Lake Windermere

Lake Windermere, in the English Lake District, is England’s largest lake. It is about 10 miles long and is 219 feet deep at its deepest point. The name comes from the Norse for “lake of a man called Vinandr".

The lake is a haven for the water sports enthusiast, offering safe boating for all types of craft, water skiing and water surfing. Rowing boats and motor boats are available for hire from many companies around the lake and cruises are offered for those who are not so independent. Cruise trips can last from 45 minutes to 3 hours. 

Visitors who have their own boat can launch it from the main public launching area at Ferry Nab. Also available at this spot are toilet and shower facilities and boat storage. There is a speed limit on the lake which varies from 6 to 10 mph depending on the location. Much of the lake shore is owned by the National Trust and it is permitted to land and picnic on most areas.

Fishing is available from boat or shore. An Environment agency licence, available from the lake’s information centres or most post offices, is required. For holidays at Lake Windermere the visitor is spoiled for choice. There are several towns and villages situated around the lake and many hotels, boarding houses and caravan and camping parks. Many of them have their own boating facilities.

  As well as hotels the many villages have a multitude of gift and souvenir shops and other attractions to provide some relief from the water activities. An interesting visit is the Aquarium of the Lakes at Lakeside, which is at the southern end of the lake. The aquarium has displays of freshwater fish, otters and the ducks of Windermere can be seen diving in the lake through the underwater tunnel.

The roads connecting the towns and villages around the lake are generally narrow and winding and at the height of the summer season can be very congested. One way to avoid the crowds is to take the ferry across the lake from east to west. The ferry can accommodate 18 cars and 100 passengers.

Contact Details: 
Lake District National Park Authority  
Murley Moss 
Oxenholme Road 
Kendal 
Cumbria 
LA9 7RL 
Tel: 01539 724555