Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Troutbeck

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"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."

"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."

"In collaboration with Cumbria Tourism, we had been lucky enough to be provided with tickets for some activities at Brockhole. Located a few miles from Bowness and on the way to Ambleside, Brockhole is an absolute gem of a day out for families. There is a real mix of activities on offer for all ages and although you have to pay for parking, there are lots of activities that are free to take part in (although you will be tempted by the abundance of activities on offer that you do need to pay for so be prepared!)."

"Enjoy the famous adventure playground, paddle in the lake, and explore the fabulous Mawson designed gardens with good pushchair and wheelchair access. Hire a boat on the lake, with motor boats, rowing boats, kayaks and paddle boards for hire. Challenge yourself with archery, laser clay or inside caving."

"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."

"The poet William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 at this handsome Georgian house at the end of Main St. Built around 1745, the house has been meticulously restored based on accounts from the Wordsworth archive: the kitchen, drawing room, study and bedrooms all look much as they would have to a young William. Costumed guides wander around the house for added period authenticity. Outside, the walled kitchen garden was mentioned in Wordsworth's autobiographical epic The Prelude."

"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."

"Sitting above Stock Beck next to Rydal Road, Bridge House may be the whole region’s most photographed landmark. Like all of Ambleside this adorable, narrow dwelling is constructed from local slate and has been owned by the National Trust for nearly a century after it was bought and donated by a group of local residents. The Bridge House dates from the 17th century, when it was used as an orchard storehouse, and has since been a mill counting house, chair-maker’s workshop, cobbler’s shop, tearoom and a family home packed with as many as eight people."

"Two miles off the B5285 from Hawkshead, a winding country lane leads to this famously photogenic artificial lake, now owned by the National Trust. Trails wind their way around the lakeshore and surrounding woodland – keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the treetops."

"This cosy pub situated in central Windermere boasts nice interior decor with dark coloured woodwork and serves hearty meals served all day alongside a nice variety of drinks. This pub is a popular stop after visiting the World of Beatrix Potter, which is located right beside it. There’s often fun and lively quiz and music evenings here, so if you’re staying in the area pop round one evening."

"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."

"This quirky bar with a trendy interior serves Pacific-style street food in a bustling atmosphere, giving you an experience that’s unlike any other pub in Windermere. Along with regular live music evenings, they do cocktail making classes, yoga disco and private pod karaoke – this is probably the most energetic Windermere pub!. We love their Sunday lunch menu, and recommend the Flamed Pork Belly."

"Reservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music"

"Bank Tavern is a great dog-friendly pub in Keswick, a fine spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day exploring the local area. The restaurant offers a range of traditional pub food, perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxing time. The bar offers a variety of ales produced by Jennings, a local brewery founded over 200 years ago, ideal for thirsty walkers looking to sample some local beers."

"With a well stocked bar and centrally located in Keswick, The Bank Tavern offers plenty of choice in both its food and its drinks. The pub is full of character and the perfect place to go if you’re looking for that traditional pub feel."

"In the 17th-century solicitor's offices formerly used by Potter's husband, the Beatrix Potter Gallery displays a selection of the artist-writer…"

"If you’re looking to pick up some local bits and pieces to decorate your home with when you get back, pop into local artist Rebecca Cropper’s studio in Bowness, where she sells framed and mounted pieces. Incorporating lots of the local landscape into her works, the collection also includes mugs, cushions, lampshades and other homeware too. Alongside these great local stores, Bowness is also home to a selection of high-street names such as Pandora, Fat Face, Joules, Edinburgh Woolen Mill and more, so why not spend a day indulging in a bit of retail therapy during your stay in Bowness?"