Wray Castle

Wray Castle is a magnificent Victorian neo-gothic building located in the picturesque village of Claife in Cumbria, England. The castle and its grounds have been under the ownership of the National Trust since 1929 and have been open to the public on a regular basis since 2013. Visitors can explore the castle’s impressive architecture and learn about the fascinating history of the building and its former occupants.

Originally built in the 1840s by James Dawson, a retired surgeon, and his wealthy wife Margaret, the castle has had a varied and colourful history. Over the years, it has been used as a holiday home, a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers, and even as a hostel for young offenders. Today, the castle is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived and worked there.

History

Wray Castle is a neo-gothic country house located at Low Wray in the Lake District. The construction of the castle began in 1840 and was completed in 1847. The castle has a rich history that spans over a century and a half, and it has undergone several renovations over the years.

Construction

Wray Castle was built for James and Margaret Dawson from Liverpool. James was a retired surgeon, and the couple used Margaret’s inheritance from a gin fortune to fund the construction of the castle. The castle was designed by the architect, John Gregory Crace, who was known for his Gothic Revival style.

Wray Castle is a three-story building with turrets, towers, and battlements. The castle was built using local materials, including slate and limestone. The castle’s location on the shores of Lake Windermere provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Ownership

After the Dawsons died, the castle was sold to a succession of owners, including a wealthy industrialist and a retired army colonel. In 1929, the castle was purchased by a wealthy businessman, Edward Holt, who used it as a holiday home for his family.

In 1939, the castle was requisitioned by the military during World War II and was used as a training ground for soldiers. After the war, the castle was sold to the Youth Hostels Association and was used as a youth hostel for several years.

Renovation

In 2011, the National Trust purchased Wray Castle and began a major renovation project. The goal of the project was to restore the castle to its former glory and to make it more accessible to visitors.

The renovation project involved repairing the roof, replacing the windows, and restoring the castle’s interior. The castle’s original features, such as the oak staircase and the stained glass windows, were carefully preserved.

Today, Wray Castle is open to the public, and visitors can explore the castle’s many rooms and learn about its fascinating history.

Architecture

Wray Castle is a Victorian Gothic Revival-style country house located in the English county of Cumbria. The house was built between 1840 and 1847 and is known for its unique architecture, which is a blend of Gothic and Tudor styles. The building was designed by John Jackson Lightfoot, an accountant with a keen interest in architecture.

Exterior Design

The exterior of Wray Castle is characterized by its striking Gothic Revival architecture. The building features a rectangular plan with a porte-cochere to the entrance facade and a service wing to the south. The central tower and angle towers are tall and imposing, giving the castle a grand appearance. The building is constructed of dressed slate with ashlar dressings and has a slate roof.

The grounds of Wray Castle are also noteworthy for their selection of specimen trees, including Wellingtonia and redwood trees. The shoreline of Windermere, which is part of the grounds, is also open to the public and is a popular spot for picnics and walks.

Interior Design

The interior of Wray Castle is just as impressive as its exterior. The entrance hallway is particularly noteworthy, with its ornate plasterwork and grand staircase. The castle also features a number of reception rooms, including a drawing room, library, and dining room, all of which are decorated in the Victorian style.

One of the most interesting features of Wray Castle is the fact that it was never actually completed. The castle was originally built as a holiday home for James Dawson, a surgeon from Liverpool, but he abandoned the project before it was finished. The castle was later used as a training college for wireless operators during World War I before being sold to the National Trust in 1929.

Location

Wray Castle is located in the Claife area of Cumbria, England. The castle is situated on the western shore of Lake Windermere, providing visitors with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Geography

The Lake District, where Wray Castle is located, is a mountainous region in North West England. The area is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The castle itself is situated on a hilltop, providing visitors with panoramic views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside.

Accessibility

Wray Castle is easily accessible by road, with ample parking available on site. Visitors can also arrive by boat, with Windermere Lake Cruises boats running from Ambleside to the Castle and Brockhole regularly. The castle is also accessible by public transport, with a bus stop located just a short walk away.

For visitors with disabilities, the castle offers accessible parking, ramps, and lifts to ensure that everyone can enjoy the castle’s facilities. Visitors with mobility issues are advised to contact the castle in advance to discuss any specific requirements.

Attractions

Wray Castle is a stunning Gothic Revival castle in the Lake District, offering visitors a range of attractions to explore. From the castle’s impressive architecture to its beautiful grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Grounds

The castle’s lakeside grounds are a highlight of any visit, with vast lawns and woodland walks providing panoramic views of Lake Windermere. Visitors can wander the grounds and spot the changes of the seasons, from snowy mountain peaks to daffodils blooming on the lawn. The castle’s gardens are also home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, and a host of bird species.

One of the most popular features of the castle’s grounds is the lakeshore path, which offers visitors the chance to explore the shoreline of Lake Windermere. The path is suitable for walkers of all abilities and provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside.

Activities

For those looking for more active pursuits, Wray Castle offers a range of activities to enjoy. The castle’s location on the shores of Lake Windermere makes it the perfect spot for water-based activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can hire equipment from local providers or bring their own.

The castle’s grounds are also home to a number of mountain bike trails, suitable for riders of all abilities. The trails provide a unique way to explore the castle’s grounds and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

For those looking for a more leisurely activity, the castle’s tea room offers a range of refreshments, including homemade cakes, sandwiches, and hot drinks. Visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding countryside from the comfort of the tea room.

Events

Wray Castle is a popular destination for visitors throughout the year. The castle and its grounds host a variety of events, including annual events and special events.

Annual Events

One of the most popular annual events at Wray Castle is the Easter Adventures. This event runs for a week and a half, from 12th April to 23rd April 2023. It is perfect for families, with nature-inspired activities for all ages to enjoy. At the end of the trail, visitors can indulge in an Easter treat.

Another annual event at Wray Castle is the Christmas festivities. The castle is decorated with a festive theme, and visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including Christmas crafts, storytelling, and carol singing.

Special Events

Wray Castle also hosts a range of special events throughout the year. These events include art exhibitions, photography exhibitions, and live music performances. Visitors can check the Wray Castle website for details of upcoming events.

In addition to the regular events, Wray Castle also offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. These activities include guided walks, boat trips, and outdoor theatre performances.

It is worth noting that some events may require pre-booking, so visitors are advised to check the Wray Castle website for details of how to book and any associated costs.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Wray Castle is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. However, it is advisable to check the official website for any changes to the opening hours before planning your visit.

Admission Fees

Entry to the grounds of Wray Castle is free, but there is a fee for parking for non National Trust Members.

Facilities

Wray Castle has several facilities to make your visit more comfortable:

• Free parking
• Café serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals
• Gift shop selling souvenirs, books, and local products
• Toilets, including accessible facilities
• Baby-changing facilities
• Wheelchair access to the ground floor of the castle
• Guided tours for groups of 15 or more people (booking required)