The story of Windermere

Windermere is the largest lake in England, whether you measure it by length, area or volume: about 11 miles long, a mile across at its widest, and up to 64 metres deep. Its water drains out through the River Leven into Morecambe Bay. It became a favourite with visitors in 1847, when a branch railway line reached the lake from Kendal, bringing people from the towns to its shores.

It has also been important for science: in 1929 the Freshwater Biological Association was set up on its shore, and much of the early research into lake ecology and freshwater life was carried out here. The lake once formed part of the border between Westmorland and Lancashire. Its name probably means 'Vinand's lake', from an old Scandinavian personal name.

Find a spot on the shore and look out across the longest lake in England.