Things to do this autumn at Wray Castle

People with bikes outside Wray Castle, Cumbria

Explore the grounds at Wray Castle as the landscape changes to a vivid display of rich autumn colours.

Catch the boat

Sail with Windermere Lake Cruises from Waterhead Pier (Ambleside) to Wray Castle. Leave the car at home and catch the Green Cruise and sail across Windermere taking in the magnificent views. The gothic boat house and hidden jetty make the perfect arrival point at Wray Castle. Then it's just a short walk up to the castle.

Explore the estate

Created in the 1840s by an heiress and a dentist, the Wray Castle estate includes an impressive Gatehouse, a jetty and several boathouses. Pick up a leaflet from the Castle entrance and start your self-guided trail around the estate and learn more about its history.

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾

Enjoy the simple pleasures of autumn. Grab your boots and go for a welly wander to find the biggest puddles, build a den in our natural play trail or head down to the shingle beach for a family stone skimming contest or a paddle in the water of England’s largest lake. Which of your 50 things can you tick off?

A family pond dipping at Cragside, Northumberland

Download the '50 things' activity guide 

If you want to download a PDF of the whole '50 things to do before you’re 11¾' list, then here it is.

Grab a bite

Pick up a coffee or bite to eat from Joey’s Café at the Castle to warm up after an Autumn walk. There are plenty of picnic benches dotted around, grab one on the front terrace and admire the views of the changing colours of Autumn- don’t forget your camera, it’s a great spot for a photo.

There's a handy tap outside the castle where you can refill water bottles, perfect for stopping off on a cycle ride, or grab extra supplies from Joey's Café.

Head further afield

Wray is a great starting point for exploring more of the Lake District. Head along Windermere west shore, down to Claife Vewing Station and watch as the veiws open up along the lakshore. This is a great path for cycling for all of the family with a cafe at Claife perfect for refuling.Or grab your boots to explore the circular walk round Blenham Tarn.

Autumn walks around Wray Castle

A family walks along the shore of Windermere at Wray Castle

Windermere west shore walk 

A wonderful linear low-level lakeshore walk, through woodland and parkland, featuring great views of the islands, woodland archaeology and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle.

Windermere seen from the grounds at Wray Castle, Cumbria

Wray Castle to Blelham Tarn circular walk 

An interesting and varied circular walk from Wray Castle taking in Blelham Tarn and returning via Windermere shoreline. This walk combines tranquil beauty, great views and fascinating stories from the past.

Or grab your boots to explore the circular walk round Blenham Tarn.