Relative to the vast majority of towns and villages in the area Windermere is a mere stripling, and it has existed only since the railway came.
Birthwaite was a mere hamlet on the turnpike road when, in the 1840's, it was chosen as the initial terminus of the Windermere Railway. The odd situation, 300 feet above the lake, and one and a half miles from Bowness, was because it was intended to extend the line further north. Fierce opposition, orchestrated by Wordsworth, amongst others, put a stop to this, and Windermere Station at Birthwafte became what it is to-day - the end of the line. The new town that grew rapidly around the station became known, inevitably, as Windermere, and it is an almost entirely Victorian town. The railway heyday is long gone, but the rather grand station building remains - transformed into an elegant supermarket. The station is now in a smaller modern building next door.
To most people, of course, Windermere means the lake, and travellers coming from the south by road can never fail to be captivated by that first enchanting sight of the water with its gaggle of islands, and a smattering of sails, stark white against the background hills. This brief glimpse from the top of the last brow before the town is always a thrilling moment.
To those people who know and enjoy good food in wonderful surroundings, Windermere means Miller Howe. Founded in 1971, by chef patron John Tovey, the hotel gained international renown through his television work and his many books.
For the past six years it has been owned by Charles Garside, the former Editor-in-Chief of the international newspaper "The European" and won the RAC's top Gold Ribbon accolade for 2003. Miller Howe is still run to the same standards of comfort, hospitality and luxury as before and is now listed as one of the AA's Top 200. Cooking is under the direction of Master Chef, Paul Webster, who trained in Marco Pierre White's London restaurants.
The stunning restaurant is designed to give all diners the benefit of the magnificent views. To dine here is to enjoy a truly memorable experience - to quote from The Manchester Evening News "The great joy of Miller Howe is that it combines true luxury living with an unstuffy atmosphere".
Watersports of all types are very much at the heart of the Lake District. Even if you weren't brought up on "Swallows and Arnazons" you probably feel a desire to join the hundreds of people out there on the water in all types of craft. If so, then Windermere Outdoor Adventure is definitely the place to go. Based on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere the centre is run by the South Lakeland Leisure Trust and has excellent facilities at Millerground. It is important to remember that, however tranquil the lakes may look, you need to treat them with respect and here at the Centre they will ensure that your time spent is enjoyable, exhilarating and above all fun - but always with an emphasis on safety. These courses are also great value for money.
Whether your fancy lies in sailing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking or windsurfing there are qualifiedinstructors and modem craft to help you master it.
There are many attractive excursions from the town, and an easy walk is to the top of Orrest Head. The path starts from the main Kendal - Ambleside road, by the bus stop immediately opposite the junction with the Bowness Road. The initial asphalt strip soon gives way to a gently winding and well graded path through thickets of rhododendron bushes. Ignore the path off to the left, soon after the start, and carry on up to the farm. The path goes on up by the wall and out onto the open fell. From here it is but a short step to the seat at the top. The effort is more than justified by the view, and there is an extensive panorama of all the important western Lakeland fells beyond the vast foreground expanse of the lake itself with all the boat traffic.
Some of this boat traffic in the old days would have consisted of the gracious steam launches. Reminders of all these steam boats and launches can be seen at the Windermere Steamboat Museum on the road between Windermere and Bowness. Not only can you see the old vessels but there are steam launch trips when you can enjoy this gracious way of travel. It is appropriate that Windermere should possess a unique and historical collection of boats since throughout history the lake has witnessed the imprint of almost every generation. The Windermere Nautical Trust is particularly fortunate in being able to represent the key stages in the development of steam launches on Windermere. The oldest, S.L. Dolly shows the primitive application of steam power and is unique, having been salvaged after 67 years on a lake bed. T.S.S.Y. Esperance and S.L. Branksome exemplify the development and ultimate refinement of steamboats. Esperance is now fondly remembered as Captain Flint's houseboat in Arthur Ransome's classic children's novel 'Swallows & Amazons'.
A Steamboat Wetdock has been built over the original sand wharf quay and accommodates up to 15 boats in working order. The 'Windermere' building includes displays of Windermere speed craft, Beatrix Potter's rowing boat and a special area set aside for the 'Swallows & Amazons' Exhibition. There is also a lecture theatre which is available for private hire, a Tea Room serving hot & cold drinks, and a selection of delicious savoury snacks and cakes, an outside picnic area by the lake and a model boat pond.