There are so many great places to visit around Windermere and the Lake District, here are just a few of our favourites locally….
Brockhole
On the shores of Lake Windermere with stunning views across to the mountains, Brockhole is a fantastic day out for all ages. There’s a free Adventure Playground, Tree Top Adventure, Archery, Mini Golf, Pony Rides, Boat Hire and Lake Cruises. There’s also a gift shop and Cafe, BBQ in the summer and homemade Lakeland Ice Cream – Delicious!
Brokhole is approximately 2 miles from The Lady of the Lake heading towards Ambleside.
Brantwood
Brantwood – a historical house, museum and centre for the arts, is a wonderful day out for all and offers a fascinating insight in to the life of John Ruskin, who famously said ‘The best things in life aren’t things’. The Brantwood Estate is set in beautiful gardens with magnificent views over Coniston Water. Here you will find guided walks, activity trails and a lovely Cafe. There are regular sailings to Brantwood Jetty by Coniston Launch and Steam Yacht Gondola. The Terrace Cafe also has stunning views across Coniston Water to the fells, and has a friendly/casual atmosphere – perfect for Afternoon Tea or lunch after a walk or wander round the Estate.
Find out more about Brantwood here
Grasmere Village
Described by Wordsworth as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath found’ Grasmere village is definitely worth a visit. Grasmere has provided inspiration to artists, writers and poets for centuries, and along with neighbouring Rydal Water, it is possible to see why.
Lovely Gift Shops, including a wonderful Book Shop and the celebrated Heaton Cooper Studio, a Garden Centre and several Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants – Grasmere has something to offer everyone…..not least the world famous Grasmere Gingerbread!
Dove Cottage
Whilst in Grasmere, take a step back in time with a visit to the previous home of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, where ‘Plain living and high thinking’ took place. Gain an insight into the life of William and Dorothy and the adventures and tragedy that shaped their childhood and inspired their remarkable poetry. The Cottage was also visited by other great poets such as Sir Walter Scott, Thomas De Quincey and Charles and Mary Lamb. Check website for events and opening times.
Easdale Tarn
Just a short walk from Grasmere Village (approximately 2 miles) in a hollow between Blea Rigg and Tarn Crag, lies Easdale Tarn – a great place to relax and enjoy a picnic! It’s a relatively easy walk, with a slight incline – suitable for all the family. The scenery is simply stunning and embodies all that is truly Lakeland. It’s also possible to make this a circular walk, passing a lovely waterful on the way.
Loughrigg Tarn
Setting the Scene for the Miss Potter Film, Loughrigg Tarn is a truly delightful place to visit. Most people walk to the tarn from Ambleside which is a lovely village approximately 4 miles from The Lady of the Lake. The Tarn is known to be one of the favourite places of William Wordsworth, and on a clear day there are stunning views of the Langdale Pikes. A walk around the tarn is relatively flat and easy, if you’re looking for something slightly longer and more adventurous venture up on to Loughrigg Fell or you might consider one of the Langdale Pikes!
Orrest Head from Windermere
A short circular walk directly from The Lady of the Lake (approx 1 hour), on a clear day the views from the summit are among the best in the Lake District. Wander through the bluebell woods and take in the stunning scenery along the way.
Details of Orrest head and other Lakeland walks can be found here
The Langdale Valley
Breathtakingly beautiful, Great Langdale and Little Langdale run west of Ambleside and include the lovely village of Elterwater with it’s traditional pub, The Britannia Inn and a scattering of craft shops. Blea Tarn trail offers an excellent opportunity for walkers of all levels to enjoy the stunning views of Lingmoor, Pike of Blisco and other surrounding Langdale fells.
A walk around Elterwater, a small lake, situated in the valley of Great Langdale is another easy and relatively flat walk offering fantastic reflections of the Langdale Pikes.
Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway
Take a nostalgic trip through the Lakes on a traditional steam train from Haverthwaite station to Lakeside pier and back, have lunch in the coffee shop, take a picnic, enjoy the Woodland play area. There are also combination ticket offers with Train/Lake Cruise from Bowness and Lakeside Pier, go to Windermere Lake Cruises to book.
There is also the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway a little further up, starting at Ravenglass, the only coastal village in the UNESCO world heritage site, Lake District National Park. The train takes a scenic route over the estuary and through the hills – a wonderful way to explore the Lake District!