“I put up with the place for 30 minutes and left”: Tourists blast Windermere
It’s one of England’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
A trip to Windermere to take in the quaint town and walk alongside the water is something many people across Greater Manchester will be looking to do when the weather warms up.
Picturesque, with plenty to do, it’s one of the Lake District’s most beloved tourist spots. However, not everyone agrees on whether it lives up to the hype.
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While Windermere has attracted thousands of reviews on TripAdvisor and boasts a 4.5-star rating, not all of those assessments have been glowing.
In fact, 27 people have left a one-star review rating it ‘terrible’.
Lancs Live has taken a look at what some of Windermere’s harshest critics have had to say.
AngieG left a review in August of last year, which reads: “All we wanted was a quiet walk. Instead, we had a smelly funfair, overpriced food and drink which was difficult to even get due to most places being closed, accepting limited customers or closing early due to staffing shortages and they even wanted to charge for toilets, which were filthy.
“If we could have left early we would have, but we’re unable to change our train tickets. I’m used to tourist areas and the busyness etc but this is completely on another level.
“Absolutely nothing to do in the rain (and we were prepared for poor weather). 4G coverage is patchy, which isn’t great for patient but bored teenagers.
“Avoid.”
What do you think of Windermere? Let us know in the comments section below.
Doltologist said: “Seen one lake, seen ’em all as they say, but try not to make this one the first, or it will be the last lake you will ever want to see – ESPECIALLY in summer !! In fact, if you never see Lake Windermere, it will be no great loss. Believe me.
“It’s full of tourists with their sprogs eating fish and chips and drinking gallons of Watneys Red Barrel and singing Torremolinos (a la Monty Python).
“If you have no sense of decorum, no love of life and absolutely no appreciation of peace, quiet, tranquillity and etiquette, then this is definitely the place for you.
“I made the mistake of going there recently. I put up with the place for about 30 minutes and left. I shall not be back.”
Lancashirelass said: “Decided to buy swan food that was being sold round lake. fed 2 swan, got bit. would not recommend lake as dangerous animals are about and probs not good for children as they cud get hurt. :(“
However, there are plenty of more complimentary reviews to counteract these.
Jane01030 left the review: “Lovely place to walk and take a boat trip around the lakes. Very picturesque! Nice range of shops and plenty of cafes!
“Definitely worth taking time to go out on the boat.”
Greta H said: “Never been before but will go back. The lake views are spectacular on a good day, not so great in the rain. Lake is so big with wonderful walks to choose from. Not many places to park for free and it’s quite expensive but worth it to get the experience.”
Gaynor S commented: “Who needs to go to Italy, when you have such a lovely, beautiful Lake so close.
“The Lake is very natural, yet also partly commercialised, with some cafes, restaurants, shops around some of the water, and there are lots of boat trips, of different lengths available, plus a car ferry.
“On a nice sunny day, there is nothing better than sitting by / or on the water, enjoying the scenery, with maybe ice cream in hand. You could easily spend a week going around different areas of the Lake, to see all its beauty.
“There are plenty of car parks, close to the water, at the various areas.”
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Read More: “I put up with the place for 30 minutes and left”: Tourists blast Windermere