Windermere and the Lake District

Windermere is the gateway to the Lake District National Park in Cumbria, about 130 km north of Manchester. TransPennine Express trains run about hourly from Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Airport, changing at Oxenholme Lake District for the branch line to Windermere, and the whole trip takes around 1 hour 50 minutes at £25-45 each way. Driving via the M6 and A591 takes about two hours but traffic on summer weekends can add considerably. The train drops visitors in the town of Windermere, a short downhill walk or bus ride from the lakeshore at Bowness.

Windermere is England's largest lake, and Bowness-on-Windermere is the main base for cruises. Lake steamers and cruise boats run to Ambleside and Lakeside, with fares of about £12-20 and departures every 30-60 minutes in season. Orrest Head, a viewpoint reached by a gentle 20-30 minute walk from the station, gives wide views over the lake and fells and is one of the easiest ways to see the scenery. Beatrix Potter-themed attractions in Bowness add family interest, and Ambleside, at the lake's northern end, has shops, cafes and the start of fell walks.

A good one-day plan takes the earliest practical train, walks up Orrest Head in the morning, then descends to Bowness for lunch by the water. The afternoon suits a cruise to Ambleside, an hour or so there, and a return boat or bus to Windermere in time for an early evening train. Because the journey is long, the day is relaxed rather than packed, and visitors who want to hike should plan for a separate trip or overnight stay.

April to October offers the most reliable weather, the fullest boat timetables and the longest daylight, though the Lake District is wet at any time of year and waterproofs are advisable. Summer weekends and school holidays are very busy. Winter days are quieter but cruises run less often, so check timetables in advance and note the last train from Windermere.