Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Important notice -

Please be aware that there are reports of blue-green algae on Windermere. Stay safe and avoid swimming or letting your dog into the water where the algae is visible. Please report any sightings to the Environment Agency incident line on 0800807060

Colourful Viewing Station with endless lake views and waterside paths

More about this place

People arrive at Wray Castle by boat

How to get here whilst the Windermere Car Ferry is closed  

The easiest way to reach the quieter west shore of Windermere is to hop on a replacement service run by Windermere Lake Cruises.

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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Things to see and do 

The view onto Windermere from Claife Viewing Station
Claife Viewing Station in the west shore woods of Windermere, Cumbria
Cyclists on the west shore track, Windermere, Cumbria

Anya's nature discovery blog 

Follow Anya's monthly blog for seasonal highlights at Tarn Hows, Claife Viewing Station and the west shore of Windermere.

See what you can get up to 

Wander in woodlands and stumble upon Claife Viewing Station, an 18th-century tourist attraction. Explore the west shore of Windermere on foot or bring your bike.

Explore the West Shore 

Ditch the car and visit Windermere West Shore on foot or by bike. Take a look at the best routes for gentle strolls or longer rides.

Two ladies walking with dogs at Claife Viewng Station

A dog friendly day out 

Four legged friends are welcome on the west shore of Windermere.

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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

What's on

A beautiful hay meadow at Hill Top farm, Near Sawrey

Celebrating the Lake District's hay meadows 

Get involved in celebrating the unique hay meadow habitat with us this month.

Upcoming events

See all events

Nature discovery trail

Sat 21 Jul 2018
10:00-14:30
Get hands on with our new nature discovery trail. You'll get the chance to try bark rubbing, mini beast hunting and animal tracking.
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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Eating

Scones for sale at a National Trust café

The café in the courtyard 

The cosy café in the courtyard is open every day 11am-3pm.

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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

History

View of snow covered hills, looking north from Claife Viewing Station, Cumbria

Claife Viewing Station 

Walk in the footsteps of the original tourists to the Lake District and ponder at the concept of a purpose built monument to view the landscape of Lake Windermere.

Find out more
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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Our work

South Lakes ranger putting in new bench on shore of Windermere, Cumbria

See what we've been getting up to 

Our Rangers work hard to care for the landscape around Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore. Take a look at how they're improving the countryside; and if you see them on a walk - say hello!

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An introduction to the Lake District World Heritage Site 

The Lake District was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in early July 2017. It is now part of a special family of iconic places across the planet, like the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, Easter Island, the Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and many other world famous locations.

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Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Places to stay

The lakeshore at Low Wray Campsite

Places to stay on Windermere's west shore 

Enjoy lakeside living on the quieter west shore of Lake Windermere.

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