Wray Castle
Wray Castle
Wray Castle is a striking Victorian Gothic Revival country house on the western shore of Windermere, near Ambleside. Built in the 1840s for James and Margaret Dawson, it is now cared for by the National Trust.
Important visitor update (2026): The castle interior is closed for restoration, with a partial reopening planned for spring 2027, subject to progress. You can still enjoy the grounds, woodland paths and Windermere lakeshore, subject to current access arrangements. Check the official National Trust visitor information for the latest opening details, facilities and parking before setting off.
Visiting Wray Castle in 2026: what is open?
The castle interior is closed during a major restoration project. The National Trust says partial reopening is planned for spring 2027, subject to progress. The wider estate remains open, so plan for an outdoor visit rather than an indoor castle tour. The grounds also host the outdoor Pages from the Potter Family Album exhibition, currently planned to run until March 2027. Check the official restoration update before travelling.
Opening times, café and parking
The grounds are listed as open daily from 8am to 8pm, while Joey’s Café is listed as 9:30am to 4:30pm. These times can change by date, so confirm them on the National Trust visitor page. Parking is currently £7 for two hours, £8.50 for four hours or £10 all day. National Trust members can park free by scanning their membership card at the machine. Pay at the machine or use the JustPark app with location code 80715. There is no parking for campervans or minibuses, and some approach roads are narrow.
How to get to Wray Castle
Use the postcode LA22 0JA for directions. From Ambleside, follow the A593 towards Clappersgate and then the B5286 towards Hawkshead, following signs to Wray. A seasonal Windermere Lake Cruises Green Cruise serves Wray jetty from Ambleside Waterhead and Brockhole, generally from April to October; check the timetable before relying on the boat. The nearest railway station is Windermere, and bus services run in the surrounding area, with a walk from the nearest stop. For current routes, consult the National Trust’s travel guidance.
Walks and things to see
Enjoy the Gothic exterior, woodland paths, parkland and a stretch of shingle beach beside Windermere. Look out for the miniature harbour and boathouse, the arboretum and the outdoor family-photo exhibition. The estate is also a starting point for longer walks, including the 4.8-mile Wray to Latterbarrow circular route. Surfaces and gradients vary, so check accessibility information if you need a step-free or more accessible route. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and café.
Make the most of your visit: Explore the lakeshore and discover Wray Castle’s links to Beatrix Potter. For more ideas nearby, see our Windermere guide.
Planning a short break? Staying in Ambleside or around Windermere gives you time to explore the lakeshore and nearby attractions. See accommodation options near Wray Castle.
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More About Wray Castle
Discover Wray Castle
With towers, battlements and a lakeside setting, Wray Castle is one of Windermere’s most distinctive landmarks. Although its interior is undergoing restoration, the surrounding estate remains a rewarding place to explore.
Find out about the castle’s Victorian origins, Beatrix Potter’s connection and the best ways to enjoy the grounds today.
History of Wray Castle
Wray Castle is a Victorian Gothic Revival country house at Low Wray, on Windermere’s western shore. Despite its towers and battlements, it was built as a private home, not a defensive castle.
James and Margaret Dawson
Retired Liverpool surgeon James Dawson acquired the Low Wray estate in 1836. The castle was built between 1840 and 1847 for James and his wife Margaret. The architect is not definitively established: Historic England identifies H. P. Horner or J. Lightfoot as possible designers.
Beatrix Potter’s connection
In 1882 the Potter family rented Wray Castle for a summer holiday. The young Beatrix Potter met Hardwicke Rawnsley, who later helped found the National Trust. This visit helped spark her lasting connection with the Lake District.
National Trust ownership and later uses
The castle and surrounding land were donated to the National Trust in 1929. During the twentieth century, the building had several uses, including a youth hostel, a base for the Freshwater Biological Association and a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers. It opened as a National Trust visitor attraction in 2011.
Restoration
The castle interior is closed for a major restoration project during 2026, with a partial reopening planned for spring 2027, subject to progress. The grounds remain accessible. See the National Trust visitor information for current updates.
Architecture and gardens
Wray Castle is a Grade II* listed Gothic Revival country house, with striking slate walls, stone dressings, battlements, turrets and a central tower. The historic interior includes an impressive entrance hall and staircase, but these are not accessible while the building is being restored.
The surrounding estate offers woodland, gardens, specimen trees and walks beside Windermere. You can read more in the Historic England listed-building record.
Plan your visit to Wray Castle
At a glance: The castle interior is closed for restoration in 2026, but visitors can enjoy the grounds and Windermere lakeshore, subject to current arrangements. Plan this as an outdoor visit rather than an indoor castle tour.
Wray Castle stands at Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA, on the western shore of Windermere. The grounds remain open during the restoration, but the castle interior is closed.
Getting there and parking
Wray Castle is at Low Wray, on the western side of Windermere, near Ambleside. On-site parking is available subject to capacity and charges. Public transport and boat connections can be seasonal; check routes and operating dates before travelling.
Paths and accessibility
Outdoor paths vary in gradient and surface. Visitors requiring accessible parking, step-free routes or facilities should consult the National Trust’s latest access information.
Stay near Wray Castle
Make more of your visit by staying in Ambleside or around Windermere. Enjoy more time for lakeside walks, nearby attractions and exploring the area.
Compare accommodation near Windermere →
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Things to do at Wray Castle
Explore the lakeside grounds
Walk through woodland and gardens, admire the Gothic Revival exterior and enjoy views across Windermere. The grounds include specimen trees, lawns and paths leading towards the lakeshore.
Take a walk beside Windermere
The estate is an attractive place for a picnic or a gentle walk. Some paths have uneven surfaces and may be muddy, so check accessibility details before visiting.
Discover the castle’s history
Join a free Wray Castle Walk & Talk on selected dates to hear more about the estate, its owners and its landscape.
Refreshments
Check the National Trust visitor page for the latest café, toilet and other facility information during the restoration.
Events and guided walks
Wray Castle hosts occasional outdoor events and guided walks. Selected dates in autumn and winter 2026 include the free Wray Castle Walk & Talk. Check the National Trust’s current programme before travelling.
Visitor information for 2026
- Address: Low Wray, Ambleside, LA22 0JA
- Castle interior: Closed for restoration; partial reopening planned for spring 2027
- Grounds: Open, subject to seasonal arrangements
- Entry: Grounds free to explore; parking charges may apply
- Facilities and accessibility: Check current arrangements with the National Trust
Before travelling: Opening hours, events and facilities can change. Refer to the official Wray visitor page for the latest details.
Explore more near Wray Castle
Turn your visit into a day exploring the Windermere and Ambleside area.
For a longer break, explore our Windermere guide and compare places to stay around Windermere. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings at no extra cost to you.