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Looking to sample Cumbrian delicacies, stock up on essentials or find a keepsake to take home? You’re sure to find what you’re looking for amongst the varying collection of Windermere shops.

Take a break from exploring the fells and peruse the high street instead. Who said a spot of retail therapy ever hurt anyone?

Keep reading to discover more about the wonderful array of shops in Windermere…


1. Forget Me Not

54 Main Rd, LA23 1DX

Forget Me Not is a delightful interior and gift shop idyllically positioned on Windermere’s high street.

Choose from a range of eclectic and one-of-a-kind homeware pieces at this popular Windermere shop.

An internal shot of the home decor at Forget Me Not in Windermere

© Forget Me Not Windermere

Diffusers, high-end candles, and large pieces of stand-out furniture are all on offer here. There’s also tableware decorated in Cumbrian-inspired patterns and homemade blue and white Polish pottery.

There’s even a beautiful collection of jewellery, clothing, and accessories. Why not get dressed to the nines and enjoy an evening on the town in nearby Bowness?

Whether you’re buying for yourself or browsing for a gift to take home to a loved one, you’re sure to find something at Forget Me Not!


2. Lakeland

Alexandra Buildings, Thwaites Ln, LA23 1BQ

Our list of must-visit Windermere shops would not be complete without mentioning Lakelands flagship store.

An external shop of the Lakeland flagship store in Windermere

© Lakeland Windermere

Positioned in the heart of the village and affording visitors panoramic views of the surrounding fells, this is a Windermere shopping experience like no other.

The kitchen and homeware giant opened its doors to its first ever store right here in Windermere. Today, there are nearly 70 stores in operation across the UK.

Founded in 1956, the shelves of this Lakeland store are brimming with innovative kitchen gadgets, home décor and gardening must-haves.

There’s even an on-site café at this Windermere store. Choose from a menu of hearty, home-cooked meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce.

What more could you want from a shop in Windermere?


3. Life is Sweet

12 Crescent Rd, LA23 1EA

Add a tasty treat to your afternoon of shopping in Windermere with a pitstop at Life Is Sweet!

A little girl reaching for a jar of sweets at a sweet shop

A traditional sweet shop situated in the heart of the village, you can expect all the classics. There’s a mouth-watering collection of pick and mix, rhubarb and custards, sherbet lemons and chewy bonbons. There’s even Lakeland favourite, Kendal Mint Cake!

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the holidays, you can take your pick from a selection of seasonal treats!

With personalised jars of sweets and chocolate bouquets on offer, this Windermere shop is perfect for picking up gifts to take home to your loved ones.


4. Manuka Windermere

44 Main Rd, LA23 1DX

A getaway to the Lakes is no time to forget about the importance of maintaining good health. With that in mind, be sure to visit Manuka Windermere during your stay!

The shelves of this quirky health store are stocked high with a wonderful selection of organic and vegan products.

Choose from organic and free from foods, drinks, and body care items. You can even sample over 22 flavours of Yogi Tea, available for purchase here!


5. Windermere Wine

11 Crescent Rd, LA23 1EA

Stocked with a fantastic range of wines from across the world, Windermere Wine is a must-visit for adults shopping in Windermere!

A glass of wine on the counter in a stocked wine shop

Purchase a fancy bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or champagne to take home and toast to an unforgettable holiday in Windermere.

If that’s not your tipple, there’s a collection of other spirits to choose from. Sample whisky, gin, rum or brandy, along with a mouth-watering range of local liqueurs.

You can even take the flavours of Cumbria home with you with a range of goods from the award-winning Lakes Distillery.


6. Lakeland Pet Supplies

28 Main Rd, LA23 1DY

Your four-legged friends will be delighted with a visit to Lakeland Pet Supplies!

Two dogs sitting on the floor of a pet shop

Stocked with toys, treats and a range of different dog foods, you’re sure to find all of the essentials to suit your canine companion here.

If the weathers not on your side, you can even size up a waterproof jacket for your pooch! Who ever let a rainy day stop the adventures in the Lake District?

Fishing bait and tackle is also available at this Windermere shop, along with wild bird food, hutches and pet-friendly accessories.


7. Boots

10 Crescent Rd, LA23 1EA

A high-street classic, you’ll find all your essential health and beauty products at Boots on Crescent Road.

Left one of those all-important toiletries at home? Or run out of product at the wrong time? Boots is on hand in the town centre to help!

You’ll find a pharmacy at the Windermere branch, where you can purchase over-the-counter medicines or collect prescriptions. There’s also a private consultation room available should you need it.


8. Clayton of Windermere Butchers

6 Crescent Rd, LA23 1EA

An external shot of Claytons of Windermere Butchers

© Claytons of Windermere 

An independent, family-run butchers, you’re sure to find the freshest and highest quality produce at Claytons of Windermere.

This Windermere shop prides itself on supplying the very best ingredients, including Cumbrian poultry and British meats.

Locally farmed eggs, game and traditional Cumberland sausages are available for purchase, along with barbecue foods in the summer months.

A convenient click-and-collect or local delivery service is available, with telephone orders taken from 8am Tuesday to Friday.


Supermarkets in Windermere

If you’re in search of groceries whilst you’re in town, there are a handful of supermarkets in Windermere to choose from.

Stocking all your favourites along with a host of unique and locally sourced produce, you’re bound to have an exciting experience shopping in Windermere.


9. Booths

The Old Station, Victoria St, LA23 1QA

Regarded as one of the more high-end supermarkets, Booths is an exclusively northern brand. This Windermere shop is worth a mooch based on this reason alone!

The store focuses its attention on high-quality regional produce, with local farmers and manufacturers in mind.

An external shot of Booths supermarket in Windermere

© Booths Windermere

You’ll find meat, fish, and deli counters at Booths Windermere, along with a variety of other fresh and frozen stock.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut of meat, some Cumbrian biscuits or some locally brewed ales, you’re sure to find it all at Booths.

Despite its town centre location, there’s a large car park at this Windermere supermarket, which makes packing your purchases to carry home a simple task.


10. Sainsbury’s Local & Co-op Food

Sainsburys Local: Main Rd, LA23 1DX
Co-op Food: 2 Oak Street, LA23 1EN

For grocery shopping on the high street, you’ll be spoilt for choice between Sainsbury’s Local and Co-op Food.

Each stocking all the household essentials along with an array of tasty treats and alcoholic drinks, you’re sure to find everything you need.

Pick up a meal deal to enjoy on your excursion through the fells, or stock up on ingredients to whip up a hearty meal.


How does an afternoon perusing these Windermere shops sound to you? Take your pick from our wonderful collection of Windermere holiday cottages and start planning your visit!

And whilst you’re here, why not take some inspiration from our guide on 11 of the best Windermere restaurants? There’s something tasty to suit all tastes and budgets!


Images courtesy of: John H Darch(CC BY-SA 2.0)