Blog
Discover Windermere’s Most Beautiful Scenic Spots
Thursday 29th January 2026
Windermere is one of the most visited areas in the Lake District, but with a little local knowledge it is still easy to find peaceful viewpoints and quieter walks. Staying at The Westbourne B&B gives you the advantage of a calm location just a short walk from the centre of Bowness, making early starts and crowd free exploring much easier.
Below are some of the most scenic and peaceful places to enjoy Windermere and the surrounding area.
Orrest Head
Orrest Head is one of the most famous viewpoints above Windermere, offering wide panoramic views across the lake and surrounding fells. While it is popular during the day, visiting early in the morning or later in the evening transforms it into one of the best Windermere quiet spots, with fewer people and a much calmer atmosphere.
The route is well maintained and relatively gentle, making it accessible for most walkers. It is an excellent choice if you want a rewarding viewpoint without a long or demanding climb. On clear days, the views stretch across the full length of Windermere, making it a memorable start or end to the day.
You can find walk details and route information here.
Troutbeck Valley
Troutbeck Valley is ideal if you enjoy gentle countryside walking away from busy lakeshore paths. The area is characterised by quiet lanes, open farmland, traditional stone walls and classic Lakeland scenery, creating a slower, more relaxed pace of exploration.
This is a great option for visitors looking for low traffic walks Lake District landscapes, particularly if you prefer wandering routes rather than popular circular trails. Walks can be easily adjusted in length, making the valley suitable for short strolls or longer, meandering afternoons in the countryside.
More information on the area and walking routes can be found here.
Claife Viewing Station
Claife Viewing Station sits on the western shore of Windermere and offers a quieter alternative to the busier eastern side of the lake. The surrounding woodland paths provide sheltered walking, framed views across the water and plenty of peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery.
Reaching Claife by ferry adds to the experience and helps keep the area feeling calm and unhurried. Once there, the combination of woodland, open viewpoints and lake views makes it one of the most peaceful places Windermere has to offer, particularly on weekdays or outside peak season.
Claife Viewing Station details.
Loughrigg Terrace
Loughrigg Terrace is often recommended by locals for its stunning views over Grasmere and Rydal Water. Despite its beauty, it remains quieter than many other routes, making it ideal for visitors seeking peaceful places Windermere and nearby villages offer.
This makes it ideal for visitors seeking peaceful places Windermere and nearby villages provide, without the feeling of walking in a crowd. The path is relatively level, making it a comfortable option for a scenic half day walk.
Walk details can be found here.
Enjoying Windermere at Its Best
Timing makes a huge difference when exploring popular areas. Early mornings, evenings and midweek visits are the best way to enjoy calm scenery. Staying somewhere peaceful but central allows you to reach these locations before the day gets busy.
After a day exploring scenic viewpoints and gentle walks, returning to a comfortable base makes all the difference.
Book the Westbourne B&B to enjoy a quiet location close to Bowness, comfortable rooms, free parking and friendly local knowledge that helps you experience Windermere at its best.