History of the Windermere

Windermere near Gunners Howe. Photographer Ben Barden, © CTB

Windermere was made famous by Arthur Ransome in his Swallows and Amazon series of children's books. The world he created was based upon a composite of the lake and Coniston Water.

On and around Windermere, Ransome buffs will find much of interest. The Windermere Steamboat Museum features a Swallows and Amazons exhibition that includes Esperance, the model for Captain Flint's houseboat.