- Must visit
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Horley to Windermere among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £234 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £234, while a train costs an average of £234.
Distance: 402 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£234 Average Price Cheapest | £80 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 38m sooner (4h 22m by train vs 5h 0m by car). Tickets start at around £234 compared to roughly £80 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Horley to Windermere run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £218 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:48, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 402 km distance in 4h 16m.
Distance 402 km |
Average train duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £218 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 4h 16m |
First train 3:48 |
Last train 19:01 |
Discover the best of Windermere — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windermere trip today.
Popular family museum bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life through recreated scenes, displays, and themed exhibits in Bowness.
Working Arts and Crafts house museum with original interiors, decorative details, and insight into the life of writer Harriet Martineau.
Independent gallery showing contemporary and traditional artworks, with changing exhibitions and a central Bowness location.
Lakeside village area with boat piers, shops, and easy access to cruises, promenades, and classic views across Windermere.
Broad wooded viewpoint above Windermere, reached by foot or shuttle, known for panoramic lake and fell views.
Formal lakeside gardens with lawns, flowerbeds, picnic space, and direct access to the shore near Bowness.
A famous Cumbrian sausage with protected status, made from local pork and herbs. It is a classic Lake District breakfast and pub staple.
A dark, rich fruit cake from Cumbria made with currants, spice and often tea. It is a traditional accompaniment to local cheese.
A sweet peppermint glucose bar from nearby Kendal, long linked with walkers and climbers for quick energy in the Lakes.
Well-regarded local venue for coffee, brunch and homemade cakes, with a friendly atmosphere and reliable daytime food.
Long-established Lake District restaurant with contemporary British dishes and a refined country-house atmosphere.
Popular casual restaurant serving tapas-style small plates and pizzas in a lively modern setting near the station.
Moderate for the Lake District. Hotels and dining cost more in peak season, but cafés, pubs and local buses keep daily visitor costs manageable.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Café tipping is not expected, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Windermere railway station -> Bowness-on-Windermere
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Horley to Windermere by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Windermere, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Horley to Windermere trains use the Gatwick Airport to Windermere station pair. Use this guide to compare Horley and Windermere train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Horley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Horley.
Wi-Fi is available at Horley. ATMs are available at Horley.
Ticket office support is available at Horley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Horley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Horley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Horley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Windermere has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Windermere.
Ticket office support is available at Windermere.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windermere: Parking, WC.
Available at Windermere: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Windermere: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: On Station Forecourt, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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