Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Helvellyn

"Wray Castle is a Gothic castle situated on the north-west shores of Lake Windermere and is run by the National Trust. Your whole family can try sailing with taster sessions taking place on selected days through the summer holidays. They also offer self-led activities which include den building, skimming stones or making a daisy chain, which you can tick off the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ list."

"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."

"Wray Castle is a Victorian neo-gothic building at Claife in the English county of Cumbria. The house and grounds have belonged to the National Trust since 1929, but the house has only recently opened to the public on a regular basis."

"Brockhole is the official visitor centre of the Lake District, located on the shores of Lake Windermere. While it’s a great place to relax by England’s biggest lake, there’s also plenty to see and do during a visit to Brockhole, whether it’s simply walking through the meadows and woodland or having a go at the Treetop Trek course or even hiring a canoe to adventure onto Lake Windermere. As you can see, there’s so much to see and do for the whole family in the South Lakes area, so why not stop by for a few nights at Holgates holiday cottages here in Silverdale?"

"In collaboration with Cumbria Tourism, we had been lucky enough to be provided with tickets for some activities at Brockhole. Located a few miles from Bowness and on the way to Ambleside, Brockhole is an absolute gem of a day out for families. There is a real mix of activities on offer for all ages and although you have to pay for parking, there are lots of activities that are free to take part in (although you will be tempted by the abundance of activities on offer that you do need to pay for so be prepared!)."

"The Brockhole visitors centre is located between Windermere and Ambleside on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere. Set in exquisite grounds and gardens, Brockhole has plenty of activities this summer for young and old alike. Enjoy boat hire, rafting, pony rides, archery, orienteering or brave the cave (for kids over 5)."

"The poet William Wordsworth was born on 7 April 1770 at this handsome Georgian house at the end of Main St. Built around 1745, the house has been meticulously restored based on accounts from the Wordsworth archive: the kitchen, drawing room, study and bedrooms all look much as they would have to a young William. Costumed guides wander around the house for added period authenticity. Outside, the walled kitchen garden was mentioned in Wordsworth's autobiographical epic The Prelude."

"Two miles south of Hawkshead, in the tiny village of Near Sawrey, this idyllic farmhouse was purchased in 1905 by Beatrix Potter and was used as inspiration for many of her tales: the house features directly in Samuel Whiskers, Tom Kitten, Pigling Bland and Jemima Puddle-Duck, among others, and you might recognise the kitchen garden from Peter Rabbit. Entry is by timed ticket in order to manage demand, but you can't prebook, and it's very popular, so prepare to queue."

"Hill Top Cottage – The 17th century Hill Top Cottagewas once home to the famous writer Beatrix Potter and is a time capsule of her life. The house and gardens, run by the National Trust, are open for you to explore and learn more about this fascinating women."

"The Lakes District is all shimmering lakes and craggy hilltops which attract over 15 million people each year. The Yorkshire Dales on the other hand is about the snaking rivers running though valleys of rolling green hills. It’s the perfect place to spend a few days stretching the muscle’s on a long walk or two."

"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,…"

"Known for offering some of the best pub grub in Keswick the food is traditional, uncomplicated, and all locally sourced. http://royaloakkeswick.co.uk/food-drink/"

"Tucked away on North Road, the Unicorn is one of those pubs you have to know about. This part of Ambleside was known as Above Stock and is home to some of the oldest buildings in the town, with the Unicorn being the oldest pub. As you would expect with that kind of accolade, it has a wonderful traditional feel and serves up hearty pub meals and real ale."

"12 Little Dockray, Penrith CA11 7HL EnglandCafe, British, European, Healthy, SoupsBreakfast, Lunch, Brunch, DrinksSeating, Free Wifi, Table Service, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards+44 1768 868396http://chapter-12-coffee-rooms.business.site/"

"10/02/2021: Visited in September last year whilst we were camping in Ulswater. Toffee apple cake is just divine. Ended up going back every day whilst camping for breakfast."

"3 Three Crowns Tea Shop Three Crowns Yard, Penrith CA11 7PH EnglandCafe, BritishBreakfast, Lunch, BrunchSeating, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available[email protected]+44 1768 899789"

"The Priest Hole Restaurant and Tea Rooms are part of Kelsick Old Hall, one of the oldest buildings in the beautiful village of Ambleside with many original features and a lovely atmosphere. There is also a delightful outside terrace for alfresco meals on those warmer days, or just to sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by. They serve fresh home-made traditional Cumbrian/British food, all sourced locally, and accompanied by a good selection of drinks."

"The Priest Hole restaurant, Ambleside, serves a mouthwatering, Mediterranean and English menu, all prepared in their own kitchens. Situated in the 16th Century Kelsick Hall in Ambleside, with it’s lovingly restored oak paneling, floorboards and fireplaces."

"If you’re looking for somewhere a little bit quirky, then check out The Crafty Baa. Full of interesting knick-knacks, friendly staff, and a good range of craft beers, it’s everything you need for an atmospheric afternoon or evening."

"The Flying Fleece has just opened in July 2020, in a 15th century fulling mill. The historic mill building has recently been refurbished and the interiors have been designed to create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere that retains that recognisable traditional British pub feel. Food is served all day, while the atmosphere is casual and relaxed: diners can even enjoy their meal while admiring the working weir, millrace and wheel which still stand inside the building."

"Set in a historic mill building, The Flying Fleece takes its name from the old industry of fulling that took place there. You can still admire the working weir, wheel, and other bits of machinery while you enjoy a tasty meal and good drinks. There’s also an open fire for warming up by and a lovely patio when you want to soak up the sun."