Must See Sights and Landmarks in Hawkshead Hill Area

"An impressive sight with its turrets and battlements, this mock-Gothic castle was built in 1840 for James Dawson, a retired doctor from Liverpool, but it has been owned by the National Trust since 1929. Though the interior is largely empty, the lakeside grounds are glorious. It was once used as a holiday home by Beatrix Potter's family. The best way to arrive is by boat from Bowness; there's limited parking and preference is given to non-driving visitors on busy days."

"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."

"This proper fairytale castle only recently opened its doors to the public and is operated by the National Trust. The neo-gothic castle has numerous towers and turrets to explore and various exhibitions to check out along the way. For example, kids can dress up in period costumes, build their own castle and explore the new Peter Rabbit adventure rooms, as well as an excellent outdoor play area too."

"This old slate mine has been reinvented as a centre for all kinds of activities: you could venture underground into the bowels of the old 'Edge' and 'Kimberley' mines, tackle a via ferrata, or climb inside the mine along a system of fixed cables, tracing the route followed by the slate miners. A tour into the 'Cathedral' mine runs on Friday by request, but you'll need eight people and it costs £25 per person."

"A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Although Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago."

"Metres from Windermere’s northern shore is an archaeological site for the Roman fort of Galava, founded towards the end of the 1st century. This stronghold defended the intersection of three Roman roads, heading off to Ravenglass and Carlisle on Hadrian’s Wall to the north, and Papcastle to the west. The remains date from the 2nd or 3rd century, when it appears that the fort was demolished and reconstructed."

"Rope swings on the grounds, picnics in atmospheric old rooms, free tea and coffee, and huge blackboards you can write on: Allan Bank…"

"The car park in Waterhead can be the starting point for a picturesque two-hour walk in the ancient woodland above Ambleside, cresting at Jenkin Crag, a great vantage point above Windermere. Nearly all of the path is in thick woodland, and there are steps to make the going lighter on wet days. One of the loveliest sections guides you along the Ambleside Champion Tree Trail, which has England’s tallest grand fir."

"Cautley Spout is England’s highest above-ground waterfall, cascading 650 feet down the cliff face. Unlike Aysgarth Falls, you won’t find a car park on-site. Instead, you’ll need to start your walk from the village of Cautley."

"A working mill built in 1835, Stott Park created the wooden bobbins vital to the spinning and weaving industries of Lancashire. Typical of mills across Cumbria, today you can see industry from a bygone age and watch as bobbins are made using the mill's original machinery. Although Stott Park worked continuously until 1971, it remains almost identical to its Victorian appearance of 100 years ago."

"Theatre by the Lake is a year-round professional producing and presenting theatre. The core programme is home-produced professional drama productions,… read more →"

"05/06/2021: Overall the adherence to Covid regulations was the best we’ve experienced anywhere - sanitiser & antibacterial wipes everywhere (e.g. could wipe down toilet seat before & after use). Only gave a 4 because daughter had to change baby on a seat on the stairway & staff were unpacking boxes whilst we were there. Staff were lovely & attentive - wishing me a happy birthday & making a fuss of baby."

"With a restaurant, gin bar and cafe, The Magic Roundabout offers up good pub grub in a quirky setting. You could eat all your meals here, too, as they serve up breakfast all through to dinner, including afternoon tea!. Then there are evening drinks at their well-stocked bar and excellent vegetarian food."

"19/05/2021: Visited here very impromptly having smelt the pizzas from outside!. Small cosy place, tables spaced out as well as they can during Covid. Would recommend Margarita Pizza and Cheesy Garlic Bread."

"Luigi's Restaurant Kelsick Road, Ambleside LA22 0BZ EnglandItalianDinner, Late NightReservations, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Dog Friendly+44 15394 33676http://www.luigis-ambleside.co.uk"

"03/06/2021: We had booked - just as well as Ambleside heaving. Garlicky aroma oozing out of the doorway. Lovely friendly greeting and fabulous service through out the evening."