It’s been a whirlwind journey! On my third day in the UK, I headed over to Windermere – otherwise known as the most popular destination in the United Kingdom’s Lake District. Actually, I had NEVER heard of the Lake District before I started researching for this trip. But as soon as I saw the photos, I fell in love – and the rest is history. So without further ado, let’s discuss what to see and do in Windermere, shall we?

Table of contents

• How to get to Windermere from Stratford-upon-Avon?
• What to see and do in Windermere?
  • Orrest Head Walk
  • Bowness-on-Windermere
  • Dinner at Gray Walls Pub
• How much does it cost to tour Windermere?

How to get to Windermere from Stratford-upon-Avon?

Getting to Windermere is a bit tricky (regardless of where you come from – as it isn’t linked to any of the major rails. What does that mean? Most times, you’ll have to take at least 2 trains to get here! As for me, it took 4.5 hrs; 2 trains and 1 bus before I finally arrived at Windermere. Wew, what a journey! See below for the details, in case you want to follow the same route:

• Depart from Stratford-upon-Avon at 10:03AM
• Arrive at Windermere at 2:21PM
• Total cost: GBP 32.38

If you’re coming from London, it’ll probably be a whole lot trickier! I’d suggest you do pit stops along the way (like me) so you get more done along the way. My advice, do Windermere right before or after Edinburgh. It’s pretty near at this point!

What to see and do in Windermere?

Orrest Head Walk

After 4.5 long hours inside a train, the first act as soon as I arrived was to get some action – starting with a hike up the Orrest Head Walk! Orrest Head is meant to be a ~1-1.5hrs hike, and is SUPER chill. Anyone can do it. The trails are nicely marked, and not too steep – plus the view at the top is just amazing! You get to see the Lake District as far as your eye can see – which is quite an astounding sight, with the mix of lakes, farmland, and quaint bed and breakfasts!

The walk starts by the bus stops on the opposite side of the road to the railway station (just ask the railway station/ the tourist information center there). You’ll see a large signpost informing you that you are on the footpath to Orrest Head (see below)

From there, just follow the path. There are moments when the trail splits – just follow the path that looks the most used (that’s what I did, at least).

Continue walking for another ~20-30 mins, then you’ll reach this kissing gate – which is a sign!! You are now THIS close to the summit (this is also the part where the track gets a bit steep and rocky – so be careful)

Finally, the heavens open and you’re greeted by this wondrous view. So lovely! Feel free to sit by the benches and take a breather ( I know I did haha)

Bowness-on-Windermere

After that nice Orrest Head jaunt, time to explore the neighboring town (Bowness-on-Windermere), which is a lot larger than Windermere, so you’ll find way more restaurants and hotels here. But most importantly, Bowness-on-Windermere is popularly known as Beatrix Potter’s hometown.

Coming here, I had no idea who Beatrix Potter was (for a split second, I foolishly though it was like a mishmash of Beatrix Lestrange / Potter), and neither did I know of any of her stories (although I have vaguely heard of Peter Rabbit!!). After a crash course reading through some of her books, I now know her works. But after touring Lake District where you’ll continuously hear about her exploits and what she’s done for this tiny pocket of the country (see below for some of her amazing accomplishments), I now know HER and am in awe of what an indomitable spirit is capable of.

• She used up her own money to buy up 15 farms, and ensured that her farms would always breed a certain species of sheep (that wasn’t the preferred choice of breeders)
• She set up a National Trust to protect the lakes

Okay, enough gushing! The main attraction in this town is of course… the World of Beatrix Potter attraction (which I didn’t enter past the entrance, as I don’t think I would’v appreciated it anyway). There were loads of Chinese tourists here though… Didn’t really think Beatrix Potter books would be so popular with the Chinese? Hm…

Aside from that, there’s also a lovely lake (duh! haha!) at Bowness-at-Windermere, so if you’ve got the time, you can walk along its perimeter and watch the duck and swan feeding

Have dinner at Gray Walls Pub

Make sure to check out Gray Walls Pub while you’re in Windermere. Their fish and chip is to die for, and HUGE! The folks seated next to me (who were complete strangers) exclaimed that it should be called Whale & Chip given its size, when they saw my order arrive. In addition to ordering the delectable fish and chip, ask the friendly bartender for his cider drink of choice (he gave me a fruity cider – yum!). Lastly, this pub has free (and fast) WiFi – always an important consideration for budget travelers like moi!

How much does a trip to Windermere cost?

In all, I spent ~GBP 83, with the following breakdown:

• Transport: GBP 32.4
• Food: GBP 30
• Accommodation: GBP 20 (I stayed at Lake District Backpackers. Would highly recommend for its location BUT there’s no reception. You’re given a security code to enter the hostel, and the room assigned to you. You’re also requested to place your cash payment into an envelope and stick it inside a box… It’s a weird setup, but I guess it works?)

If you’re interested to read about my 9 day cross-country trip around the United Kingdom, please see below blogs!! 🙂

• Europe: A logistics and travel guide for first-time travelers
• Day 1: What to see and do in Bristol
• Day 2: What to see and do in Stratford-upon-Avon
• Day 3: What to see and do in Windermere
• Day 4: Enjoying the Lake District Tour
• Day 5: Enjoying the Loch Ness and Scottish Highlands tour
• Day 6: What to see and do in Edinburgh
• ++ A Pottertrail walking tour review
• Day 7: A musicals-filled London day
• Day 8: London day trip to Brighton and Seven Sisters
• Day 9: What to see and do in Shoreditch
• ++ Shoreditch Street Art and Graffiti Tour