Windermere Village
Windermere village, in the southern Lake District, has a history closely tied to the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century. Although often associated with the nearby lake of the same name, Windermere village has its own distinct identity.
Looking over Windermere village to the Coniston fells beyond
Origins of Windermere Village
The village developed significantly after the opening of the railway station in 1847. Originally called Birthwaite, the station and surrounding area were renamed after the lake to attract visitors. The railway brought tourists and economic growth, shaping the village’s character. Over time, Windermere village expanded and merged with Bowness-on-Windermere, though the two retain separate centres.
A short walk from Windermere village takes you to Orrest Head, an outstanding viewpoint. It was the first ‘summit’ in Lakeland visited by A Wainwright, author of the famous guidebooks, in 1930.
The Terrace: Architectural Heritage
A notable feature of Windermere is The Terrace, a row of Grade II listed houses built in 1849 by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin. These houses were intended for railway executives and reflect their rank through the scale and design of each property. The fireplaces in Alice Howe and Boston House are believed to be replicas of one in the Palace of Westminster. Originally, the gardens of The Terrace extended down to the station, giving the row its name.
The Terrace, Windermere village, by Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin
The Library: A Place of History
Windermere’s library serves as a museum as well as a public facility. It hosts the exhibit “Wings Over Windermere” which explores the area’s role in aviation history during World War II, including the testing of flying boats.
After World War II, the Calgarth Estate near Windermere, previously used for the flying-boat production, was repurposed to house 300 young Holocaust survivors. These children, aged 3 to 18, arrived on August 14, 1945, flown directly from Prague to Crosby-on-Eden airfield near Carlisle. Having endured years of suffering in ghettos and concentration camps, they came to the Lake District to begin their recovery. This poignant chapter of history highlights the resilience and camaraderie of the children, later known as “The Windermere Children.”
The exhibition in Windermere library, “From Auschwitz to Ambleside”, tells the story of the “The Windermere Children” who were rehabilitated in the Lake District after the war. These exhibits add historical depth to the village.
Food and Drink in Windermere Village
Windermere village offers a variety of dining options and has a growing café culture, attracting both visitors and locals. Homeground Coffee + Kitchen is a popular spot for coffee and breakfast, while Francine’s Restaurant provides a mix of British and European dishes. The Crafty Baa is known for its selection of beers and ciders, offering a more casual experience. These establishments highlight the village’s evolving food scene and provide opportunities to enjoy local hospitality.
St Mary’s Church in Windermere Village
St Mary’s Church in Windermere, originally built in 1848 as a proprietary chapel by Revd J.A. Addison, has undergone significant transformations over the years. The initial structure featured a simple nave, chancel, and south porch. In 1852, a south aisle was added, followed by a north aisle and porch in 1858, designed by architect J.S. Crowther. The church was consecrated as a parish church in 1856 after being sold to the town. Further enhancements included a chancel and vestry by Paley and Austin in 1871, and a central tower in 1881–82.
A fire in 1988 led to restoration efforts, and in 2005–06, the interior was reordered to create separate spaces within the aisles and add modern amenities. Today, St Mary’s remains central to Windermere village’s community and heritage.
Getting to Windermere Village
By Car: Windermere sits along the A591, the main route through the central Lake District. Despite this being the main Kendal to Keswick road, it is narrow and twisting in places and traffic can be heavy in peak tourist season. Patience is necessary, however, this gives you time to enjoy the glorious landscapes along the way.
By Bus: Windermere is quite well-connected by several bus services, all of which call at Windermere railway station, including Stagecoach routes:
- 555 Kendal to Keswick
- 505 Coniston to Windermere
- 599 Bowness-on-Windermere to Grasmere
- 755 Kendal to Bowness-on-Windermere
- 6 Barrow-in-Furness to Bowness-on-Windermere
By Train: The centrally located Windermere railway station connects with the West Coast Main Line via Oxenholme station.
Windermere Station Area
At Windermere Station, electric cars can be hired through Co-Wheels Car Club, offering a sustainable and convenient way to explore the Lake District. To get started, you’ll need to register with Co-Wheels a few days before your visit to receive a smart card. Once registered, you can book vehicles online, unlock them with your smart card, and start driving. You’ll be billed at the end of the month for your usage. Co-Wheels also operates at other locations, including Oxenholme and Penrith stations.
There are electric vehicle (EV) charging points available at Windermere Station. These charging points are part of the broader network of EV infrastructure in Windermere Village, which include fast charging at Booths and Broad Street Car Park .
Bike hire is also available at the station, from Country Lakes Cycles Hire. Bikes available include electric, tandem, children’s and mtb in a variety of sizes.
Next to the station, Lakeland Limited’s flagship store stands as a popular attraction, offering an extensive range of high-quality kitchenware, home goods, and creative baking accessories. With its well-curated selection and national reputation for excellence, the store attracts shoppers from across the country.
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