Holiday rentals and lettings in Windermere

Table of Contents

• At a glance: What should you know about renting holiday rentals and lettings in Windermere?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Windermere
• Exploring Windermere: our top recommendations
• Activities: What are the top things to do and see in Windermere?

• England's largest natural lake: Windermere is the centerpiece of the Lake District, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and ideal for year-round outdoor adventures and exploration.
• Diverse property selection: Choose from cosy waterside cottages, spacious family lodges with mountain views, or stylish apartments in town, all fully equipped for self-catering holidays.
• Premium amenities included: Holiday rentals feature lake views, private gardens, log burners, equipped kitchens, free parking, pet-friendly options, Wi-Fi, and hot tubs in selected properties.
• Prime areas for different travellers: Stay in Bowness-on-Windermere for lake access, Windermere Town for rail connections, Ambleside for hiking, or Near Sawrey for rural charm and Beatrix Potter heritage.
• Freedom and local dining: Self-catering properties let you explore at your pace and enjoy local produce, with excellent restaurants nearby for when you want to dine out.

Holiday rentals and lettings in Windermere offer a wonderful base for exploring the heart of the English Lake District. Choose from traditional stone cottages, smart modern apartments, and quirky glamping options. Popular amenities include:

• Lake views and waterfront access
• Private gardens and outdoor terraces
• Log burners and open fireplaces
• Fully equipped kitchens
• Free private parking

Many properties in the area also welcome pets. Some luxurious rentals even have private hot tubs for an extra-special getaway.

Best areas to stay in Windermere

Guests who stay in Windermere highlight the holiday rentals' period charm, and often fall in love with the blend of traditional touches and modern amenities. Here are some of our top-rated Windermere holiday rentals from the past year:

1. Cottage 'The Coaches' with garden and parking - 9.3+: With room for four visitors, this traditional cottage has a fabulous location, just five minutes from the lake.
2. Cottage 'Yew Tree' with garden and parking - 9.1+: Guests praise this five-person traditional stone cottage for its Victorian exterior , charming décor, and pet-friendly facilities.
3. Cottage 'Gone Sailing' with lake view and parking - 9.5+: This three-person cottage has spectacular views over Lake Windermere. Guests enjoy the convenience of the nearby private jetty.

Nestled in the heart of England's Lake District, Windermere is the largest natural freshwater lake in England, celebrated for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor adventures.

✈️What is the best way to get to Windermere?

Windermere sits in the heart of the Lake District, and is well connected by both road and rail. Here are the most common ways to get there:

• By car: The town is reached via the A591, just off the M6 motorway, giving you the freedom to explore the wider Lake District easily.
• By train: Windermere has its own railway station, the terminus of the branch line from Oxenholme on the West Coast Main Line, with connections to London Euston and Manchester.
• By air: The closest airport is Manchester Airport, around 1.5–2 hours away by car, while Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a similar distance — making Windermere well connected for both rail and road travellers.

🍴Where to eat in Windermere?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Bandito Burrito, Windermere, Cumbria is the best rated restaurant in Windermere. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Laura recommends Porto Restaurant in Bowness-on-Windermere: the only independent restaurant in Bowness to hold an AA rosette, serving an elegant modern British menu just five minutes from the lake — a memorable choice for a special dinner out.

☀️When is the best time to visit Windermere?

May to September is peak season to visit Windermere, with the longest days ideal for hiking, lake cruises and watersports on the lake.

Summer (June–September)

• Best for: Hiking in the fells, lake cruises and watersports on Windermere, with the longest daylight hours of the year.
• Weather: Mild to warm, with generally the driest and sunniest conditions of the year, though showers are still possible.
• Atmosphere: Busy and lively, with the lake and surrounding towns at their most popular.

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy stays by roaring log fires and misty, atmospheric views over the lake.
• Weather: Cold, with shorter days and a higher chance of rain or mist settling over the fells.
• Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful, with a cosy, low-key feel around the lake.

Shoulder season (April–May and September–October)

• Best for: Walkers wanting good conditions and autumn colour in the fells, without peak-season crowds.
• Weather: Mild and changeable, with good walking weather overall.
• Atmosphere: Quieter and more relaxed than the busy summer months.

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Windermere hosts recommend visiting in June for some of the best annual events of the year. The Festival of the Lake gives guests an opportunity to cruise in traditional steam boats, while the Great North Swim offers the daring the chance for some wild swimming.

1. Discover historic boats at Windermere Jetty Museum
2. Tour Wray Castle
3. Take in the views from Claife Viewing Station
4. Row a boat at Fell Foot Park
5. Get active in Grizedale Forest

1. Discover historic boats at Windermere Jetty Museum

   This museum east of the lake houses over 40 historic boats spanning centuries, including the S.L. Dolly, believed to be the oldest mechanical boat in the world — a great rainy-day option for families.

2. Tour Wray Castle

   Owned by the National Trust, this Gothic Victorian castle on the lake's western shore has links to Beatrix Potter, who spent childhood summers nearby, and has beautiful gardens to explore.

3. Take in the views from Claife Viewing Station

   This restored 18th-century viewpoint above the lake's western shore was designed to frame the scenery through coloured glass, and remains one of the best spots for classic Lake District views.

4. Row a boat at Fell Foot Park

   This National Trust park at the lake's southern tip has grassy lawns, mature woodland and rowing boats for hire — a relaxed spot for a picnic or a gentle afternoon on the water.

5. Get active in Grizedale Forest

   Covering 2,500 hectares between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest has way-marked walking and mountain biking trails, plus rope bridges and zip lines for older children and adults.