What to do around Windemere
We get restless if we haven’t visited Windemere for some time. There’s something special about this magical lake, whose views and aspects change with the seasons and even the time of day. In fact, our favourite time to visit is during the week in winter, as the area’s popularity means it can sometimes become overcrowded.
This is just a short blog of some of our favourite things to do and, as usual, comes with the caveat that these ideas are not exhaustive – it would be impossible to list all the arts and culture, the food and drink and the outdoors activities that you can find on the shores and close to Windemere. So let’s dive into our choices…
Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts House and the Windemere Jetty Museum
Blackwell, with its stunning views over Windemere and Coniston Falls, is a Grade I listed building that epitomises the Arts and Crafts Movement. As well as the house itself, you can find exhibitions of photography, installations, art, ceramics and sculpture. One highlight we still talk about was ‘The House of the Setting Sun’, an exhibition inspired by Japanese culture. Blackwell House really is worth a visit.
View from the Blackwell Arts and Crafts House
The Windemere Jetty Museum, which is a partner of Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, is another museum not to miss. Housed in a contemporary building, which somehow manages to enhance the environment in which it sits, is 200 years of the lake’s boating history. The collection includes motorboats, steam launches and sailing yachts, as well as racing boats. Below are some pictures from the Jetty Museum.
Boat trips on Windemere
After you’ve explored the history of boating on the lake, take a water tour along the majestic ribbon of water. You can charter an electric boat or book yourself on one of the lake cruisers. Wrap up warmly! For the more active among you, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards can all be rented too.
Hill Top House
For all you Beatrix Potter fans (and if you're not, what's wrong with you?), a visit to her 17th Century farmhouse retreat is essential. It is charming to walk through the rooms, which are staffed by knowledgeable and helpful volunteers, to learn more about the place that inspired her love of the area and her stories. The garden is also a joy to wander around. Be aware that this is a small house and garden, and can get quite busy, so check out the website and it is best to pre-book your tickets here.
The World of Beatrix Potter
Housed in an old laundry building, this attraction brings the stories of Beatrix Potter to life. We haven’t visited for a while, as it is more suited to younger children, but it was a firm favourite among younger family and friends for many years. Visit the website here.
A hedgehog's work is never done: Mrs Tiggywinkle keeping busy at the World of Beatrix Potter attraction
And food...
If we are feeling a bit peckish (and we usually are), we often head to Boardwalk Bar & Grill, which has fantastic views of the lake. Wrap up warm if the weather’s cold and try to sit outside – the best place to eat a burger!
