Windermere: The Great Lake

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
Comment this article

Lake Windermere, found at the heart of the Lake District, is one of Britain''s premier tourist attractions and probably its most famous lake. Each year the Lake District attracts 14 million visitors, and the steamers that run on Lake Windermere are the second most popular charging tourist attraction in the UK.

The town of Windermere itself is not actually on the shore of the Lake, though it is just a short walk away. Windermere has become something of a centre for tourism in recent years, as the popularity of the Lake District has grown, driven partially at least by the ''staycation'' in the wake of the recession.

One factor in the appeal of the Lake District as a tourist region has been the interest in some of the poets and authors who have spent time in the region. Beatrix Potter''s house not far from the shores of Lake Windermere is one of the most popular locations.

Another author who is greatly popular is Arthur Ransom, who based Swallows and Amazons on a combination of Lake Windermere and the Coniston Water. The dozens of islands in the Lake make great places to explore for children, but you''ll need ...
... to find a boat in one of the shoreside villages to make the most of them.

Many people automatically assume that the Lake District is all about nature, and to a certain extent it is, but there is also a thriving cultural scene, particularly in the summer months when there are a number of festivals based around everything from jazz to mountaineering.

One place that you really should visit if you''re holidaying in the Lake District is the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. One of the most picturesque parts of the region as it is, the Theatre by the Lake can legitimately claim to being the most attractively located theatre in the UK and there are productions throughout the year.

If you''re feeling up to a bit of a challenge, the Lake District is also home to the tallest mountain in England, Scafell Pike. Although by some standards it''s barely a hill, it''s still the highest point in England and the view that you get from the summit is breathtaking.

Windermere and the Lake District in general are great places to holiday, particularly in the summer months, though just because its summer is no guarantee that the weather will be agreeable. If you''re looking for a great holiday outdoors, you can''t go wrong with the Lake District. This guide to the Lake District was written by Bonny Kominek. Who, as a keen fell walker, visits the area regularly. They recommend Octopus Travel for Windermere hotels.