Come and Visit Wray Castle
Discover the Gothic Revival castle that’s sitting on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers and informal grounds, perfect for the prince or princess in your family. With all the furniture and artwork long gone and the last family moving out in the 1920s, Wray Castle has had mixed uses and only opened to visitors in 2011.
The Perfect Location
With church-like interiors and panoramic Lake District views, a visit to Wray Castle is a must if you’re looking for things to do in Bowness on Windermere.
Opening Hours
Joey’s Cafe at Wray Castle is currently open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm, serving takeaway hot and cold drinks and cakes. It’s running from a Pop-Up Cabin for now, outside the Castle building. Also, there is no longer a shop at Wray Castle open for the public.
OPENING TIMES
Castle
WED – SUN
10.30 – 16.00
Grounds
WED – SUN
09.00 – 18.00
Pricing
Plan Your Adventure
Entry to the Castle for 2021 will be free for all visitors. The grounds of the Castle, woodlands, paths, car park and outdoor play trail are open and free to visitors.
Castle Entry
FREE
Grounds Entry
FREE
Travel Information
Bowness Address
Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
By Road
SatNav: Postcode LA22 0JA
Be warned, there are narrow roads in some places and so travel is not suitable for coaches, only maximum size minibuses at 16 seaters.
From the south and Bowness (via Ferry) take the B5285 through Hawkshead where this becomes the B5286. Continue on this road for 2.5 miles, then take the right-hand turn to Wray Castle.
From the north and Ambleside, take the A593 to Clappersgate, then take the B5286 signed to Hawkshead. After 2.5 miles take the left turn, to Wray Castle.
Parking: Pay and display for non-members of the National Trust while members get free parking by scanning their membership card.
By Cycle
Seasonal bike-carrying boat from Brockhole; lakeside road and bridleway from Ferry Head (4 miles). Plus off-road cycle path from Ambleside, signed Bowness via Ferry, look out for the blue signs.
By Ferry
The Windermere car ferry is now running a daily limited service, however, the boat from Ambleside is not operating.
By Train
The nearest train station is Windermere, see National Rail to plan your journey.
By Foot
From the south, follow the lakeshore track from Ferry Head (4 miles).
From the north, off-road paths exist for the majority of the route, signed Bowness via Ferry, look out for the blue signs.
Contact Information
For further information about Wray Castle please contact the National Trust with the following details:
FAQs for Wray Castle
Anymore Questions?
Below you will find some of the most common questions asked about Wray Castle to help you plan your visit.
Is There Parking At Wray Castle?
Wray Castle has parking for 71 cars on-site, 3 of which are designated disabled spaces, which you do not need to prebook for but the spaces do fill up quickly at peak times so it is advised to arrive early to ensure you get a space.
Please find a parking space and either purchase a ticket or scan your membership card on arrival. For non-members of the National Trust you will need to pay & display your car (Up to 2hrs – £5.00. 2 – 4hrs – £7.50. 4hrs+ – £9.50) or free for National Trust members. Your parking ticket will give full access to the grounds, which includes the woodland, gardens and lakeside.
Are Toilets Available At Wray Castle?
Yes, the toilet blocks outside by the café is open and the accessible toilet is located in this block. The visitor toilets inside the Castle on the ground floor are also open.
Can I Take My Dog To Wray Castle?
Dogs (on leads) are welcome in the grounds and wider estate; assistance dogs only are allowed inside the Castle building. So if you’re staying at pet-friendly accommodation like at Craig Manor, you will be able to take your four-legged friend on your day trip with you.
Is Wray Castle Wheelchair Accessible?
Wray Castle is wheelchair accessible however there is a steady but constant slope up from the boathouse to the Castle that you should take extra care of.
Is Wray Castle Pushchair Accessible?
Yes, Wray Castle is pushchair accessible however there is a steady but constant slope up from the boathouse to the Castle that you should take extra care on.
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Extend Your Adventure at Craig Manor Hotel!
After an exhilarating adventure at Go Ape, why not complete your perfect day by retreating to the comfort and luxury of our hotel?
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Other Attractions in Bowness-on-Windermere
Excited to discover other things to do in Bowness on Windermere? Check out some of our favourites below that you can include in your next holiday to the Lake District.
Still can’t decide? We have a full list of things to do in Bowness on Windermere for you to discover, no matter what you enjoy doing!
Claife Heights
Distance: 6 miles – Recommended Time: 2.5+ hours
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