Family friendly hotels and active outdoor holidays in Windermere In Cumbria's Lake District National Park, Windermere is the large and famous lake that has become a popular holiday destination. surrounded by mountains and villages such as Bowness-on-Windermere, the famed home of The World of Beatrix Potter, the area has a whimsy to it as well as an abundance of natural beauty. Trails that lead to Orrest Head, wildlife, alpine woods, heathers and a broad variation of flora and fauna are all amongst the features that have attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Naturally, with this phenomenal aquatic resource, water sports including sailing, kayaking and waterskiing are all amongst the popular things to do in the area, and few things can beat an afternoon fishing in the summer sunshine. For those who are literary minded, it may interest you to know that Arthur Ransome based his book Swallows and Amazons, at least in part, on Windermere, and it is not difficult to see today how you could be inspired by this glorious part of the world. In addition to the water, surrounding towns and villages provide amble tourist attractions - Ambleside is a bustling town brimming with shops and cafes, and in Lakeside you will find the Lakes Aquarium and one end of the Haverthwaite Steam Railway - always popular with children. The range of activities on offer mean that Windermere is a charming place to visit with the family as lots of entertainment is ensured. That said, if it's just one man/woman and his/her dog, there is much joy to be had exploring or simply enjoying the peace.