England's Dreamy Town In The Lake District National Park Has Shops, Tasty Restaurants, And Endless Outdoor Fun

The town of Windermere sits in the southeast region of England's Lake District National Park. While it is a great base for exploring the national park, the town is a destination in its own right, with restaurants, shops, and visitor attractions. Located in the vast, biodiverse county of Cumbria, Windermere also offers abundant outdoor adventures for all abilities, from hiking in the nearby hills to cruising around its namesake lake by boat.

This Lakeland town is popular with visitors – some find the place so captivating that they dream of moving there permanently, per Business Insider. Other tourists agree that it's an alluring destination, with one Tripadvisor user declaring, "This is my favorite town I have ever been to." The traditional stone buildings and proximity to the lake give Windermere its own unique charm. The local area has even been featured on the big screen in Hollywood productions like "Snow White and the Huntsman."

I've been a Lake District local for over two decades, so I know all the best places to discover in Windermere. Below, I'll share my insider tips for eating out, shopping, and exploring to help you make the most of your visit. Windermere's popularity does mean it gets very busy in summer, so I recommend visiting in spring or fall to avoid the crowds. 

Windermere has several independent boutiques and restaurants, so you don't have to venture far for shopping or eating out. If you're looking for Lake District-themed souvenirs, I recommend The Northern Line, which has a range of eclectic home decor items and locally-inspired prints. For Lake District art, the Cook House Gallery has works by Cumbrian artists, showcasing the landscapes of the national park. I always enjoy browsing the cavernous Corner Shop too, which is a great place to pick up gifts like soaps and postcards. Sweet-toothed visitors will enjoy stocking up on treats at Sugarfinery London Limited to fuel their adventures around Windermere.

There's plenty of choice when it comes to dining in Windermere. The Crafty Baa offers a fun evening out with live music and a huge range of craft beers and whiskies. You'll find traditional pub food like steak pie and loaded nachos on the menu. For international cuisine, Tapios serves up authentic Spanish tapas like tomato meatballs and patatas bravas. The Opa Restaurant is known for its Greek food and décor that will transport you to the Mediterranean. Choose between meze platters and hearty homemade moussaka, or treat yourself to a bit of everything.

For fine dining, I recommend the Michelin-starred Source restaurant at the Gilpin Hotel, just outside of Windermere. It's one of my go-to special occasion eateries with a menu focusing on Lake District produce like Cumbrian lamb and longhorn beef. At the nearby Linthwaite House Hotel, Henrock by Simon Rogan is another elegant dining option with a farm-to-fork ethos and a tasting menu inspired by flavors from around the world. 

At over 11 miles long, Windermere is England's largest natural lake, making it a popular place for water activities. The easiest way to explore is with Windermere Lake Cruises, which offers scenic sightseeing journeys around the lake. The cruise stops at other towns like Ambleside and Lakeside, so you can spend a whole day exploring the area. Boats depart from the pier at Bowness-on-Windermere, which is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Windermere town. For something more adventurous, you can rent paddle boards and canoes from Windermere Canoe Kayak and discover the lake at your own pace. I love kayaking around the islands and secluded bays — it's a great way to escape the crowds. Guided canoe and kayak tours are also available for beginners or those who want to explore with a local.

Back on dry land, there are several hiking and biking trails nearby. Orrest Head is one of my favorite local hikes thanks to the 360-degree views from the summit. This 2-mile there-and-back route is relatively easy, starting at the Windermere Hotel and climbing up through the woods. For a longer hike or mountain bike adventure, hop on the Cross Lakes Shuttle ferry to Ash Landing and explore the 7.5-mile trail at Claife Heights. You'll enjoy panoramic views of the lake and its islands, and there's an option to visit the mock Gothic Wray Castle along the way too.

You can reach Windermere by train from Kendal, a bustling town with shops and restaurants, followed by a 10-minute walk from the station into town. If you want to head straight to the lake, it's best to take the 599 bus from the station to Bowness Pier. For more national park adventures, travel down to the Peak District for windswept trails and beautiful countryside.