What is there to do in Windermere with a large group? Our top picks are a Windermere Lake Cruise, Blackwell Arts & Crafts House, the Orrest Head walk, Windermere Jetty Museum, breakfast at Homeground, The World of Beatrix Potter and an evening in Bowness. The five Terrace houses in Windermere village sleep up to 71 together.
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 superb. 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
It starts right across the road from The Terrace. Twenty to thirty minutes up. Panoramic views — the lake, the fells, the whole lot. It’s the first Lake District fell Wainwright ever climbed. 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 five big holiday houses right in the heart of Windermere village. Each one sleeps between 12 and 16, and together they sleep up to 71. Book one house or book the lot. And just up the road, Orrest Head House sleeps 14 in two acres of private grounds.
Every Terrace house comes with a cinema room with a 75-inch screen, a hot tub, a big kitchen, Chesterfield sofas, and 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.
Plenty of our guests book again for the same time next year before they’ve even left.
Book direct at www.theterracewindermere.co.uk
Andy and Barbara (owners)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Windermere for a large group? Plenty. Take a lake cruise, walk up Orrest Head, visit Blackwell or the Windermere Jetty Museum, or spend an afternoon in Bowness. On a wet day there are indoor options like the Jetty Museum and The World of Beatrix Potter.
What can we do in Windermere when it rains? The Windermere Jetty Museum and The World of Beatrix Potter are both indoors and easy with a big group. Or stay in. Every house on The Terrace has its own cinema room and a hot tub.
How far is Bowness from Windermere village? About a mile and a half. It’s a downhill walk there, or a short taxi ride. Lakeside Taxis are on 015394 88888.
Do we need a car in Windermere? Not really. Windermere station is a couple of minutes’ walk from The Terrace, the village is on the doorstep, and taxis are easy to book for trips further afield.
Where can a large group stay in Windermere? The Terrace Windermere is a row of five big holiday houses in Windermere village, each sleeping 12 to 16 and up to 71 together. Orrest Head House, just up the road, sleeps 14 in two acres of private grounds.
Can we book more than one house? Yes. The five Terrace houses sit side by side, so bigger groups can book two or more and still be together.
Is the Orrest Head walk suitable for everyone? It’s a steady 20 to 30-minute climb with no specialist kit needed, just decent shoes. It can be muddy, so leave the white trainers at home.
Can we bring the dog? Yes. We welcome up to four dogs per house, at £30 per dog.
Is linen included? Yes. All bed linen and towels are included.
How do we book? Book direct at www.theterracewindermere.co.uk or call us on 0330 088 4086. There are no booking fees. A 25% non-refundable deposit is paid when you book, and the balance is due eight weeks before you arrive.
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