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.
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.
Places in Windermere
Places of Interest
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.
Image Attribution
- Windermere — (Photo by Ian Cylkowski on Unsplash )
- Bowness-on-Windermere — (Photo by elliott on Unsplash )
- Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway — (Photo by Denis Chick on Unsplash )