Wray Castle, Victorian castle in Claife, England
Wray Castle is a Victorian building on the western shore of Lake Windermere near Claife, constructed between 1840 and 1846. It features prominent turrets and Gothic architectural details built from local stone.
The castle was financed by Liverpool surgeon James Dawson, whose wife's inheritance provided the funds for its construction. It was later given to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation to the present day.
Beatrix Potter stayed here in 1882 and found inspiration for her stories and later conservation work in the Lake District. The castle shaped her deep connection to the landscape and its wildlife.
The castle is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore the interior spaces and enjoy family-friendly activities and educational displays. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, as the grounds and staircases require some walking across different levels.
From 1958 to 1998, the castle served as a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers, teaching maritime communication to generations of seafarers. This unexpected use shaped the building's history during much of the 20th century, yet few visitors know about it.
Location: Claife
Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/wray-castle
GPS coordinates: 54.40030,-2.96417
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Cumbria holds centuries of history within its borders. Medieval churches stand in villages like Bassenthwaite and Beetham, their stones speaking of centuries past. Ancient stone circles such as Swinside Stone Circle and Long Meg and Her Daughters dot the countryside, reaching back to prehistoric...
Galava
2.5 km
Brockhole
1.4 km
Langdale Chase
1.4 km
Church of St Mary
3.4 km
Dove Nest
1.8 km
Stagshaw Garden
2.1 km
Holy Trinity Church, Brathay
2.7 km
Rothay Manor
2.9 km
Church of St Margaret Wray
349 m
2-11, Church Street
3.4 km
Wray Castle
36 m
Low Wood Hotel
1.5 km
Rothay Bridge
2.9 km
Wateredge Hotel
2.4 km
Croft Hotel
2.8 km
Friends' Meeting House
3.2 km
Greenhouse And Retaining Wall To East Of R.M.S. Wray Castle
51 m
Hawkshead Courthouse
3.4 km
Gatehouse At Croft Hotel
2.7 km
Calgarth Hall
2.7 km
Boathouse With Attached Quays And Enclosed Dock With Slipway Approximately 300 Metres To North Of Rms Wray Castle
352 m
Wansfell Holme
1.8 km
Cross Brow
3.1 km
Milestone, Low Wood Hotel, S of Ambleside
1.5 km
Milestone, Waterhead, top of Lake Widermere, S of Ambleside
2.3 km
Green End Cottage
3.2 km
The Cragg, Cragg Cottage And Barn
2.9 km
Lowfield With Former Cottage Adjoining To North East
3.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes