Wray Castle
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
With its battlements, turrets, and arrow-slit windows, the neo-gothic Wray Castle is straight from a storybook. Originally built in 1840 for a Liverpudlian doctor and his heiress wife, the estate once served as a vacation home for the family of children’s author Beatrix Potter and is currently owned by the National Trust.
The Basics
As well as hosting talks and tours, Wray castle offers child-friendly attractions such as dressing-up areas, games, arts and crafts, and an outdoor play area. Many literary tours of England’s Lake District combine a stop at Wray Castle with Hill Top, Potter’s former home; Tarn Hows, a beauty spot previously owned by Potter; and the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead. Some also stop at the former homes of Romantic poet William Wordsworth.
Things to Know Before You Go
Due to its rich history, fairytale architecture, and family-friendly activities, Wray Castle is a must-see sight for anyone exploring Cumbria.
There’s a café at the castle and guests are also welcome to picnic on the grounds; there are several benches on the grass in front of the castle.
The ground floor of the castle is accessible to wheelchair users; there are also wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities.
How to Get There
Wray Castle is situated on the northwest shore of Lake Windermere—driving from Windermere takes 20-25 minutes. During the summer season (April to October), boats run between Waterhead Pier in Ambleside and Wray Castle Pier, from where it’s a 10-minute uphill walk to the castle.
When to Get There
The castle is busiest during weekends and school vacations, and quietest on weekday mornings. Warm and dry summer days are the best time to explore the pretty lakeside grounds.
Castles of the Lake District
Wray Castle is one of many historic sites around the Lake District. For romantic views of crumbling medieval-era ruins, head for Kendal Castle, Penrith Castle, or Brough Castle. Elsewhere in the region, you’ll find Carlisle Castle, Muncaster Castle, and Appleby Castle, all of which are fully intact and open to the public for tours.
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