Must See Sights and Landmarks in Derwent Bay Area

"One of the best rainy day places to visit in Windermere for families, Wray Castle is a rambling mock-Gothic castle with masses of indoor and outdoor space. Things to do include dressing up, giant foam brick building & a Peter Rabbit experience. On the shore of the lake, it’s great for sunny days too ….more things to do here >>"

"Families can explore the activity rooms inside the castle, where there’s plenty of space for creative play. With a natural playground in the grounds and a path to spacious grassy area on the lakeshore, its a great for the whole family whatever the weather."

"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."

"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…"

"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."

"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,…"

"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."

"Nestling between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, a rescued Farfield Mill opened its doors in 2001 to an exciting new life providing access to high-quality art and crafts and heritage."

"Owned by the same people as Ambleside Manor, Fellinis offers vegetarian fine dining with a modern twist. Expect decadent risotto, comforting pastry dishes and some classic puddings that have been veganised. We didn’t actually manage to eat here but we’ll definitely be back to try it, as everyone I’ve spoken to has given it rave reviews."

"Fear not, veggies: even in the land of the Cumberland sausage and the tattie hotpot (lamb, vegetable and potato stew), you won't go hungry thanks to Fellini's sophisticated 'vegeterranean' food."

"On the edge of Lake Windermere in the Lake District National Park, Merewood Country House Hotel was built in 1812 and retains many original features. In 20 acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel offers free on-site parking and Wi-Fi. In addition to breakfast, Merewood Country House Hotel offers an extensive restaurant menu showcasing regional produce such as Cumberland sausage, locally caught trout and Cumbrian cheeses and chutneys."

"Merewood Country House Hotel was originally built in 1812 and it still maintains some of the historically, elegant features. There are many acres of lanscaped gardens here for guests to explore. Afternoon tea is provided at the hotel for guests, along with regular breakfast."

"Nestled down “The Slack”, a small back street in the town centre, Sheila’s has been around for years. This cute little tea room by day and restaurant by night welcomes dogs and humans alike!. The food is no nonsense, locally sourced and English inspired."

"Cottage dining, traditional and hearty, but fine if that's what you're in the mood for. Expect classics such as rarebit and quiche for lunch, and chicken Kiev, Cumberland sausage and mash as well as... Italian in Ambleside"