Windermere town sits above England's largest natural lake, the gateway to the Lake District for millions of visitors. The lake itself stretches for 10 miles, offering cruises to Ambleside and Lakeside where connections can be made to the Lakeside & Haverthwaite steam railway. The town provides easy access to gentler Lake District attractions including Beatrix Potter's Hill Top Farm, the Lakeland Motor Museum, and the Windermere Jetty Museum. Orrest Head, a short steep climb from the town, offers spectacular panoramic views as a taste of the fells to come.