Wray Parkland & Castle National Trust

Wray Parkland & Castle National Trust Wray parkland and castle is a unique National Trust property - a castle but not a castle in outstanding grounds with lakeshore walks and a café.

This page will share news about our work as the National Trust at Wray Castle in the English Lake District. We welcome your involvement in the page please feel free to post comments, photos and your own posts in the spirit of fun, informative, relevant information; and do feel free to ask us questions. Please note that everything on the page is open to public view. We will remove comments made in

bad taste or which which might annoy or offend others; in posting any photos you are giving us permission to use them elsewhere on our social media or web site pages, do feel free to ask us to remove anything if you change your mind. If you have any concerns please do send us a private message or contact us via our website ie nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle

Life is for living, so get out and about and come and visit some of our and spaces! We’re a conservation charity that protects over 350 historic houses, 160 gardens, 1,100km of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land of outstanding natural beauty, 6 World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60 pubs - let's not forget the pubs. Then, we open them up to everyone, to enjoy for ever. But it doesn’t stop there. We also look after forests, woods, fens, beaches, farmland, downs, moorland, islands, archaeological remains, castles, nature reserves, villages - for ever, for everyone. As a charity we depend on people like you to help us continue our vital work. There are hundreds of ways to help us – from volunteering to making a donation. So, whether you're looking for a great family day out, a place to walk the dog, or perhaps you just want to give a little something back to the community - we have something to offer you.


*Our Facebook ‘House Rules’*
We want our page to be a place where peopl...e can share how they feel about the National Trust and talk about their experiences in a fun environment. We welcome feedback – both positive and negative. It helps us to learn and grow. These house rules aim to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves while they’re here:

We ask you to be nice and polite to one another – you almost always are! - and respect each other’s views and comments. We ask all users to ensure your contributions are civil, polite, tasteful and suitable for all ages. We won't tolerate disruptive, offensive or abusive behaviour, unlawful or objectionable content. This includes any material which might be defamatory, offensive, infringing, obscene, lewd, pornographic, violent, abusive, insulting, threatening, harassing, discriminatory, blasphemous, indecent or otherwise unlawful or objectionable. It also includes any material which is aggressive, argumentative or likely to be construed as bullying. No spamming or repetition, please, nor off-topic material in subject-specific threads or areas.

*Moderation policy*
In general, we don’t moderate posts – except on the rare occasion that someone has used offensive language or made libellous allegations about named or identifiable individuals on our page. We have a duty to protect our staff and volunteers, so while deleting comments is totally out of character for us, our legal position is that any post containing a libellous accusations, should be removed. If an individual continues to post offensive, threatening or libellous content then we’ll be forced to block that person from the page. We won’t tolerate postings, content, or links that are racist, sexist or homophobic. We also don’t permit linking to or posting any content which endorses illegal activity, or any activities against the values of the National Trust. If you’re concerned that a posting or user content has broken any of our house rules or you’re worried about any comment or content then please send us an email to [email protected] and let us know. Finally, please note that the views on our page are created by our community and don’t necessarily represent the views or opinions of National Trust.

Nordic Walking at Wray🍃Join the St.Mary's Hospice team for gentle, guided Nordic walking in a supportive, welcoming envi...
08/06/2026

Nordic Walking at Wray🍃

Join the St.Mary's Hospice team for gentle, guided Nordic walking in a supportive, welcoming environment. Open to people living with life-limiting conditions, carers, and anyone experiencing grief.

Enjoy light exercise at your own pace, with beautiful lakeside views.

📅 Friday 17 July | 2 – 3:30pm
📅 Friday 31 July | 2 – 3:30pm
📍 Wray
Open to all abilities.

To find out more or book an assessment call St. Mary's Hospice 01229 444407.

Part of Branches of Care - a collaboration between St Mary’s Hospice and the National Trust, offering gentle, nature-based wellbeing activities for people living with life-limiting conditions (including dementia), carers, and those experiencing bereavement in beautiful Lake District settings.

[Image description: Group of people taking part in Nordic walking across a grassy park, using walking poles and moving along a gentle path surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day.]

Compassionate Café with St.Mary's HospiceThis Friday - Compassionate Café is a welcoming drop-in space for people living...
02/06/2026

Compassionate Café with St.Mary's Hospice

This Friday - Compassionate Café is a welcoming drop-in space for people living with life-limiting conditions (including dementia), carers, and anyone experiencing grief or loss. First Friday of every month.

📅Friday 5 June
📅10am –12pm
📍Joey’s Café at Wray

Come along to:
• Access support
• Learn about local services (including dementia support)
• Meet others who understand
• Enjoy a relaxed chat in a peaceful setting

A free tea or coffee provided. All other items are available at 20% discount.

No booking needed – just drop in. A member of the team will be there to welcome you. Free parking available for attendees.

Part of Branches of Care, a collaboration between St Mary’s Hospice and the National Trust, offering gentle, nature-based wellbeing activities for people living with life-limiting conditions (including dementia), carers, and those experiencing bereavement in beautiful Lake District settings.

Café

Walking inspo for   - a longer walk Windermere West Shore: Wray Castle to Claife Viewing StationTake in the beauty of La...
29/05/2026

Walking inspo for - a longer walk

Windermere West Shore: Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station

Take in the beauty of Lake Windermere with this scenic lakeside walk along the peaceful west shore. Starting (or finishing) at Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station, it’s a great route for a relaxed day out - with a Joey’s café at each end ☕

Route options:
➡️ One way: 4 miles (6.4km) | approx. 1 hour 30 mins
➡️ Return: 8 miles (12.8km) | approx. 3 hours
🐕 Dogs on leads welcome

From Claife Viewing station it's a short walk to the car and passenger ferry or to Windermere Lake Cruises jetty at Ash Landing jetty. Or you can retrace your steps to Wray.

