Wray Castle is an historic property and parkland on the shores of Windermere in the Lake District. The National Trust estate is credited with starting children’s author and illustrator Beatrix Potter’s love of the area as she holidayed here with her family in 1882.
The Wray estate is located near Ambleside and includes a Gothic Revival-style house, 64 acres of land including parkland and walking trails, gardens, and one of the largest boathouses in the Lake District.
The castle itself is an impressive building with turrets and towers, and it makes for a spectacular backdrop against the contrasting natural landscapes.
The Wray estate is completely free to visit, and you don't need to purchase tickets in advance of your visit.
If you’re not a National Trust member, you will need to pay for parking if you’re arriving by car.
On-site, refreshments are available from JOEY’s Café, which operates independently. The café offers a selection of vegan baked goods, savoury snacks, and hot drinks including tea, coffee, and hot chocolate. The café is open every day, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
No, Beatrix Potter, author of Peter Rabbit and many other beloved children’s books, did not live in Wray Castle, but she did visit as a young girl. In 1882, her parents rented out Wray Castle for the summer.
It is believed that this visit sparked her love of the Lake District, and she eventually moved to the area in 1905.
Some areas of Wray Castle and its grounds are accessible. There is level access to the outside of the castle and the café, and Blue Badge parking is available in the top car park. There is also an accessible toilet near the café.
All-terrain mobility scooters are available to hire on-site. Pre-booking is advised as availability is limited.
If you’re looking to stretch your legs a bit further, you could try one of the walking routes that starts at Wray Castle. The Wray to Blelham Tarn walk is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometres) long and is of moderate difficulty.
The walk starts from the car park and covers rolling farmland. You’ll see Blelham Tarn, a gorgeous lake, and walk along the shore of Windermere. Enjoy fantastic views along the way.
Wray Castle is currently closed to visitors as it undergoes a major refurbishment project. However, there is still plenty to do around the estate.
Learn more about the history of Wray Castle and the estate with an expert tour guide. Tours run twice daily – once in the morning and once in the afternoon – and take 45 minutes. You’ll learn more about how the estate was built, who it has hosted over the years, and its future.
There are waymarked walking trails along the lakeshore and across the parkland. Start from the front of the castle and explore one of the routes, seeing what you can spot along the way.
During school holidays, Wray Castle puts on several activities for families and children of all ages in the outdoor areas around the estate. Try your hand at some classic lawn games, enjoy woodland walks, and explore the pebbled shoreline.
If you’re a fan of treasure hunting, then you’ll love geocaching. Find the hidden caches, and you can leave a message and trinkets in the box for someone else to find afterwards. There are eight medium-sized caches in the grounds at Wray Castle. Download the official geocaching app to help you find them.
Prepare a sumptuous spread in the self-catering kitchen at YHA Ambleside and dine al fresco in the grounds at Wray Castle. There are plenty of perfect picnic spots to choose from with views over the lake.
Wray Castle is around 3.9 miles (6.3 kilometres) from YHA Ambleside. The best option for getting there during summer is to take a boat from Ambleside Pier (Waterhead).
By boat: Leave the car in the hostel car park and hop on the Green Cruise at Ambleside Pier (Waterhead), just a stone’s throw from YHA Ambleside.
It takes around 15 minutes to sail to Wray Jetty, and from there it’s just a 10-minute walk along a gravel track to the castle and grounds.
During peak season (summer), 14 boats arrive and depart each day, so you should be able to find a convenient time for you.
By car: It’s around a 15-minute drive from YHA Ambleside to Wray Castle. There is a car park at Wray Castle which is suitable for cars. There is no parking for minibuses or campervans. If you’re not a National Trust member, you will need to pay for parking.
You can pay at the pay and display machine with cash or online with a card.
Garden/grounds
WiFi
Free parking on premises
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