Windermere
Windermere, The Lake District
Windermere is the largest lake in the Lake District, and also the largest in England, with a length of around 10.5 miles and a maximum depth of 220ft. It is an incredibly popular tourist destination in the Lake District; with stunning waters and a mountainous surrounding, it’s easy to see why.
Windermere has plenty to offer its visitors, whether you want to relax by the lakeside or have some fun on the water. One of its most popular attractions is a lake cruise (link below), where you can absorb the scenery right on the water. If you’re more of a water sports enthusiast, then there’s plenty of options to rent a kayak or a paddleboard to explore Windermere’s waters (rental options below).
A trip to Windermere is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway for just about anyone and there’s plenty of accomodation options nearby; some stunning hotels and lodges, as well as campsites for the more outdoorsy types. There’s an abundance of activities for the kids too, for example, treetop adventures, playgrounds, and mini golf. The World of Beatrix Potter is in close proximity to the lake where you may even find Peter Rabbit!
Nearby attractions: Ullswater and Coniston Water.
Prices
Free to visit, but activities may cost extra. Here are some suggestions of things to do near Windermere:
- Treetop Trek – a great family friendly activity. (Brockhole Car Park is the closest).
- Windermere Canoe and Kayak – you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Bike rental is also available. (Ferry Nab Car Park is the closest).
- Windermere Lake Cruises – you can enjoy the scenery on a lake cruise and can choose from a variety of routes. (Glebe Road Car Park is the closest).
- The World of Beatrix Potter – in close proximity to the lake in Bowness-on-Windermere.
Parking
As Windermere is such a large area, choosing a car park near your chosen activity is a must.
Brockhole Car Park (postcode: LA23 1LJ) is nearby family friendly activities and is open daily between the hours of 9am-6pm. Disabled parking is available and public toilets and baby changing facilities are located on site. Prices are as follows:
- Up to 2 hours – £3.00
- Up to 3 hours – £4.20
- Up to 4 hours – £5.40
- Up to 5 hours – £6.60
- Up to 9 hours – £8.00
- Charges apply to all vehicles.
- Up to 1 hour – £1.50
- Up to 2 hours – £3.00
- Up to 3 hours – £4.00
- Up to 4 hours – £5.00
- Up to 6 hours – £6.00
- Up to 10 hours – £7.00
- Up to 12 hours – £8.00
- Cars with trailers must buy 2 tickets. If you buy a 12 hour ticket, then the cost is £10.
Glebe Road Car Park (Postcode: LA23 3HB) is located in close proximity to Windermere Lake Cruises. The car park is open everyday between 8am-8pm and disabled parking is available. You can pay with cash, card, and contactless (not Apple Pay); you can also download the Pay By Phone app and use the location code 9576 to pay for parking conveniently. Prices are as follows:
- Up to 3 hours – £4.00
- Up to 4 hours – £5.00
- Up to 6 hours – £6.00
- Up to 12 hours – £7.00
- For valid blue badges, an extra hour of parking is free on top of purchased session.
**Prices correct as of March 2021**
