Things to do in Windermere

A driver's view from a Land Rover

Explore Windermere from the perfect lakeside retreat

Known all over the world for its truly breathtaking natural beauty, Windermere has been a go-to holiday destination for hundreds of years. In fact, it might just be the most popular hotspot in the UK ever.

Loved by poets, artists, and royals alike, England’s largest lake has inspired countless novels, paintings, and popular songs – and it’s not hard to see why. Book a luxury room at Langdale Chase and indulge in everything Windermere has to offer from our stunning lakeside retreat, the perfect base for your break. Reveal the best local walks, explore heaps of great Lake District activities, and find plenty of things to do in Windermere with our handy local guide. Shall we?

Discover the best of the Lake District

From historic sites to cultural gems, when it comes to Windermere attractions, there’s no better place to start than our guide. Explore one of the most ancient places in the UK at Castlerigg Stone Circle and take in the views of Helvellyn Mountain. Imagine life way-back-when with a trip to Ambleside Roman fort or take a stroll through Ambleside town for a taste of local life in a charmingly traditional English village. Holehird Gardens is a popular spot too, boasting 12-acres of beautifully maintained grounds (perfect for a picnic). And if you’re feeling laid-back, simply soak up the landscape surrounding our beautiful terrace, with panoramic views of Langdale Pikes overlooking Windermere’s tranquil waters. 

Top attractions near Langdale Chase

Nestled on the shores of Windermere in the heart of the Lake District, Langdale is the perfect place to kickstart your adventure. Head out to Brockhole, a 19th-century villa turned lakeside retreat and try your hand at archery, kayaking, ziplining and more. Discover the tale of Peter Rabbit and keep the whole family entertained at The World of Beatrix Potter. Or take to the water with a private cruise. Explore Windermere by boat with Windermere Lake Cruises or plan a truly unique experience in our gorgeous wooden motor yacht Albatros, an authentic passenger ferry built in 1928.

Couple kayaking on Lake Windermere
Couple kayaking on Lake Windermere

Windermere walks and outdoor adventures

Whether you’ve set your sights on popular hotspots or plan on hiking ‘til your heart’s content, there’s plenty to see and do in Windermere. For scrambles and strolls, you’ll have a hard time finding a better trail to explore than The Orrest Head Walk. Take the climb and claim your reward – a perfect snapshot of The Lakes and beyond. Or head out for a hike around Blelhem Tarn Circular, another great guided walk with lovely views of The Lakes. And don’t forget the majestic Wray Castle, a towering Victorian fortress located in Claife, just a short drive from Ambleside. For the thrill-seekers in your group, head to Loughrigg Fell and try your hand at gorge walking, mine-climbing, paddleboarding and more. If you’re feeling brave, you can take a (very) refreshing dip with our expert local wild swimming guides. Speak to a member of our team to book!

Family-friendly activities

Looking for family activities in Windermere? We’ve got you covered. Take your group to Lake District Wildlife Park and let your little ones explore all the animals in our incredible animal kingdom. The Lakes Aquarium is a top day out too, with a huge range of exotic wildlife waiting to be discovered. Let off some steam at Millerbeck Light Railway and ride miniature trains through picturesque meadows and woodlands. Or explore Windermere’s rich boating history at Windermere Jetty Museum and take a cruise on one of Britain’s finest restored vessels, a historic boat from the Museum’s own private collection. If you and yours are an active bunch, get in on all the action by browsing our activities page, where you can book a huge range of adventures from bushcraft to off-roading. 

Plan your stay at Langdale Chase

Escape to Langdale Chase and experience the magic of the Windermere from our luxury lakeside retreat. Perched right on the water, with unforgettable views of Langdale Pikes, Langdale has served as an intimate retreat since 1891. Do as you like, when you like in your home away from home and explore Windermere at your own pace from an ideal location – perfect for romantic weekends, family breaks, and solo getaways. Get there in minutes with easy access to top attractions, local gems and transport links. Or simply embrace the art of leisure and take time to recharge in our laid-back abode. Need a ride? Our hotel car will get you there. Talk to a member of our team to book our vehicle and take a lift to wherever you want to be. 

A side view of Langdale Chase
A side view of Langdale Chase

Featured

Charter our motoryacht, Albatros

Cruise along Windermere in our unique 1928 wooden motor yacht, Albatros, with three sailings a day from our jetty.

Activities

Kayaking

If you’re staying with us, why not embark on an unforgettable adventure with our single and double kayaking sessions? Please note, each session is 1 hour and 30-minutes and is available to guests only.

Couple kayaking on Lake Windermere

Paddleboarding

If you’re staying with us, why not discover the serene beauty of Lake Windermere with our exclusive paddleboarding sessions? Please note, each session is 1 hour and 30-minutes and is available to guests only.

Paddle boarder at sunset

Walking

The Lake District is renowned for its fell walking, whether you’d like to summit one of the Wainwrights you can see from your window, or enjoy a gentle lake stroll, our location places you right in the middle. Speak to a member of our team in the boot room for guides on where to go. For those wanting more of a bespoke tour experience, we’ve teamed up with local expert Steve Watts MBE, find out more.

Meet our guide
man standing beside a dog on a rock in front of a mountain

Lake Swimming

The health benefits of cold water swimming are very well known. With our lake frontage you can step into the lake from your front door. We recommend lowering yourself in the lake slowly from our jetty to let your body acclimatise first. Extra towels are available in our reception and can be delivered to your room. For those wanting to build their confidence with cold water swimming, or perhaps to learn more about the benefits, we’ve teamed up with local experts Gilly, Vicki and Jonathan, find out more.

Meet our guides
A woman swimming in a lake

Bushcraft

Experience the joy of outdoor living, including respecting and harnessing nature through learning ancient skills all within the wild setting of Graythwaite Estate, and with expert guidance from Graythwaite Adventure. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

Meet the team
Someone starting a fire

Off Roading

Enjoy a Land Rover off roading experience with the qualified team at Graythwaite Adventure. Drive around a course on the picturesque Graythwaite Estate overlooking Windermere. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

Meet the team
Land Rover's driving through the countryside

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Enjoy an afternoon of clay shooting in the beautiful Graythwaite Estate, with expert guidance from Graythwaite Adventure. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

Meet the team
Clay pigeon shooting gun

Axe Throwing

Give axe throwing a go under the guidance of the team at Graythwaite Adventure, set within the picturesque Graythwaite Estate. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

Meet the team
An axe

Archery

Test your archery skills within the forests of Graythwaite Estate, with expert guidance from Graythwaite Adventure. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

Meet the team
A bow on an archery board

Garden Tours

Join Head Gardener Claire Farrington on a tour of our magnificent gardens. Planned and laid out by renowned landscape gardener Thomas Mawson, our gardens retain many original features. Visit our Gardens page to find out more and speak to a member of the team to see when Claire’s next tour is planned.

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Three women talking and smiling in front of a building.

Watch a Film

A selection of films are playing in our Cinema Room every day, if there’s something you’d like to watch just let our team know. Popcorn, sweets and ice cream is on hand too!

A couple in a cosy cinema, enjoying a movie

Motor around Windermere

Charter a modern luxury motor yacht with a dedicated crew on hand to make your day memorable whatever the occasion. Speak to a member of our team to make a booking.

A cruise at sunset

Explore Langdale Chase

A spacious bedroom with a sofa and a lake view

Bedrooms

A meal for two at a dining table

Food & Drink