Windermere

Windermere

Windermere is the gateway to the Lake District, set beside England's largest and most famous lake. Cruise the shimmering waters, ride a steam launch, and take in mountain and woodland views from every shore. Explore Beatrix Potter attractions, pretty Bowness village and countless fells and trails nearby. Surrounded by the beauty of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, Windermere is the perfect base for a scenic coach break.

Coach tours
16
From
£319
Next departure
23 Nov 2026
Duration
5 days
Operators
Just Go Holidays, Shearings

Windermere is where the magic of the Lake District truly begins. Nestled beside England's longest lake, the town and its lakeside neighbor, Bowness, are the perfect home base for exploring a landscape of shimmering waters, wooded islands, and dramatic fells. Whether you choose to glide across the water on a vintage steam launch, follow in the footsteps of Beatrix Potter, or simply soak in the views that have inspired artists for centuries, it's a place that always stays with you.

Since the Lakes' narrow, winding roads can be a bit tricky to navigate, they're much more enjoyable from the comfort of a coach seat. Our tours let you lean back and admire the scenery while someone else handles the driving. Once you arrive, you're free to cruise the lake, ride the mountain railways, wander through charming villages, or enjoy a gentle stroll in the countryside. For a truly restful getaway, browse our coach holidays to Windermere and find the perfect Lake District escape for you.

16 tours visiting Windermere

  1. Kendal

    Lake District Turkey and Tinsel Break

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Kendal, Keswick, Grasmere, Kent, Bowness-on-Windermere +1 more

    • Day 4 · Bowness-on-Windermere Lake Windermere Cruise and Bowness Head to the shores of Lake Windermere this morning, stopping first in the bustling lakeside resort of Bowness-on-Windermere. Here you will board a cruise to take in the water and mountain scenery from comfortable indoor…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 23 Nov 2026
    • 1 date

    from £499

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  2. Cumbria

    Christmas in the Lake District

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Cumbria, Keswick, Grasmere, Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside

    • Day 4 · Bowness-on-Windermere Bowness-on-Windermere and Ambleside Following breakfast, travel to Bowness-on-Windermere on the lake shore. The excursion also visits the bustling town of Ambleside, located at the northern head of the water.
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 23 Dec 2026
    • 2 dates

    from £679

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  3. Windermere

    Luxury Christmas on Lake Windermere

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Windermere, Kendal, Keswick, Grasmere

    • Day 1 · Windermere Arrival in Windermere Travel to the Lake District by coach or via the Home Connect service, checking in to your hotel on the shores of Lake Windermere for a four-night stay. A warming glass of mulled wine greets you on arrival to start the…
    • Day 3 · Windermere Christmas Day at Leisure Enjoy a peaceful Christmas Day at your own pace in Windermere. Take time to relax and open gifts before sitting down to a traditional turkey lunch alongside your fellow travellers, followed by a light buffet meal in the…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 23 Dec 2026
    • 2 dates

    from £929

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  4. Keswick

    Highlights of the Lake District

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Keswick, Grasmere, Penrith, Kendal, Bowness-on-Windermere +1 more

    • Day 4 · Bowness-on-Windermere Bowness, Lake Windermere Cruise and Ambleside Visit Bowness-on-Windermere, where you will have time to stroll along the bustling waterfront and browse the independent shops and cafes. Board a cruise on Lake Windermere to admire the surrounding landscape from the…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 22 Mar 2027
    • 34 dates

    from £469

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  5. Blackpool Tower

    Southport, Blackpool & the Lake District

    Operated by Just Go Holidays

    Visiting › Blackpool, Bowness-on-Windermere, Liverpool

    • Day 3 · Bowness-on-Windermere The Lake District and Bowness-on-Windermere Travel into the Lake District to take in the dramatic scenery of fells, valleys, and lakes. The tour stops in Bowness-on-Windermere, set directly on the banks of Lake Windermere, giving you time to enjoy panoramic…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 5 Apr 2027
    • 13 dates

    from £329

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  6. Blackpool

    Blackpool, East Lancashire Railway and the Lake District

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Blackpool, Southport, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Bowness-on-Windermere +1 more

    • Day 4 · Bowness-on-Windermere Lake Windermere Cruise and Ambleside Travel into the Lake District National Park, starting at the bustling lakeside settlement of Bowness-on-Windermere, filled with independent shops and welcoming cafes. From Bowness, step aboard a cruise across Windermere…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 12 Apr 2027
    • 11 dates

    from £469

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  7. Morecambe

    Morecambe, the Settle-Carlisle Railway and the Yorkshire Dales

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Morecambe, Kendal, Bowness-on-Windermere, North Yorkshire, Grassington

    • Day 3 · Bowness-on-Windermere Morecambe at Leisure or Optional Lake District Excursion Spend the day at leisure in Morecambe, or join an optional excursion heading north into Cumbria. The optional tour stops in Kendal, an attractive market town known as the Gateway to the Lake District, where you will have…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 26 Apr 2027
    • 8 dates

    from £459

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  8. Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

