Over 610 Lodges | Established 2018
Over 610 Lodges | Est. 2018
Windermere is one of those places that seems to have everything you could want from a UK holiday. There’s the lake itself, with its sweeping views and calm waters, but then there are the mountains, woodland walks, pretty villages, and lots of places to eat and drink. It’s easy to spend a whole day in the town of Windermere itself, being a lively place with cafés, restaurants, pubs and some great independent shops.
There are a lot of ways to experience the Lake District, but if it’s comfort and luxury you’re craving, staying in a lodge in Windermere is hard to beat. You can spend the day exploring the greenery, taking a boat across the lake or visiting some of the area's top tourist attractions, before returning to your lodge and properly switching off. From luxury lodges with hot tubs in Windermere, to spacious accommodation suitable for families and groups, there’s no shortage of ways to make your stay your own.
Windermere is located in the heart of the Lake District and it’s closely connected with Bowness-on-Windermere, which sits directly on the lakeshore. Though the town of Windermere itself is around a mile from the water, the two areas form one of the Lake District's main visitor hubs.
Unsurprisingly, the lake is the obvious star of the show. At around 11 miles long, Lake Windermere is the largest lake in England, and it’s surrounded by some of the most recognisable scenery in the area. You can take a cruise, hire a boat, try your hand at watersports or find somewhere along the water to sit and take in the view. Whatever you choose, a holiday in Windermere doesn’t disappoint.
Venture away from the water and you'll find lots of opportunities to explore. There are historic properties, gardens, viewpoints and walking routes dotted around the area, making Windermere a good choice if you don't want to spend your entire holiday in the same place.
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Lake District
Lake District
Lake District
Lake District
Lake District
Lake District
Lake District
You’re unlikely to stay in a luxury lodge in Windermere without getting out onto the water. Cruises offer a relaxing way to see the lake and its surrounding landscape, without having to tackle a fell or drive from one end to the other. There are also ferry services connecting different parts of the shoreline, meaning you can make a boat trip part of your day, rather than only going to an attraction itself.
Orrest Head is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a classic Lake District viewpoint, without committing to a full day of mountain walks. The route begins in Windermere and takes you through woodland, before opening out to a panoramic view across the lake and surrounding fells. It’s a particularly good choice if you’re looking for a relatively short walk with a worthwhile reward at the end.
If you’re a fan of Beatrix Potter, be sure to make time for the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness-on-Windermere. The attraction brings characters including Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck to life through detailed indoor displays, whilst also exploring Beatrix Potter’s connection with the Lake District.
For a deeper look at the world that inspired many of Beatrix Potter’s stories, head to Hill Top, which is located near Sawrey. The historic farmhouse was her home and inspired many of her books. It can be reached from Windermere by a combination of public transport, walking, cycling or the ferry, making the journey part of the experience.
Brockhole sits on the shores of Windermere and offers far more than just somewhere to admire the view. The visitor centre has activities including boat and bike hire, archery and treetop adventures, as well as gardens and places to eat. It’s a good option for families who want to mix a Windermere lodge holiday and beautiful scenery with something a little more energetic.
The ground of Wray Castle, with its interesting appearance and beautiful lakeside setting, is ideal for exploring, picnicking and enjoying the scenery, and the castle itself gives you somewhere to head if the Lake District weather inevitably decides to change its mind.
If you’re staying in or around Ambleside, make the short walk to Stock Ghyll Force. The waterfall drops through woodland close to the town and gives you an easy way to add a little more nature to your day, without needing to plan and embark on a major hike.
Windermere isn’t just there to be looked at, you can get out on the water too. You can get involved with kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and other watersports around the lake. For anyone who likes to combine a relaxing lodge holiday with a bit of adventure, watersports are a great way to experience Windermere from a completely different perspective.
For something a little different, take a journey on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway. The heritage railway runs through the Leven Valley, and it can also be combined with other South Lakes attractions, so you can make a day of it. It’s a fun option for families and railway enthusiasts alike.
