Must See Sights and Landmarks in Castlerigg Area

"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."

"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."

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

"This old slate mine has been reinvented as a centre for all kinds of activities: you could venture underground into the bowels of the old 'Edge' and 'Kimberley' mines, tackle a via ferrata, or climb inside the mine along a system of fixed cables, tracing the route followed by the slate miners. A tour into the 'Cathedral' mine runs on Friday by request, but you'll need eight people and it costs £25 per person."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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

"Known for offering some of the best pub grub in Keswick the food is traditional, uncomplicated, and all locally sourced. http://royaloakkeswick.co.uk/food-drink/"

"‘Top Coffee’ has got to be the highest accolade I can award, and wow these folks deserve it. Secreted away on one of Ambleside’s quiet streets, this externally humble cafe is home to my most highly regarded coffee of the lot. They delivered a strong coffee (on request), the beans of which having being sourced and roasted locally."

"A fairly new cafe in Ambleside, but quickly has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors. This cosy little cafe has cute decor and beautiful food. There are a few tables inside, dog friendly of course, and a little courtyard."

"A cosy hub in the heart of Ambleside, the Lake District, jammed with great food, coffee, music, and friendly faces. Dogs are welcome in all areas including the bar, cosy fire room and kitchen garden. Email: info@copper-pot.co.uk"

"Styled like an American Diner there is always a friendly welcome here and we love the food. Its American, Mexican, and tasty. Something a little different from your normal Lakeland fair."

"77 Main Street, Keswick CA12 5DS, EnglandTakeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs AvailableSeafood, Fast Food, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner01-76-87-73106"

"9 Compston Road, Ambleside LA22 9DJ EnglandItalian, Mediterranean, Pizza, EuropeanLunch, DinnerReservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Full Bar[email protected]+44 15394 32035https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Restaurant/Misto-237551110244591/"

"For a stay entrenched in the literary history of the area, look no further than Lindeth Howe, which was formerly owned by Beatrix Potter. It’s safe to say the house likely played a strong role in her ever-popular children’s books, which were often influenced by her own experiences and love for country life. Rooms harness the hotel’s storybook heritage with plaid fabrics, vaulted wooden ceilings and earthy tones."

"Once owned by children's author Beatrix Potter, Lindeth Howe country house hotel is set in beautiful large gardens, just a 5-minute walk from the banks of Lake Windermere. Locally sourced produce is served on the seasonal English menu in the 2 AA Rosette-awarded Lindeth Howe Restaurant. Homemade cakes and scones are also served in the Lindeth Howe Restaurant with fresh tea or coffee."