Ever wondered what a gothic revival castle on the hillside above a lakeshore is like? Well now's your chance to check one out! We recently made a trip to Wray Castle near Windermere, and I thought it would make the perfect next addition to my posts about days out in the Lake District.

About Wray Castle

For 180 years Wray Castle has sat on the hillside above the lakeshore of Windermere, with stunning panoramic views of the lake and local Lake District fells. Opening its doors to visitors in 2011, it is a work in progress but still worth a visit (especially as it is currently free to do so!)

When is Wray Castle open?

Please note, the Castle is currently closed for refurbishment BUT there’s lots to do as our grounds, facilities and café are still open daily.

Grounds

Monday to Sunday

08:00 - 20:00

Joeys Café

Monday to Sunday

09:30 - 16:30

Where can I park?

There is a small car park next to the Castle, and a second slightly larger on the land just below. There is a total of 71 spaces, so it's worth getting there early, to guarantee a space as it gets busier later in the day. The car park is pay and display, but if you're a National Trust member you can park for free - don't forget to scan your membership card though.

To find the car park, use this post code: LA22 0JA

How much does visiting Wray Castle cost?

Wray Castle is free to enter for everyone. However, car park charges apply to non-National Trust members.

What is available at Wray Castle?

The gothic revival castle

The castle currently only has the ground floor open to visitors but is still lovely to have a quick wander round. The children loved exploring the different rooms, and the best part is it's free! The castle is open 10am - 4:30pm seven days a week, leaving you with plenty of time to get your visit in.

The play trail

The play trail is amazing. Whether you want to explore the wooden climbing area, use a tight rope, build a den or simply run wild in the woodland there is plenty of space and options in the play trail area on the hillside just below Wray Castle.

Pickle is stood in front of the blackboard explaining all the details of the Wray Castle play trail

A variety of walks

From the low-level lakeshore walk on the Windermere west shore, to the circular walk to Blelham Tarn there are plenty of walks to explore here. You can even make your way to Claife Viewing Station - something which is definitely on the list for our next visit after baby #4 arrives and I can start walking a proper distance again.

Squidgy and Pickle are standing with their backs to the camera. They are looking at the National Trust map of Wray Castle and the surrounding area.

Check out the stunning views

The castle grounds have panoramic views of the lakeshore of Windermere and the surrounding lakeland fells. If you're looking for a great spot to take some absolutely amazing photos, you can't go wrong here! We were so lucky with the beautiful weather we had the day we visited, and it was worth every second of the hour long journey to visit.

Wander down to Windermere

A short walk from the castle grounds you can reach the lakeshore of Windermere. If you’re looking to explore this lake without having to battle the traffic and chaos of the tourist town, this is a great way to do it.

Do the short circular walk

And maybe even catch the lake cruise to Ambleside

There is a lovely short(ish) circular walk along the edge of Windermere and back round to Wray Castle. If you fancy doing the tourist bit, you can pop on the Green Cruise at the old gothic boat house.

Squidgy is in a floral dress and red cardi, stepping along some wooden stumps making up part of the Wray Castle play trail.

Watch my video of our Father's Day visit in 2021

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FAQs about our family days out

Is it suitable for children?

If you haven’t worked out by now the answer to this is yes… now you know! If you like, you can just stick to the grounds and enjoy the castle, café and play trail. If your children are like mine and up for a bit more of an adventure, take a hike and explore the local area down to Windermere or Blelham Tarn. Ultimately you've got it all here, for children of a variety of ages.

Squidgy and Pickle are inside the wooden play castle on the Wray Castle play trail. They are smiling at the camera.

Is there anywhere to eat?

You have two options when visiting Wray Castle. First, as always, you can bring a picnic and use one of the picnic benches to enjoy a meal made at home. Alternatively, there is a café on site. The café is open Monday to Sunday, 9:30-4:30pm. Located toward the back of Wray Castle, Joeys Café is a plant-based café specialising in locally roasted espresso-based coffees.

“Don’t forget to leave no trace. As with every outdoor space you visit, it is important you don’t leave rubbish behind, so take it home with you!”

John is walking with a back carrier strapped on holding his son's hand who is smiling at the camera and walking next to his eldest sister. They are on a pathway walking in woodland on a sunny day.

Are there facilities available?

To the side of the castle near Joeys Café is a few facilities including an accessible toilet with changing facilities.

So there you go, if you're ever up in the Lake District on holiday - or even if you’re local - Wray Castle is a really great day out for all the family.

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For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful places we have on our Cumbrian doorstep check out my Lake District category here. Have you found somewhere amazing to visit in the Lake District? We love to explore new spots, so feel free to share in the comments below.