Must See Sights and Landmarks in Kentmere Reservoir 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."

"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."

"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."

"Rope swings on the grounds, picnics in atmospheric old rooms, free tea and coffee, and huge blackboards you can write on: Allan Bank…"

"The Laura Ashley Hotel is an award-winning hotel, built in 1845. The property has amazing views of the lake and its gardens are immaculate and perfect for a refreshing trip away from home. The hotel is decorated with designer furnishings, so it has a luxurious, yet comfortable feel."

"Built in 1845, The Belsfield Hotel is an award-winning hotel that stands in 6 acres of gardens with unparalleled views over Lake Windermere. The hotel has been awarded 4 Black AA Stars and 2 Rosettes. The en suite rooms enjoy designer furnishings, and feature satellite TV."

"Set close to Lake Windermere, just a 5-minute walk from Long Wood Bay Watersports Centre and a 2-minute drive from Ambleside, Briery Wood Hotel is surrounded by peaceful fields and woodland. The traditional property has its own restaurant looking out onto landscaped gardens. Free Wi-Fi is available in the public areas, the Holbeck Bar offers fine wines and whiskies, and tea or coffee can be served by the fire in the lounge area."

"Sat up a cobbled street just off Windermere's lakeshore, The Easy Breeze is a multi-award-winning piano bar and cafe with live music nights on the weekends and tasty food all week through. As it's name implies, it's a real easy going place for you to enjoy a light bight or a cheesy pizza. You even get a 10% discount when you stay with Sally's Cottages!"

"06/06/2021: We had a wonderful time last night at The Easy Breeze. Excellent food, superb service from a team of happy, chilled staff, and were lucky enough to be treated to live music!. It made our weekend away even better!"

"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."

"11/06/2021: Not quite as much choice on this menu but still delicious food. There was a bit of a wait to be expected due to how busy it was but we had a great night and staff were nice. 07/06/2021: Top quality food and service."

"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."