Must See Sights and Landmarks in Eskdale 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"23/05/2021: This tiny little shop does a very impressive range of sandwiches and snacks. Brown or white, baguette or roll, a good variety of fillings and extras. All freshly made to order."

"This traditional English pub is full of warming woods and good-quality food and ales. Just a stone's throw from the shores of Windermere, it boasts a really relaxed atmosphere and reasonably-priced meals in generous portions. From cheesy burgers to amazing steaks, you'll leave with a full belly!"

"If you are looking for good quality, hearty food at an affordable price, then the Flying Pig is a great option. We really enjoyed the great fish and chips, as well as the juicy burgers here. Both of which go down very well with a refreshing pint!"

"This popular little cafe, nestled on a side street in the heart of town, is a great place to relax and recharge while exploring all Ambleside has to offer. Slate walls and soothing tones provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a freshly ground coffee made using Mr Duffin’s Coffee, locally roasted in nearby Staveley. Open for breakfast and lunch, as well as coffee and home baked cakes, there’s plenty of indoor seating as well as a small garden in which to enjoy those sunny Lake District days."

"‘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."

"Linthwaite House is situated on a hilltop overlooking Windermere, making it the perfect base from which to explore the scenic surroundings. Guests can enjoy activities such as boules, or play chess on the giant outdoor chessboard. Linthwaite House offers luxurious accommodation, with stylish, individually designed bedrooms and bathrooms."

"Crook Road, Bowness-on-Windermere LA23 3JA, EnglandReservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Free WifiBritish, European, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian FriendlyBreakfast, Lunch, DinnerHK$385 - HK$494+44 15394 88600"

"Linthwaite House Hotel is an award-winning hotel, with beautifully designed rooms, amazing views, and a great location. It sits on a hilltop that overlooks the lake and surrounding Lakeland Fells. From the hotel, guests also have easy access to the Lake District."