You don’t have to climb a mountain to enjoy walking around Windermere. There are lots of lakeside paths, woodland routes and accessible trails in the area, including routes around the western shore and towards Wray Castle. The Lake District National Park also has a number of ‘Miles Without Stiles’ routes designed to make some of its scenery more accessible.
Windermere is surrounded by some fantastic places to explore, and one of the best things about staying in a luxury lodge in the area is how easy it is to combine several of them in a single trip.
The town of Bowness-on-Windermere is located on the shore and it’s home to Bowness Bay, with boat trips and cruises departing from the nearby jetties. It’s also full of places to eat, shops and attractions, giving it a busier feel than some of the quieter villages nearby.
At the northern end of Windermere, you’ll find Ambleside, which is a popular choice for walkers, with easy access to the fells and plenty of outdoor shops, cafés and restaurants. Waterhead, just outside of the town, gives you another opportunity to get onto the lake, with boat services connecting this end of Windermere with other nearby destinations.
At the southern end of Windermere, you’ll find Newby Bridge, which offers a quieter alternative to the busier tourist centres. It’s a useful base if you want to explore the southern part of the Lake District, or if you want a quieter and more relaxed day. It’s also close to key attractions such as Lakeside and the Lakes Aquarium, as well as the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Head a little bit further north and you’ll reach Grasmere, one of the Lake District’s most famous villages. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, it’s a lovely place to wander around, enjoy a traditional cream tea and explore the area’s connections to William Wordsworth. It’s also a good option if you’re wanting to combine a Windermere lodge holiday with beautiful scenery.
Fancy exploring further afield? Take a look at our full guide to Lodges in the Lake District.
There’s no shortage of accommodation options around Windermere, but a luxury lodge gives you a different kind of holiday experience. Rather than simply having somewhere to sleep between days out, you can have a comfortable base where you actually want to spend time.
After a long day walking in the Lakes, imagine coming back to a spacious lodge, putting your feet up and enjoying the views, or making the most of a private hot tub as the evening draws in.
For couples, families and groups of friends, booking lodges in Windermere provides considerably more space and privacy than a traditional hotel stay. There are also plenty of pet-friendly lodges in Windermere, so the whole family can enjoy a staycation. With so many countryside and lakeside walking opportunities nearby, the area is naturally suited to dog-friendly breaks.
Windermere works as a holiday destination throughout the year, but the experience does change with the seasons, and lodge holidays look slightly different depending on when you go.
It depends on the type of lodge break you're looking for. Windermere is convenient for shops, restaurants and transport, whereas Bowness-on-Windermere puts you right by the lake. Ambleside is another good option for walkers and those wanting to explore the northern Lake District.
Yes, you can find pet-friendly lodges in Winderemere. With miles of countryside, lakeside paths and walking routes nearby, Windermere is a good destination for a holiday with your dog.
Yes, definitely. Luxury lodges with hot tubs are a popular choice for visitors looking to add something extra to their Lake District break. A lodge with a hot tub in Windermere is particularly appealing after a day spent walking or sightseeing.
Yes, Winderemere is good for family holidays. There are lots of family-friendly attractions around the lake, including the World of Beatrix Potter, Brockhole, Wray Castle and boat trips. There are also lots of outdoor activities for older children and teenagers. There’s enough to keep children of any age entertained.
A long weekend in Windermere is enough to see some of the main attractions and enjoy a taste of the Lake District. However, staying in a Windermere lodge for a week gives you much more time to explore the area, without having to rush from one place to another.
To discover even more stunning destinations across the UK, take a look at our full collection of lodge holidays in the UK.
Windermere is surprisingly easy to get to considering its rural setting. The town has its own train station, with connections via Oxenholme Lake District, and buses can help you get around once you're there. If you're driving, the journey time will depend on where you're travelling from and exactly where your lodge is located. As a rough guide, you can expect your journey to take:
Having a car can be useful if you want to explore further into the Lake District, though Windermere itself has good public transport links and many attractions can be reached without driving. You don’t need to rule Windermere out just because you don’t have a car.
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