Must See Sights and Landmarks in Wast Water Area

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"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."

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

"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."

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

"The Lakes Aquarium on the southern shore of Windermere is ‘home to hundreds of amazing creatures, showcasing wildlife from the Lake District as well as more exotic species from around the world’. Children can access a quiz as they explore and there are a variety of different attractions such as tanks at different levels, a tunnel to walk ‘under the lake’ and our personal favourite, the leaf cutter ants…here you were able to watch a colony of ants in action as they transported food and leaves from one end of their tank to the other. The aquarium (like with many aquariums) can be a quick visit if you have a small person who tears from exhibition to exhibition but you can easily keep wandering back too."

"Not too far from the Motor Museum, you’ll find the Lakes Aquarium, which showcases all of the marine life that populates the area’s lakes, as well as nearby Morecambe Bay. As well as local creatures such as pike, arctic charr and thornback rays, you’ll see species from all over the world too, such as clownfish and piranha, as well as a selection of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, such as otters and frogs. One of the highlights is the underwater tunnel section, which allows you to feel as though you’re exploring the depths of Lake Windermere."

"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."

"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."

"This is a quirky friendly place for a homemade scone, cake, or soup. Everyone’s welcome again I’ve popped in here for a coffee after a day’s walking with muddy boots, woofs in tow, and felt right at home. Definitely worth a visit if your passing it’s a lovely atmosphere and everyone’s friendly and welcoming."

"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."