Just a 35 minute drive from Hawthorns Park you’ll find Windermere – England’s largest natural lake. A stunning backdrop for a number of attractions as well as a central location to explore the Lake District more widely. This guide takes a closer look at some of the best nearby places to explore in one of the country’s most treasured locations.
Windermere is a narrow ribbon lake stretching for 11 glorious miles. Shaped like a finger it is situated within a steep glacial valley. Dotted around the lake you’ll find several visitor attractions and picturesque villages.
Ambleside
Nestled a mile inland from the northern tip of the lake you’ll find the beautiful town of Ambleside. Often regarded as a fitting place to begin or finish a walk around the shores of the Lake District. The town itself is bustling with shops, restaurants and accommodation making it a popular tourist destination. From Ambleside it’s possible to take the Windermere lake ferry situated at Waterhead Pier over to Bowness, Lakeside and Brockhole. Other points of interest to visit in Ambleside are Stock Ghyll Force waterfall, Stagshaw Gardens, Armitt Museum and the Roman Fort of GALAVA.
Bowness on Windermere
At the southern end of the lake, Windermere and Bowness are very much the heart of the Lake District. Lake Cruises set off from Bowness Pier offering a breathtaking tour of the Lakeland fells. Various cruise options are available, ranging from 45 minutes to a ‘Freedom of the Lake’ full day ticket to explore on and around the lake.
Lakes Aquarium
Discover the fascinating world of freshwater creatures inhabiting the waters of Windermere at Lakes Aquarium. The magnificent attraction is situated at Lakeside Pier with a gift shop on site as well as a restaurant offering stunning panoramic views of the lake. Choose your arrival path by boat from either Waterhead or Bowness or via train from Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
Take a memorable step back in time in a steam train journey at the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway. Travel around Leven Valley taking in the beautiful scenery before arriving at Haverthwaite – where you can enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in the Station Tea Room.
Lakeland Motor Museum
The Lakeland Motor Museum holds an extensive collection of 30,000 exhibits of automotive memorabilia. Highlights of the exhibition include a Campbell Bluebird display, a tribute to the Isle of Man TT and a Vincent motorcycles tribute. The museum is open seven days a week, offers free parking and an opportunity to grab refreshment in Cafe Ambio by the riverside. Get to Lakeland Motor Museum by taking the free shuttle bus from the Aquarium car park or a 20 minute drive south from Central Lakes (Bowness).
Getting to Windermere
To get to Windermere from Hawthorns Caravan Park the quickest route is heading north via the M6 and then taking the A590 followed by the A591. It’ll only take just over 30 minutes to arrive at the village of Windermere.
Header photo credit: Mark Hughes / (CC BY-ND 2.0)
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