Windermere is the largest natural lake in England and is arguably the water most synonymous with the Lake District National Park.

It is connected to several rivers and measures at 10.5 miles long, 220ft deep and is one mile in width.

Windermere is a long and narrow ribbon lake established in a glacial trough. The lake was formed after the last glacial period sometime between 17,000 and 14,800 years ago. Drained by the River Leven, Windermere is fed by the rivers Trout Beck, Cunsey Beck, Rothay and Brathay.

Windermere is also the name of the town just over a mile away. The nearest point to the village on the lakeside is known as Millerground. Bowness-on-Windermere sits on the lake banks and is regarded as the area’s most popular holiday resort. It has been one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country ever since the arrival of the Kendal and Windermere Railway branch line in 1847.

There are 19 islands on the lake. The largest is Belle Isle, a privately owned 40 acre island opposite Bowness.

Racer Norman Buckley set several world water speed records on Windermere in the 1950s.

Windermere is a prime destination for water sports and adventure activities as well as steamers, launchers and ferries.

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