Overlooking Lake Windermere, this mock gothic castle is a great family day out.
Sitting on the shore of Lake Windermere in Claife is Wray Castle, a mock gothic style castle that was built in 1840 with dramatic turrets and towers during the gothic revival in the Victorian era.
The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, although it has only recently opened to the public. Take one of the free tours around the house to get its full story about its varied history with mock ruins and hidden doors to find. While touring the house don't miss the billiards room, library, grand living spaces and narrow tunnels used by servants.
Although Wray Castle looks historic, in fact inside you won't find period furniture or exhibits, you'll find grand rooms full of activities for children including castle building, Peter Rabbit Adventure room and dressing up fun.
The grounds of Wray Castle are a great for exploring with lots of activities including rope swings, den building, numerous trails and informal gardens. The grounds here are known for their specimens of trees including Wellingtonia, Redwood, Ginkgo Biloba, Weeping Lime and Beech.
Author Beatrix Potter visited Wray Castle in 1882 for the summer with her parents and she went on to fall in love with the surrounding beauty of the location, later buying land that surrounded the house.
Instead of driving, why not take a boat trip from Ambleside over to Wray Castle?
