Name: Wray Castle
Rating: 5.0

Wray Castle

Wray Castle Jetty, Ambleside LA22 0JA, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Wray take a walk in the grounds at Wray and discover some of the features of this great estate, still much as they were when they were built, including an arboretum and yew walk, walled garden, boathouse, and miniature harbour.

Follow waymarked trails through beautiful grounds, parkland and woodland including a long stretch of shingle beach on the shores of Lake Windermere and panoramic Lake District views, Wray has it all in every season.

If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Lakeshore Access: Shingle beach for easy access to England's largest lake.
Parkland & Walking Trails: Explore the lakeshore and parkland on waymarked trails, starting at the front of the castle. Or use the castle as a starting point for longer walks in the area.
Gothic Revival Boathouse and Miniature Harbour: One of the largest boathouses in the Lake District and an imposing entrance to the estate for visitors when arriving by water.
Small Arboretum: Like many Victorian Lakeland villas, Wray has a collection of giant exotic fir trees. It is said that William Wordsworth planted the Mulberry tree in the grounds in 1845. There are some other interesting specimen trees, such as sequoias, cedar and beech. Many of the surviving veteran oaks in the parkland pre-date the Castle.
Grounds Tour: Learn more about the history of the Wray estate on our 45-minute Walk and Talk tour. Running every day at 10.30 and 14.30.
Exploring the Grounds at Wray: Created between 1840 and 1860 from open farmland, the Wray estate today includes a house in the Gothic form of a medieval castle, a church, a farm and boathouses. Despite its ancient appearance, the castle at Wray would only ever have to defend itself from the Cumbrian weather.
Family-friendly things to do at Wray: There are plenty of options for families to create fun memories at Wray. Find out what's on offer and all the details you need to plan your visit.
Top Ten Things to do at Wray: Discover the best of Wray with our top ten experiences—perfect for families, walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Windermere’s quieter side.

Facilities

Parking: Pay and display (non-members) £6.50 for 2 hrs, £8.00 for 4 hrs and £9.50 all day. Members - please scan your card for free parking. Thank you. Please note: there is no parking for campervans or minibuses at the castle.
Food & Drinks: Cafe available.
Dogs allowed: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and cafe.

What to see

History of Wray Castle: Discover more about the history of the Wray Castle estate and the fascinating link that Hardwicke Rawnsley, one of the National Trust's three original founders, had with the property.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/wray/history-of-wray-castle

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Grounds: 08:00 - 20:00
JOEY'S Café: 09:30 - 16:30

Address: Wray Castle Jetty, Ambleside LA22 0JA, UK

Post Code: LA22 0JA

Council: Westmorland & Furnes

County: Cumbria

On foot: From the south, follow the lakeshore track from Ferry Head (4 miles). From the north, off road paths exist for the majority of the route, signed Bowness via Ferry, look out for the blue signs. From Hawkshead village, follow bridleway (3 miles).
By ferry: The Windermere car ferry runs a daily limited service. Please check before travelling. Once getting off the ferry, it is a 4 mile walk or cycle along the Windermere west shore path to Wray Castle or a 6 mile drive, via Hawkshead.
By train: The nearest train station is Windermere, see National Rail to plan your journey Plan your car-free visit with Good Journey.
By bus: Year-round, regular buses from Ambleside and Hawkshead (10 mins), Windermere and Coniston (30 mins) stop nearby. It’s then a 20-minute, off-road stroll to the Castle. Get the 505 bus: Kendal to Coniston route.
By road: Narrow roads in some places. Not recommended for motorhomes. Not suitable for coaches - maximum size minibus 16 seater. From the south and Bowness (via Ferry) take the B5285 through Hawkshead where this becomes the B5286. Continue on this road for 2.5 miles, then take the right hand turn to Wray Castle. From the north and Ambleside, take the A593 to Clappersgate, then take the B5286 signed to Hawkshead. After 2.5 miles take the left turn, to Wray Castle. Plan your car-free visit with Good Journey. We do no have campervan or minibus parking at the castle.
Parking: Pay and display (non-members) £6.50 for 2 hrs, £8.00 for 4 hrs and £9.50 all day. Members - please scan your card for free parking. Thank you. Please note: there is no parking for campervans or minibuses at the castle.