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The lake itself is 11 miles long, stretching from the banks of Ambleside, in the north, to Newby Bridge, at the southern end of the Lake District. Its elongated shape has always made it popular with boaters, and it was even the site for several world water speed records set here in the 1950s by racer Norman Buckley. Nowadays, vessels travel the lake at a more leisurely pace, although the lively summer months see the boathouses doing a roaring trade on sunny days. There're plenty of ways to explore; with sailing, canoeing, water-skiing, powerboating and steamboat cruises all available from various ports around the lake. The round-trip cruise from Bowness-on-Windermere to Ambleside is one of the most popular tours, stopping at local towns, woods and islands along the way. There are 14 islands in total, many of which are called 'holme' - a local term that originates from Old Norse. Silver Holme was the inspiration for the setting 'Cormorant Island' in Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons books. Belle Island is the largest on the lake and was once the site of a Roman villa. The island is privately owned, however, so landing is not permitted.
There's more to Windermere than just messing about on boats though. Fishing is also popular. The local specialty is Charr, a close relative of the salmon, which is in season between July and October. These and plenty of other species can also be seen at the Aquarium of the Lakes - the UK's largest collection of freshwater fish - situated in the south-westerly village of Lakeside. Plenty more attractions line the water's edge. Wray Castle, on the northwest shore, was only built in 1840, but it already has a long history. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it was praised by William Wordsworth for adding a "dignified feature to the interesting scenery". A mulberry tree planted by the great poet in 1845 still stands in the grounds today. Further literary connections were forged when a teenage Beatrix Potter stayed here in 1882 for her summer holidays, a sojourn that would prove the catalyst for her future infatuation with the area.
Elsewhere, the Blackwell Arts and Crafts Centre, which occupies a superb position overlooking the lake from Bowness, has some of the most important pieces from the Arts and Crafts movement in its collection. The Windermere Steamboat Museum is also close by. It houses an impressive collection of crafts, including twelve vintage steamboats (some of which take visitors on tours of the lake), and the 1850's SL Dolly - the world's oldest mechanically powered boat. If you're looking to get away from the crowds, Fell Foot Park, at the southern end of the lake, provides the perfect conditions for quiet walks.
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