Find the full route guide here 👇
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore/windermere-west-shore-walk

[Image descriptions: Image 1 stained glass in a window of an old stone building with views over the lake. Image 2 Gothic looking turrets of Wray castle against a blue sky. Image 3 A signpost showing the walking routes. Image 4 Information board with trees behind.]

Make the journey part of the adventure...Leave the car behind and arrive at Wray the scenic way with Windermere Lake Cru...
26/05/2026

Make the journey part of the adventure...

Leave the car behind and arrive at Wray the scenic way with Windermere Lake Cruises’ Green Cruise

Glide across the lake, take in the views, and step straight off the boat into Wray’s beautiful grounds. It’s an easy, sustainable way to turn your visit into a full day out.

- Relaxing lake journey
- Greener travel choice
- Direct access to Wray and lakeshore walks

Slow down, soak it all in, and make your day out even more memorable.

👉 Plan your visit by boat https://www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk/cruises-fares/green-cruise

[Image descriptions: Image 1 Wooden boat moored by a small jetty near a stone boathouse, surrounded by trees. Image 2 Wooden passenger boat on the lake with shoreline buildings and hills in the background.]

Walking inspo for   >> Wray Castle to Latterbarrow circular walkLooking for a walk with a bit of everything? This reward...
24/05/2026

Walking inspo for >> Wray Castle to Latterbarrow circular walk

Looking for a walk with a bit of everything? This rewarding circular route from Wray Castle combines lakeside views, woodland trails and breathtaking panoramas from the summit of Latterbarrow.

Duration: approx 2.5 hours
Distance: 4.8 miles (7.7km)
Dogs on leads welcome 🐕‍🦺

Find more details on this walk here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/wray/wray-castle-latterbarrow-circular-walk

[Image description: Dry stone wall divides two green fields with a lake and mountains in the distance and bright blue sky]

21/05/2026

Looking for an easy, family-friendly day out by the lake? Wray has plenty to keep everyone busy this half term.

Here are just a few ways to make the most of your visit:

- Explore waymarked walks and lakeside views
- Picnic in a scenic spot (there's also Joey's café on site)
- See interesting big trees in the garden
- Find stones along the shore
- Try geocaching adventures

You could combine it with a trip to Beatrix Potter's Hill Top - just 15 minute drive away (pre-booking essential). Find out more about Hill Top https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/hill-top

[Video description: camera pans across a mock-gothic style castle with jackdaws flying in a blue sky. Cuts to two children running along a woodland path. Cuts to two children exploring a walled garden with red brick. Text overlay reads "Space to play at Wray"]

Wray is right by the lake, and with half-term coming up and warmer, sunnier weather on the way, we’re sharing the RNLI’s...
20/05/2026

Wray is right by the lake, and with half-term coming up and warmer, sunnier weather on the way, we’re sharing the RNLI’s top safety tips.

If you’re struggling in the water, . Remember it. Practise it. Share it. It could save you or someone you love.

[Image descriptions: Image 1 Young person floating on back in open water; text: “Struggling in the water? Float to live.”]

Compassionate Café at Wray...a warm and welcoming space where you are invited to connect, chat and take a moment to paus...
18/05/2026

Compassionate Café at Wray...a warm and welcoming space where you are invited to connect, chat and take a moment to pause.

The Compassionate Café is open to anyone in the community living with life-limiting conditions (including dementia), their carers, and those experiencing grief or loss.

🗓 First Friday of every month
⏰ 10am – 12pm
📍 Joey’s Café, Wray, Ambleside LA22 0JA
🚗 Free parking is available for attendees (please speak to a member of the Wray team on arrival).
☕Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee, plus 20% off other items

Set in the beautiful grounds of Wray, it’s a friendly, supportive space led by the Hospice and National Trust teams.

For more information, please contact: [email protected] Community, Participation & Volunteering Manager

We hope to welcome you soon 💚

[Image descriptions: 1. Two people sat on grass alongside the edge of lake. 2. Outside seating at Joey's cafe at Wray. Two rows of yellow seats with round tables underneath a canopy with string lights. 3. Two people sitting and chatting at a picnic table with a hot drink and cake. 4. National Trust poster for “Compassionate Café at Wray” featuring two people sitting outdoors drinking hot drinks with text.]

04/05/2026
Earlier today a sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree was planted at Wray. Grown from seeds gathered from the much-l...
28/04/2026

Earlier today a sapling from the felled Sycamore Gap tree was planted at Wray.

Grown from seeds gathered from the much-loved tree at Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, this sapling is one of fifteen planted across each of the UK’s National Parks. They form a living legacy that brings together our most protected landscapes and a message of resilience and hope.

Planted in partnership with the Lake District National Park, this Tree of Hope also marks the beginning of a new shared wellbeing initiative Branches of Care, from St Mary's Hospice and the National Trust. It brings together the hospice’s expertise in supporting people through illness, dementia and bereavement with our restorative natural spaces.

The sapling was planted by a facility user of St Mary’s Hospice using a spade from the National Trust’s very own collection. A rather famous spade that in 1902 planted four oak trees at Brandelhow, the first property of the National Trust. The planters of those trees included National Trust Founders, Octavia Hill and Canon H D Rawnsley, Sir Robert Hunter and HRH Princess Louise!



Image descriptions: A group of people plant a young tree on a grassy lakeside. One person holds a spade near a black planting pot, while another steadies the tree inside a freshly dug hole, with water and trees visible in the background.
A newly planted young tree stands upright in a small patch of turned soil on a grassy lakeside.
A group of people stand on grass near a lakeside around a young tree planting site. Gardening tools and soil containers are nearby, with the lake and hills visible behind the group

Address

Low Wray
Ambleside
LA220JA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441539433250

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