Visitor information

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Classic south Lakeland countryside with views of the fells and lakes

Hawkshead village, home to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, is surrounded by beautiful scenery, including Windermere lakeshore.

North of the village is the Courthouse, dating from the 15th century, all that remains of the estate once held by Furness Abbey. Wray Castle offers year round access to the grounds and the castle itself is open to visitors (check our Wray Castle page for opening details and to learn more about what to see and do there). Claife Viewing Station gives a fascinating glimpse from the early days of tourism, although it is today a romantic ruin overlooking the lake.

For the more energetic the area offers walking and biking routes for all abilities; check out our new improved lakeshore track from Ferry Landing to Wray Castle.

 

Wray Castle - great in all weathers

Wray Castle has everything for family fun, whatever the weather.

There's indoor space for kids to play if the weather is poor, outdoor space to play if it's good, and a cafe for treats so you can make a whole day of it.

Claife Viewing Station

Visitors have been coming to view Windermere for hundreds of years

Follow in the footsteps of a 19th-century tourist.

Back in the 1800s Claife Viewing Station was 'the' place to go on Lake Windermere. It's our aim to recreate part of the experience at this fascinating site.

Ranger Tales

Our places to visit guide

inside or outside, it's your choice

A guide to our places to visit.

See our ideas for National Trust countryside places to visit around the Coniston and Hawkshead area.

See our guide (external link)

Try out our improved bike trail

We've recently celebrated the launch of the new improved track from Ferry Landing along the western shore of Lake Windermere to Wray Castle. It's a perfect off-road route for a family bike ride (or walk).

Take a boat for extra fun

With three different options to arrive by water, there's lots of scope for extra fun.

Easily accessed by boat from Bowness or Ambleside, the Hawkshead area is perfect for a great day out without the car.