In the 1930's Windermere was privately owned, and then the Sheriff at the time bought the lake and gave it to the local people living in and around Windermere. Today the District Council owns the lake and it is their responsibility to look after the jetties and moorings, Windermere is the main attraction for many visitors to the Lake District.
Fishing has always been an important industry to Windermere and during the Second World War perch were fished from the lake as a substitute to sardines. Today fishing still takes place and charr which are a relation of the salmon and a local delicacy are fished using traditional boats between the months of July and October. Charr are fished for by trailing bright spinners into deep water as fisherman row along the lake causing the spinners to move continually - known as 'trolling'.
The Lake's most popular holiday resort is Bowness-on-Windermere it is an excellent centre for boating and there is over 10,000 boats registered at the centre! Steamers and launches can operate from Bowness Bay to Waterhead at Ambleside, and Lakeside at the southern end. Many visitors enjoy canoeing, rowing, yachting, swimming and fishing on the lake. Since March 2005 a 10 mph speed limit has been imposed on the lake to reduce boating accidents and preserve the lakes shoreline.
Bowness-on-Windermere is busy most of the year round as people often come to relax and enjoy the town and its delightful setting. Many of the buildings...
throughout Bowness are Victorian and Edwardian, and the streets and houses are small, the town is often popular with historians. William Wordworth was well known to Bowness-on-Windermere and the Royal Hotel was patronised by him and mentioned in 'The Prelude'.
Wordworth often used the ferry which crosses Lake Windermere. A car ferry still departs for Ferry House from the eastern shore at Ferry Nab, just south of the ferry lies the marina where there many facilities associated with a modern marina. The Steamboat Centre can be found in Rayrigg Road; here you can see a unique collection of old motor boats and steamboats. Events such as the British Classic Motorboat run throughout the year. Ducks and Swans can be fed at the lakeshore in Bowness and you will also find a pitch and put golf and tennis courts in Bowness so there is plenty to do.
The Aquarium of the Lakes, Lakeside Pier and Lakeside Station can be found on the southern fringe of Lake Windermere at the town of Lakeside.
There is a number of Hotels situated around Windermere which offer an amazing view overlooking the lake. They were originally built as grand mansions but have since been converted to Hotels such as the Belsfield Hotel and the Langdale Chase Hotel. One of the old Victorian houses has now been changed into The Lake District Visitor Centre; this is situated on the lakeside at Brockhole, where cafes, gardens, exhibitions and an adventure playground can be found. Also at Brockhole are Wray Castle and the first Lake District holiday home of Beatrix Potter. At 'The World of Beatrix Potter' there is a recreation of Beatrix Potter books.
Nearly all of the West shoreline is owned by the National Trust and they also own Fellfoot Park at the southern end of the lake which is a great place to enjoy the shore side. Windermere Steamboats and Museum which is situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere is a great day out for visitors. A footpath runs next to the Windermere Hotel which takes you up through the woods to Orrest Head where you can see some of the finest views in the Lakes.
Windermere village itself is one mile inland from the lake; Bed & Breakfast's, a supermarket and a railway station are situated here. The bustling town of Ambleside lies half a mile north from the lake; this is a good starting point for walkers and offers numerous tea shops, restaurants and walking equipment shops. Waterhead to the north of Windermere is a beautiful place for cruisers to stop and enjoy the spectacular landscape.
At the far southern tip of Windermere is the popular tourist spot of Newby Bridge. As well as Hotels and cottages tourists can also enjoy travelling by Steam train along the Furness Railway. Several taxi firms operate in and around the towns in Windermere and the railway station. The parish church of Windermere, St. Martins Church is built on a site which has been a religious site for more than 1000 years. The church was last restored in 1870 and the east window still contains 15th century stained glass.
Lake Windermere really is a beautiful place that offers everything a visitor could possibly want, and is a must for any itinerary when travelling to the Lakes.
