Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dunmere

"This proper fairytale castle only recently opened its doors to the public and is operated by the National Trust. The neo-gothic castle has numerous towers and turrets to explore and various exhibitions to check out along the way. For example, kids can dress up in period costumes, build their own castle and explore the new Peter Rabbit adventure rooms, as well as an excellent outdoor play area too."

"White Cross Bay is less than 5 minutes by car to Brockhole, where you can catch a boat to the other side of Lake Windermere to visit Wray Castle. On the way out you have to go to Ambleside first, get off the boat for 20 mins, re-board, and then set off for Wray Castle but on the trip back you go straight across to Brockhole. The Woodland Nature Play Trail at Wray Castle is great."

"Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building at Claife in the English county of Cumbria. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, but the house has only recently opened to the public on a regular basis."

"Brockhole is the official visitor centre of the Lake District, located on the shores of Lake Windermere. While it’s a great place to relax by England’s biggest lake, there’s also plenty to see and do during a visit to Brockhole, whether it’s simply walking through the meadows and woodland or having a go at the Treetop Trek course or even hiring a canoe to adventure onto Lake Windermere. As you can see, there’s so much to see and do for the whole family in the South Lakes area, so why not stop by for a few nights at Holgates holiday cottages here in Silverdale?"

"Brockhole, situated in 30 acres of gardens between Ambleside and Windermere, is the Lake District National Park Authority Visitor Centre. One of the most popular Windermere attractions, it has its own landing stage, tree top trek, boat and bike hire, shop, tea rooms….see all things to do here >>"

"Take in the scenic views and gardens down to the shores of Windermere. Browse round the shop and treat yourself to something tasty in the café. The extensive gardens are a delight whatever time you choose to visit."

"Cockermouth was the birthplace of William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose childhood home was this 18th-century town house, carefully…"

"Two miles south of Hawkshead, in the tiny village of Near Sawrey, this idyllic farmhouse was purchased in 1905 by Beatrix Potter and was used as inspiration for many of her tales: the house features directly in Samuel Whiskers, Tom Kitten, Pigling Bland and Jemima Puddle-Duck, among others, and you might recognise the kitchen garden from Peter Rabbit. Entry is by timed ticket in order to manage demand, but you can't prebook, and it's very popular, so prepare to queue."

"Hill Top Cottage – The 17th century Hill Top Cottagewas once home to the famous writer Beatrix Potter and is a time capsule of her life. The house and gardens, run by the National Trust, are open for you to explore and learn more about this fascinating women."

"Children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter (1866–1943), most famous for her Peter Rabbit stories, called this place home. The…"

"The Lake District National Park is famous for being home to the Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth. It is said to have provided inspiration for a lot of his poetry – looking around, it’s easy to see why. The entire landscape is peppered with perfect cottages, fields full of daffodils, rolling mountains, and dazzling lakes. The panoramas in The Lake District National Park will leave you hankering for more."

"The Lakes District is all shimmering lakes and craggy hilltops which attract over 15 million people each year. The Yorkshire Dales on the other hand is about the snaking rivers running though valleys of rolling green hills. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days stretching the muscle’s on a long walk or two."

"The poet William Wordsworth's most famous residence in the Lake District is undoubtedly Dove Cottage, but he actually spent a great deal more time at Rydal Mount, 1.5 miles northwest of Ambleside, off the A591. This was the Wordsworth family's home from 1813 until the poet's death in 1850 and the house contains a treasure trove of Wordsworth memorabilia. Bus 555 (and bus 599 from April to October) stops at the end of the drive."

"If you need a picnic spot, or just somewhere to relax in front of Windermere, Borrans Park is a public green space at the lake’s northernmost tip just west of Waterhead. The park merges with the greenery around the Roman fort, and there are benches facing the water so you watch the steamers coming and going, and take in natural splendour the lakeshore. Behind you to the north and northeast are the brooding high fells of the Central Lakeland."

"Borrans Park has magnificent views of Windermere lake and is easily accessed from the A591. There are the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman fort with historical interpretation information in the adjacent field. The large grassed recreation area has picnic tables and ample seating."

"Metres from Windermere’s northern shore is an archaeological site for the Roman fort of Galava, founded towards the end of the 1st century. This stronghold defended the intersection of three Roman roads, heading off to Ravenglass and Carlisle on Hadrian’s Wall to the north, and Papcastle to the west. The remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century, when it appears that the fort was demolished and reconstructed."

"The car park in Waterhead can be the starting point for a picturesque two-hour walk in the ancient woodland above Ambleside, cresting at Jenkin Crag, a great vantage point above Windermere. Nearly all of the path is in thick woodland, and there are steps to make the going lighter on wet days. One of the loveliest sections guides you along the Ambleside Champion Tree Trail, which has England’s tallest grand fir."

"The White Lion Hotel on Market Place includes a cosy bar with welcoming staff. Outside is a wonderful patio with lots of seating, parasols to shade from the sun, and even heaters when the days and nights are a little chillier. Their extensive menu of pub grub leaves you spoiled for choice."

"It was a busy night but we were waited on quickly and given plenty of information if we had any questions. The food was to a great standard. The meat was of great quality and the selection of food was amazing."

"With a picturesque location in Ambleside, Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection features a modern spaand a brasserie. There is free parking and spacious rooms with free WiFi and scenic views towards Wansfell. Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa is set in a 17th-century building, and has a leisure club with a swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and steam room."

"Our hotel is perfectly situated with views of Lake Windermere, just a short stroll from the bustling village centre of Bowness-on-Windermere and the boats that travel the length of Windermere, making it easy to visit Ambleside, Brockhole, Wray Castle and Lakeside without a car. The Lakes Hotel & Spawas previously called the Burnside Hotel & Spa. The hotel has some of the best on-site facilities in the area, half of the rooms with hot tubs on private balconies, an on-site spa with poolside seating and a bar, stylish restaurant and cocktail bar, bike hire, wakesurfing and paddleboading."