The 10 best things to do in Windermere and the Lake District

Windermere and the Lake District is one of the most beautiful regions of England, and the stunning scenery attracts thousands of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for boutique hotels in the Lake District, or romantic hotels in the Lake District, this stunning part of Cumbria offers something for everyone. Below are 10 of the best things to do in Windermere and The Lake District:

1. The Arts and Crafts House Bowness

Visit the elegant Arts and Crafts House and Gardens at Bowness, and enjoy stunning views over Lake Windermere. The beautifully restored house features stained glass windows and carved oak panelling, and historical and contemporary exhibitions of applied arts can be seen in the upper galleries. The Arts and Crafts House, Bowness is a fascinating example of British art at its best. Combine a trip to The Arts and Crafts House, Bowness with a weekend in a boutique hotel in the Lake District.

2. The World of Beatrix Potter Bowness

Some of the best hotels in the Lake District are situated around Bowness and Lake Windermere, and there are plenty of things to see and do in this region. One of the most popular places to visit in Bowness is The World of Beatrix Potter, which is a wonderful exhibition of the famous characters from the stories. A great family day out. If you are looking for boutique hotels in the Lake District or the best hotels in The Lake District, check out the online tourist guides.

3. The Quaker Tapestry Kendal

The Quaker Tapestry at Kendal is a fascinating exhibition of 350 years of history. Often compared with the Bayeux Tapestry, the Quaker Tapestry was created by 4,000 people in 15 countries, and celebrates social history from the 17th Century. Family facilities include personal audio guides and interactive displays. Boutique Hotels in the Lake District are among the best hotels in the area.

4. Windermere Lake Cruises

Take a trip down Windermere on an old steamer, run by the Winderemere Steamboat Company. A trip on one of these beautifully restored boats is great fun for children and adults, and they operate daily between Ambleside, Bowness and Lake Side. Take a trip out from your Lake District hotel and enjoy an evening jazz cruise during the summer.

5. Lake District guided tour and boutique hotels

One of the best ways to explore the Lake District is by guided tour. The tours are informative and fun, and you will see some of the most spectacular scenery in the Lake District en route. Enjoy a half day or full day tour, and visit Wordsworth´s houses and Hill Top. If you want to make the most of your trip to The Lake District, book a couple of nights in a boutique hotel in Windermere and enjoy fabulous food in comfort and style.

6. Lake District Visitors Centre Brockhole

Enjoying a stunning location, the Lake District Visitors Centre at Brockhole, Windermere, offers visitors interactive exhibitions, the Mawson Gardens, an Adventure Playground and an information centre. Entrance is free of charge, and you can take a cruise to Waterhead, near Ambleside. If you want to book a luxury Lake District Hotel, check out the superb boutique hotels in the region.

7. Fell Foot Country Park Newby Bridge

Enjoy amazing views of the fells from the Fell Foot Country Park at Newby Bridge. From here there is easy access to Windermere, walking tours and boat hire. If you are looking for accommodation in the Lake District you will be spoilt for choice. Some of the best five star hotels in the Lake District and small hotels in the Lake District are situated around Windermere, Kendal, Newby Bridge and Bowness.

8. Fine ceramics by Gordon Fox Kentmere

Take a trip to Kentmere, near Staveley and visit the Fine Ceramics Studio, which produces hand-made lamps, tableware and individual pieces in multi-fired enamel. Gordon Fox ceramics are sold exclusively from the studio at Kentmere, so you won´t find them in the shops.

9. Hayes Garden World Ambleside

Hayes Garden World at Ambleside is a superb garden centre which attracts hundreds of green-fingered visitors every week. This is one of the largest garden centres in England, and the personal service you receive from the Hayes family is second to none. If you are staying in Lake District hotels, Bowness, Lake District boutique hotels, Windermere or small Lake District hotels, Ullswater, it is well worth the trip to Ambleside to visit Hayes Garden World.

10. The Lakes Discovery Museum Ambleside

Experience 2,000 years of local history at The Lakes Discovery Museum at Ambleside. Here you will find artefacts from Roman times, interactive displays, a museum shop and Beatrix Potter water colours plus a wide range of great things for the kids to do. If you are looking to stay in the Lake District, or you want a romantic hotel in the Lake District, take a look at the stylish boutique hotels in the Lake District, and check out the best hotels in the Lake District from online review guides.

Two great boutique hotels in the Lake District

Aphrodites Hotel is a new luxury themed boutique hotel offering guest accommodation in both classical and themed suites, Cleopatra, Parisien, Flinstones and Tarzan and Jane, to name a few.

21 The Lakes is a new luxury boutique hotel ideally situated between Windermere and Bowness, in the heart of the beautiful English Lake District in Cumbria. From the hotel guests have only a short stroll through the village of Bowness with its variety of quality shops, wine bars, a cinema and traditional country inns to Bowness Bay and Lake Windermere.