Situated in the heart of Cumbria’s stunning Lake District National Park in the northwest of England, Lake Windermere is one of the most popular tourist locations in the UK. While Windemere may be best known for its 10.5-mile lake, it’s in fact surrounded by an array of quaint villages, towns and attractions that are well worth a visit if you’re planning a weekend break or getaway this year. Let’s take a closer look at things to do in and around wonderful Windermere:
What Windermere has to offer: It’s not all lakes and lidos at Windermere, and the area is well-known for its day trips, hiking tours and picturesque country walks. Popular attractions with visitors include Holehird Gardens, Orrest Head, Windermere Jetty and the Lakeland Pony Trek; one of the most famous attractions in the area is The World of Beatrix Potter, which provides a charming family-friendly outing where you can meet all of your favourite characters from Peter Rabbit to Squirrel Nutkin. This attraction is particularly special for the Lake District National Park because Beatrix Potter herself is said to have campaigned to preserve much of its existing land.
Things to consider when travelling to Windermere: While the Lake District is famed for its stunning natural beauty, it’s also renowned for having a challenging network of small, winding (and often unlit) country roads. If you’re a new or unconfident driver, it may be best to plan your route ahead of time to avoid any stress or nasty surprises on the journey. Check that your vehicle is in good working order and ensure that any necessary repairs have been completed before setting off. Ask yourself ‘is gap insurance worth it’ before setting out on a long drive on potentially treacherous roads. While the Lake District does contain two main train stations (Penrith North Lakes and Oxenholme Lake District), these may not always be accessible via connecting major lines – this means that, in most cases, driving may be the best option.
When is the best time to visit? – Lake Windermere receives plenty of footfall from tourists all year round, but the best time to visit depends wholly on the nature of your holiday. Because many of the most popular attractions and desirable locations in and around Windermere are based around the great outdoors, you may want to consider visiting in the spring or summer months if you’re planning to get out in the wild or enjoy an adventure break in the lakes – this is especially true if you’re planning to take a dip in the water! If you’re thinking of settling down indoors over your holiday and enjoying the fantastic scenery from the warmth of a bar, restaurant or hotel, you should be good to go whatever the weather!
