Historic Sites in Eskdale

"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."

"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."

"A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Although Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago."

"On the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was the cherished home of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the noted Victorian artist, writer,…"

"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."

"Do you love a picking menu of Mexican-inspired tapas, colourful cocktails, and a European-style rustic interior?. Look no further than Bar eS Keswick. This is one of the best Keswick restaurants for a night of celebration after a day spent walking around Keswick."

"03/05/2021: Ate at Es on Friday, the threatened rain never happened so we were able to enjoy lovely food and a few drinks under the canopy. Wall and free standing heaters close by. Menu was slightly smaller but still plenty of choice."

"Last but not least on our list of best Keswick restaurants is The George Hotel, Restaurant & Bar. The hotel dates back to 1665, making it one of the oldest hotels in the Lake District and Keswick. Admire the characterful features as you enjoy a spot of pub grub at this traditional restaurant in Keswick."

"This is a spit-and-sawdust pub that claims to be the oldest drinking den in town. It’s owned by Jenning’s Brewery, so you can sup on a pint of Cumberland or Sneck Lifter while you make pals with the locals."

"A spit-and-sawdust pub that claims to be the oldest drinking den in town. It's owned by Jenning's Brewery, so you can sup on a pint of Cumberland or Sneck Lifter while you make pals with the locals."

"It is located right on the shores of Windermere, offering a range of activities. The traditional restaurant allows guests to eat any time of day while admiring views of the lake. There is a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and full fitness studio."

"Afternoon Tea at Low Wood Bay is a quintessentially traditional experience. Served within the delightful surrounds of either The Windermere Restaurant or Buckley room."

"Do you love a picking menu of Mexican-inspired tapas, colourful cocktails, and a European-style rustic interior?. Look no further than Bar eS Keswick. This is one of the best Keswick restaurants for a night of celebration after a day spent walking around Keswick."

"03/05/2021: Ate at Es on Friday, the threatened rain never happened so we were able to enjoy lovely food and a few drinks under the canopy. Wall and free standing heaters close by. Menu was slightly smaller but still plenty of choice."

"Tucked away on North Road, the Unicorn is one of those pubs you have to know about. This part of Ambleside was known as Above Stock and is home to some of the oldest buildings in the town, with the Unicorn being the oldest pub. As you would expect with that kind of accolade, it has a wonderful traditional feel and serves up hearty pub meals and real ale."

"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."

"An impressive sight with its turrets and battlements, this mock-Gothic castle was built in 1840 for James Dawson, a retired doctor from Liverpool, but it has been owned by the National Trust since 1929. Though the interior is largely empty, the lakeside grounds are glorious. It was once used as a holiday home by Beatrix Potter's family. The best way to arrive is by boat from Bowness; there's limited parking and preference is given to non-driving visitors on busy days."

"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."