. Once in the county of Westmorland it is now in the county of Cumbria and comes under the Lake District National Park authority.
Boating is a major activity on the lake there is a steamboat museum in nearby Bowness, a water bus service operates on the lake and there are cruises around where you can get off and on enabling you to explore the area. The lake is the venue for the great north swim and in 2009 was the largest event of its kind.
Activities in Windermere
Family Fun
Beatrix Potter - The world of Beatrix Potter
Visit abcbritain's profile on Pinterest.