Stock Ghyll Force
A 70-foot waterfall ten minutes' walk from Ambleside's shops, free, and genuinely dramatic after rain. Steps, tree roots and drops mean it is a walk for legs, not buggies.
Wray Castle
Ambleside, Cumbria
Wray is the Victorian mock-gothic castle where Beatrix Potter's family holidayed in 1882 and where her love of the Lakes started. Normally we would send you straight inside, because the interior was famously given over to children. Not now: a major restoration has the building closed until 2027. What is left is still a lot - free-to-enter grounds, miles of gentle lakeshore and woodland path, a walled garden and Joey's Cafe, open year-round.
The best version of the day starts on the water. The Green Cruise from Ambleside crosses to Wray's own jetty from Easter to September, and turning a castle visit into a boat trip suits primary-age children better than the castle ever did. Driving, it is narrow lanes off the B5286 and pay-and-display parking, £7 to £10, free for National Trust members.
An outdoor exhibition of Victorian photographs by Potter's father dots the grounds, and staff run free 45-minute walk-and-talk tours if you want the story of the restoration itself.
Know before you go
- Skip the car: the Windermere Lake Cruises Green Cruise from Ambleside lands at Wray's own jetty, Easter to September, with a short walk up to the castle and cafe.
- The castle interior is shut until 2027, so do not promise anyone dressing-up rooms - this is a grounds, lakeshore and cake day for now.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Ambleside?
Also in Ambleside