Must See Sights and Landmarks in Watermillock Area

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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,…"

"Two miles off the B5285 from Hawkshead, a winding country lane leads to this famously photogenic artificial lake, now owned by the National Trust. Trails wind their way around the lakeshore and surrounding woodland – keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the treetops."

"If you need a picnic spot, or just somewhere to relax in front of Windermere, Borrans Park is a public green space at the lake’s northernmost tip just west of Waterhead. The park merges with the greenery around the Roman fort, and there are benches facing the water so you watch the steamers coming and going, and take in natural splendour the lakeshore. Behind you to the north and northeast are the brooding high fells of the Central Lakeland."

"Borrans Park has magnificent views of Windermere lake and is easily accessed from the A591. There are the remains of a Roman road leading to the ruin of a Roman fort with historical interpretation information in the adjacent field. The large grassed recreation area has picnic tables and ample seating."

"Two miles off the B5285 from Hawkshead, a winding country lane leads to this famously photogenic artificial lake, now owned by the National Trust. Trails wind their way around the lakeshore and surrounding woodland – keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels in the treetops."

"Bank Tavern is a great dog-friendly pub in Keswick, a fine spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day exploring the local area. The restaurant offers a range of traditional pub food, perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxing time. The bar offers a variety of ales produced by Jennings, a local brewery founded over 200 years ago, ideal for thirsty walkers looking to sample some local beers."

"With a well stocked bar and centrally located in Keswick, The Bank Tavern offers plenty of choice in both its food and its drinks. The pub is full of character and the perfect place to go if you’re looking for that traditional pub feel."

"Quite possibly the most famous outdoors shop in the Lake District, founded in 1967 and still the place where discerning hikers go to buy their gear (even if it is a bit more expensive than the chains)."

"George Fisher is one of the UK’s leading retailers of outdoor equipment and clothing and it’s flagship story is here… read more →"