Built-up area in Westmorland and Furness, LA23, England
Within Lake District National Park
| Coordinates: | 54.382, -2.911 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SD 40 98 |
| Population: | 7,765 |
| Dialling code: | 015394 (Hawkshead) |
Windermere is a small town on the eastern shore of England’s largest natural lake, also called Windermere, in the unitary authority of Westmorland and Furness within the Lake District. The glacial lake and surrounding fells make it a classic Lakeland base: Victorian tourism and the arrival of the railway in the 19th century shaped the town, and nearby Bowness-on-Windermere forms a lively twin settlement with cafés, galleries and lakeside promenades.
Today the local economy is dominated by tourism - boating, walking and watersports alongside hotels, independent shops and craft businesses - and attractions such as the Windermere Jetty collection and regular steamer services. There’s a noticeable seasonal rhythm to life, with longstanding local traditions and a mix of full‑time residents and holiday homeowners reflecting the area’s historic appeal in the old county of Westmorland.
LA23 1BA, LA23 1EG, LA23 1DE, LA23 1FA, LA23 2AX, LA23 2BX, LA23 2EQ, LA23 2AL, LA23 1EW … See all