Windermere is a town and civil parish in the South Lakeland District of Cumbria, England. It has a population of 8,245 raising to 8,359 at the 2011 Census, as well as lies concerning half a mile (1 km) eastern of the lake, Windermere. Although the community Windermere does not touch the lake (it took the name of the lake when the train line was constructed in 1847 and also the station was called "Windermere"), it has now expanded together with the older lakeside community of Bowness-on-Windermere, though both preserve distinguishable community centres. Tourism is preferred in the town because of its closeness to the lake as well as neighborhood landscapes. Boats from the piers in Bowness cruise around the lake, lots of calling at Ambleside or at Lakeside where there is a recovered railway. Windermere Resort opened at the same time as the train. The civil parish contains both towns, the village of Troutbeck Bridge to the north and also a number of hamlets, including Storrs to the south and also Heaning to the east. Belle Isle and also part of the lake are likewise within its boundaries.