    Scenic Cumbria & the Lake District

    Operated by Just Go Holidays

    Visiting › Windermere, Bowness-on-Windermere, Kendal, Grasmere, Keswick

    • Day 2 · Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, Bowness-on-Windermere Heritage Rail, Windermere Cruise and Bowness The day begins at Haverthwaite, where you board a vintage steam train on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway for a trip through the Leven Valley to Lakeside on the southern edge of Lake Windermere. Next, take to the…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 29 Apr 2027
    • 21 dates

    from £429

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  9. Blackpool Tower

    Blackpool Tower Ballroom & the Lake District

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Blackpool, Southport, Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere

    • Day 4 · Bowness-on-Windermere The Lake District Travel into the Lake District for a scenic excursion, starting in Bowness-on-Windermere on the edge of Lake Windermere, where you can browse the local shops and tearooms. The journey continues to Ambleside at the…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 3 May 2027
    • 2 dates

    from £619

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  10. Bowness-on-Windermere

    Highlights of the Lake District for Solo Travellers

    Operated by Shearings

    Visiting › Bowness-on-Windermere, Ambleside, Penrith, Keswick, Grasmere

    • Day 2 · Bowness-on-Windermere Bowness, Lake Windermere Cruise and Ambleside Begin the day at Bowness-on-Windermere, a bustling lakeside hub where you can wander through the independent shops and tearooms. Next, board a boat to cruise north across the waters of Lake Windermere, soaking in the…
    • 5 days
    • Leaves 3 May 2027
    • 3 dates

    from £789

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Show more tours

When to go

Coach tours visiting Windermere, by departure month. Pick a month to see its tours.

  1. Oct No tours
  2. Nov 1 tour from £499
  3. Dec 2 tours from £679
  4. Jan No tours
  5. Feb No tours
  6. Mar 1 tour from £469
  7. Apr 5 tours from £329
  8. May 7 tours from £329
  9. Jun 7 tours from £329
  10. Jul 7 tours from £339
  11. Aug 6 tours from £339
  12. Sept 6 tours from £329

Places of Interest

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway

This heritage railway runs from Haverthwaite to Lakeside pier on the southern edge of the Lake District. Visitors can enjoy a scenic journey through the wooded Leven valley on steam and vintage diesel trains. The line connects directly to Windermere cruises, allowing travelers to pair a rail trip with a boat journey across England's largest lake.

This brief but beautiful branch line winds through the wooded Leven valley at the southern edge of the Lake District, linking Haverthwaite to Lakeside pier on the shores of Windermere. Originally opened in 1869 as part of the Furness Railway, it once transported iron ore and timber while bringing Victorian tourists to the lake steamers. Like many country lines, it fell victim to the Beeching cuts, only to be revived as a heritage railway in 1973.

Nowadays, steam and vintage diesel trains run this scenic route, taking passengers past rivers and forests on a nostalgic 20-minute trip. The real draw is the easy connection to Windermere; at Lakeside, the train meets the lake cruises, letting visitors pair a vintage rail journey with a boat trip across England's largest lake. With an engine shed to explore, a café, and plenty of family facilities, it's a relaxing day out for all ages.

Places in Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere

Bowness-on-Windermere is a Lake District resort situated on the shores of England's largest lake. Visitors can cruise the water from bustling steamer piers, visit the World of Beatrix Potter, or browse quirky local shops. The town also offers relaxing tearooms and easy access to nearby Ambleside, Grasmere and the rolling fells.

Windermere coach holidays: FAQs

How much does a coach holiday to Windermere cost?

Coach holidays visiting Windermere start from £319 per person. That's the lowest price across the 16 coach tours with upcoming departures; each tour's own dates and prices are listed above.

How long are coach holidays to Windermere?

The coach holidays visiting Windermere last 5 days, travel days included.

When do coach tours to Windermere depart?

Upcoming departures run from November 2026 to October 2028.

Which coach holiday companies go to Windermere?

Tours visiting Windermere are run by Just Go Holidays and Shearings. You book directly with the operator.

Coach tours nearby

Ambleside

Ambleside

Ambleside is a lively town in the heart of the Lake District at the head of Lake Windermere. A haven for walkers, it features the photographed Bridge House and the Stock Ghyll waterfall. Visitors can cruise the lake, explore surrounding fells and valleys, or use the town as a base to visit nearby Grasmere and Bowness.
Grasmere

Grasmere

Grasmere is an enchanting village nestled beside a tranquil lake and rolling fells in the Lake District. Visitors are drawn to its poetic beauty, the famous secret-recipe gingerbread, and Dove Cottage. The village also offers cozy tearooms, local galleries, and scenic lakeshore strolls.
Kendal

Kendal

Kendal is a historic market town in Cumbria known as the Gateway to the Lakes. Visitors can explore hidden yards, lively markets, and a ruined castle, or taste the famous Kendal Mint Cake. With its grey-stone buildings and local galleries, the town serves as an ideal base for exploring Windermere and the southern Lake District fells.
Keswick

Keswick

Keswick is a market town in the Lake District situated on the shores of Derwentwater. Visitors come to explore the dramatic Borrowdale valley, hike peaks like Cat Bells, or take a launch across the lake. The town also features local outdoor shops and the quirky Pencil Museum.

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