Living in Windermere

The character of community life in Windermere is shaped by its relatively small population, high visitor numbers, and the sense of shared stewardship over one of England’s most treasured landscapes. The area is known for being welcoming and community-driven, with residents often involved in local initiatives to support tourism, conservation, and cultural events. Seasonal fairs, craft markets, and the annual Windermere Christmas Celebration bring the community together.

Outdoor life plays a huge role in shaping the local lifestyle. Residents regularly make use of the surrounding fells, lake, and woodlands for walking, running, boating, and wildlife spotting. Community centres, such as The Phoenix Centre, host clubs and gatherings for all ages, further cementing social connections. The town balances the needs of locals with those of tourists, maintaining a unique blend of tradition and vibrancy.

Crime rates in Windermere are lower than the UK average, a notable feature for a location popular with both tourists and residents. The area benefits from a strong community feel and locals report a sense of safety when out and about, even during peak visitor seasons. Incidents of serious crime are rare; minor anti-social behaviour may occasionally occur, particularly during busy summer months, but these are generally well managed.

Local policing initiatives focus on community engagement and visible patrols, both in Windermere itself and the wider Lake District. Neighbourhood watch schemes and collaborative efforts between residents, businesses, and Cumbria Police help to maintain public reassurance. Areas on the outskirts and in neighbouring rural communities are similarly regarded as safe, reinforcing Windermere’s reputation as a secure place to live and visit.

Parking in Windermere can be in demand, particularly during the tourist season when visitor numbers surge. On-street parking options exist, but these fill quickly during weekends and holidays. Resident parking permits are available for some streets, designed to prioritise locals. Several council-run car parks provide longer stays, with additional spaces available in Bowness-on-Windermere closer to the lakefront. Private off-street parking is sought after in residential properties.

The A591 is the principal road link, providing efficient access north towards Ambleside (approx. 15 minutes), Keswick (approx. 40 minutes), and south towards Kendal (approx. 20 minutes). Major road connections are as follows:

• Kendal – approx. 20 minutes via A591 (8 miles)
• Lancaster – approx. 45 minutes via A591 and M6 (32 miles)
• Penrith – approx. 50 minutes via A592 and M6 (28 miles)
• Ambleside – approx. 15 minutes via A591 (5 miles)
• Keswick – approx. 40 minutes via A591 and A66 (22 miles)

Council efforts to manage local traffic, especially in high season, include temporary restrictions and additional public transport options.

Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere offer a varied food scene, reflecting both traditional Cumbrian fare and broader British tastes. Restaurants such as The Lamplighter Dining Rooms and Francine’s serve classic dishes using local produce, while casual cafés like Homeground Coffee + Kitchen and Choccobar are popular with locals and walkers alike. The area is well known for artisan bakeries, tearooms, and delis offering everything from freshly baked bread to the famous Kendal Mint Cake.

Pubs such as The Crafty Baa, The Albert, and The Watermill Inn are renowned for their character, local ales, and relaxed atmosphere. Bowness features a handful of lively bars and comfortable pubs where residents and visitors mingle. For nightlife, Windermere tends toward the quiet and sociable, with local music nights and occasional events: it does not have a large clubbing scene. The nearby Royalty Cinema in Bowness and annual festivals provide further entertainment.

School Quality
Windermere benefits from well-regarded primary schools and a popular secondary school, with access to further education in nearby towns. The local focus on small class sizes and supportive teaching is valued by families.

Parks and Green Space
Families in Windermere enjoy exceptional access to parkland and natural green spaces, from Queen’s Park to the trails around Orrest Head, providing room to play, explore, and learn outdoors.

Childcare
Local nurseries, playgroups, and wraparound care at primary schools cater to working parents, with childminders available for more flexible arrangements.

Safety
Windermere is considered a safe area for raising children, with a visible community policing presence and low crime rates boosting parental confidence.

Family Activities
Lake cruises, watersports, wildlife parks, and nearby attractions like The World of Beatrix Potter make Windermere a family-friendly destination year-round. Events and clubs cater to all ages, offering plenty for children and teens outside the classroom.

Pet-friendly living in Windermere is enhanced by the abundant walking routes, woodlands, and access to open countryside in and beyond the town. Dogs are frequently seen on the lakefront, along Bowness’s promenades, and on paths up to Orrest Head or School Knott. Queen’s Park is a favourite open area for dog walking, and the surrounding Lake District fells provide seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor exercise with pets.

The local community is generally welcoming to animals, and many shops, pubs, and cafes in Windermere and Bowness advertise themselves as dog-friendly. The area is well served by veterinary clinics, including Lakefield Vets, and several pet shops offer supplies and advice for pet owners. Rental housing varies, but pet-friendly agreements are possible when discussed with landlords.

Windermere enjoys strong public transport links given its location in a largely rural area. The town’s railway station is a terminus on the Windermere Branch Line, providing regular direct services to Oxenholme Lake District, with onward fast connections to Manchester, London, and Glasgow. Local buses and Stagecoach services connect Windermere to other towns such as Kendal, Ambleside, and Grasmere, making the area accessible even without a car.

Key commute times from Windermere include:

• Oxenholme Lake District – 20 minutes by train
• Kendal – 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by car
• Manchester – Around 1 hour 45 minutes by train (with connection)
• London (via Oxenholme) – As little as 3 hours by train
• Glasgow – Approximately 2.5 hours by train

For air travel, Manchester Airport is accessible in about 1 hour 40 minutes by car or rail. The town also lies near the A591, the main route through the central Lake District, allowing relatively straightforward road access to nearby towns and attractions.

Windermere’s education options are appreciated by families residing in and around the Lake District, with several primary and secondary schools offering education set against an inspiring natural backdrop.

Primary Schools in Windermere
St Martin & St Mary Church of England Primary School is a popular choice for local families, with a strong community ethos and most recent Ofsted inspection rating of 'Good' (2019). Goodly Dale Primary School is also notable for its smaller class sizes and supportive learning environment. Troutbeck Primary School, just outside Windermere, provides another community-centred option serving rural families.

Secondary Schools in Windermere
The Lakes School offers secondary education (ages 11-18) just a short distance from the centre of Windermere and also hosts a sixth form. With its aspiration to serve all students in the area, the school is a focal point for local secondary education (Ofsted 'Requires Improvement', 2022). Dallam School in nearby Milnthorpe is sometimes chosen by families prepared to travel for broader curriculum options and a larger sixth form (Ofsted 'Good', 2019).

Colleges and Further Education
Myerscough College in Windermere provides vocational courses, especially in outdoor and land-based subjects, leveraging the local environment for practical learning experiences.

Universities
There are no universities within Windermere itself. However, the University of Cumbria has a campus in Ambleside, just a 15-minute drive away. This institution specialises in a wide range of subjects, including conservation and outdoor studies, making it a popular choice for those wishing to study close to the fells and lakes.