Wray Castle
A Victorian neo-Gothic castle on the northwest shore of Windermere, family-friendly and reachable by lake cruiser.
Wray Castle was built in 1840 by a retired surgeon for his wife, as a medieval-style castle, and its towers and battlements overlook Windermere. Beatrix Potter stayed here with her family at the age of 16, forging a lasting bond with the Lake District. It is now managed by the National Trust. The empty rooms have been turned into children's play and dress-up areas, and the lakeshore lawns are good for picnics. Admission is about £12. Visitors can take a Windermere lake cruiser from Ambleside to Wray Castle pier and then walk along the lakeside path.
Opening hours
Approx. Mar–Nov 10:00–16:00 (check National Trust website)
Nearby sights
- Ambleside
- Hawkshead
- Hill Top
- Windermere
- Rydal Mount
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction
- Tarn Hows
- Grasmere & Dove Cottage