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    Windermere and Around

    | Windermere and Bowness | Lake Windermere |
    | Windermere Steamboat Museum | The World of Beatrix Potter |


    Lake District Guide, Windermere and Bowness, 10K


    Windermere and Bowness

    Windermere and Bowness were originally two separate places, however today they tend to blend into one and the same.

    The older of the two is Bowness, which was the original village on the banks of Lake Windermere, the largest lake in the National Park.

    Then, in 1847 the railways arrived in Cumbria, and a station was built a mile and a half outside of Bowness.

    The Lake District had become an increasingly popular destination for the Victorians and the coming of the railway meant that Windermere soon became one of England's most popular resorts.

    As the number of visitors grew and grew guest houses, shops and restaurants were built around the station in order to cater to their needs - and the town of Windermere was born.

    Today Windermere is as popular as ever, attracting thousands of visitors each year, not least because it offers the perfect base for exploring the southern lakes.

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    Lake Windermere

    Lake District Guide, Lake Windermere, 4K

    At 11 miles long, 21/2 miles wide and 200 foot deep, Lake Windermere is the largest and best known lake in the Lake District.

    And as well as offering stunning scenery, there is also plenty to do on the lake. It is especially famous for its excellent fishing and attracts anglers all summer.

    But one of the most popular activities for any visitor to the area is, of course, a boat trip on the lake.

    The best place to head to if you want to take a trip is Bowness Promenade, where several companies offer trips, including some on traditional old steamboats.

    Or you could go to the Windermere Steamboat Museum which also offers steamboat trips.

    Short trips start from around £4.00 for adults, whilst a full trip around the lake costs around £10.00 for adults.

    And if you are feeling particularly energetic and fancy going it along you could always hire a rowing boat for around £2.50 for an hour.

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    Windermere Steamboat Museum

    The Windermere Steamboat Museum is located on Bayrigg road in Bowness, right on the banks of Lake Windermere.

    The wonderful collection of steam and motor powered boats includes the Dolly - dating from 1850, this is the world's oldest mechanically powered boats, and it is still fit to sail on special occasions.

    The museum also offers your chance to experience the real thing with boat trips on the lake in the steamboat the SL Osprey, weather permitting.

    The Windermere Steamboat Museum is open daily from Easter to October. Admission costs around £3.50 for adults.

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    The World of Beatrix Potter

    The favourite author of hundreds of children, Beatrix Potter spent most of her life in the Lake District, taking inspiration for her books from the countryside around her.

    Her home was at Hill Top on the western shores of Lake Windermere, and so today the town is home to the excellent World of Beatrix Potter.

    As well as the usual Potter memorabilia (and touristy souvenirs) that you would expect of an attraction such as this, there are some excellent visual displays about her life and works.

    As you might expect, the attraction will especially appeal to children and families, but then again, big kids will enjoy a trip back to their childhood too!

    The World of Beatrix Potter is located on The Old Laundry in Bowness. It is open daily, but opening hours vary so do check in advance. Admission costs around £4.00 for adults.

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