7 Things to Do in Windermere for Large Groups
Big group. Big weekend. The Lake District is waiting.
Windermere isn’t just a pretty lake. It’s the UK’s adventure playground. And if you’re coming as a big group — family reunion, milestone birthday, hen weekend, or a friends’ getaway — you’re going to have an absolute blast. Here’s what’s worth your time.
1. Get Out on the Water
Windermere Lake Cruises run year-round. The Islands Cruise takes 45 minutes and loops the whole lake. The views are genuinely cracking. Book the top deck on a clear day. Big groups love it.
2. Visit Blackwell — The Arts & Crafts House
Just south of Bowness. Most large groups drive straight past it. Don’t. Extraordinary interiors. Spectacular lake views from the terrace. Great café. Give it an hour.
3. Walk Orrest Head
Less than a mile from town. Twenty to thirty minutes up. Panoramic views — the lake, the fells, the whole lot. Wainwright’s recommended first Lake District fell. No specialist kit needed. Just decent shoes. It gets muddy. Perfect warm-up walk for a big group on day one.
4. Windermere Jetty Museum
Essential if the weather turns. Boats, steam, history — and a working conservation workshop. Vintage boat trips in summer. Proper coffee with a view. Easy one for a group of any size.
5. Breakfast at Homeground
Windermere village’s best breakfast spot. Proper coffee, great food, right in the heart of the village. The perfect way to start a Lake District day.
6. The World of Beatrix Potter
Sounds touristy. It is. But it’s genuinely charming — especially with kids or grandkids in tow. Detailed recreated scenes from the books. Indoors, which matters in the Lakes. Bowness. Daily from 10am. Half an hour does it.
7. Wander Bowness
Every group ends up here eventually. Pubs with views. Independent shops. Fish and chips from The Mews, eaten outside. Or settle into The Hole in t’ Wall — Bowness’s oldest pub — for a proper Lake District evening.
Where to Stay for Large Groups in Windermere
This is where it gets good. The Terrace Windermere is a private row of big holiday houses right in the heart of Windermere village. We’ve got seven large group holiday cottages sleeping anywhere from 6 to 67 guests. Book one house or book the lot.
Every house comes with a 75-inch cinema room, a hot tub, cosy kitchen, Chesterfield sofas, and plenty of off-road parking. All linen included. EV chargers on site.
We do Monday and Friday changeovers. Weekend breaks, mid-week breaks, or full weeks. No booking fees. Best price guaranteed direct.
We’re the go-to for large group accommodation in the Lake District. Milestone birthdays, hen weekends, family reunions, multi-generational holidays — we’ve seen it all and we love it.
You’ll make memories that’ll have you booking again for the same time next year.
Andy and Barbara (owners)
by Andy Cheetham
