Windermere town was established around 1850 and developed as a tourist area for wealthy factory and Mill owners from the Industrial North of the UK. With the arrival of the Railways around 1850 original called Birthwaite, Windermere quickly grew into a lively bustling town. Today steeped with the traditions of the 19th Century, Windermere is now a bustling cosmopolitan environment with cafes, bars and excellent restaurants Windermere is one of the main tourist areas with many hotels and cottages it is in the centre of the beautiful Lake District National Park which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery the area has to offer but also the attractions of The National Park Visitor Centre at Brockhole between Ambleside and Bowness, and Wray Castle almost opposite Brockhole, and the first Lake District holiday home of Beatrix Potter. The natural splendour of the area has provided inspiration for great writers, poets, artists and craftsmen.