Wray Castle

The house was built in 1840 by a retired surgeon from Liverpool who designed the house in the style of a grand neo-gothic castle. Upon his death, the castle was passed down until it and the land around it, were saved from development by the creation of the National Trust. The vicar in the neighbouring church, also built by the same surgeon, was one of the founding members of the National Trust and some say this castle is one of the reason the trust was set up. 

The castle also had many famous residents including author Beatrix Potter and her family, who frequently holidayed here as a child. She enjoyed her time here so much that she later purchased the famous Hill Top Farm just up the road. The castle and land since then, have had many purposes including offices for the Freshwater Biological Association and a training college for the Merchant Navy. 

The castle is now a popular visitor attraction with many visiting its rooms and grounds on the edge of Lake Windermere.