Windermere is a community and civil parish in the South Lakeland District of Cumbria, England. It has a population of 8,245 enhancing to 8,359 at the 2011 Census, and lies regarding half a mile (1 kilometres) east of the lake, Windermere. Although the town Windermere does not touch the lake (it took the name of the lake when the train line was constructed in 1847 and the station was called "Windermere"), it has actually now expanded along with the older lakeside community of Bowness-on-Windermere, though both keep distinct town centres. Tourist is preferred in the town owing to its closeness to the lake and local surroundings. Boats from the piers in Bowness cruise around the lake, lots of calling at Ambleside or at Lakeside where there is a restored train. Windermere Hotel opened up at the same time as the train. The civil church consists of both towns, the village of Troutbeck Bridge to the north as well as a number of communities, consisting of Storrs to the south and also Heaning to the east. Belle Isle and also part of the lake are also within its borders.