Must See Sights and Landmarks in Southwaite 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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

"On the eastern shore of Coniston Water, Brantwood was the cherished home of John Ruskin (1819–1900), the noted Victorian artist, writer,…"

"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."

"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."

"With a picturesque location in Ambleside, Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa, BW Premier Collection features a modern spaand a brasserie. There is free parking and spacious rooms with free WiFi and scenic views towards Wansfell. Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa is set in a 17th-century building, and has a leisure club with a swimming pool, sauna, spa bath and steam room."

"Bank Tavern is a great dog-friendly pub in Keswick, a fine spot to grab a bite to eat after a long day exploring the local area. The restaurant offers a range of traditional pub food, perfect for couples and families looking for a relaxing time. The bar offers a variety of ales produced by Jennings, a local brewery founded over 200 years ago, ideal for thirsty walkers looking to sample some local beers."

"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."

"Do you love a picking menu of Mexican-inspired tapas, colourful cocktails, and a European-style rustic interior?. Look no further than Bar eS Keswick. This is one of the best Keswick restaurants for a night of celebration after a day spent walking around Keswick."

"03/05/2021: Ate at Es on Friday, the threatened rain never happened so we were able to enjoy lovely food and a few drinks under the canopy. Wall and free standing heaters close by. Menu was slightly smaller but still plenty of choice."

"This is one of our favourite restaurants in Keswick it does however get very, very busy so it’s always worth booking. Cassa Bella serves freshly cooked pasta and pizza plus steaks and chicken is also on the menu. For desert, there are gelato’s and homemade ice cream definitely worth a visit."

"A popular restaurant found in the heart of Ambleside, Dodd’s is open from noon ‘til late and welcomes guests for lunch, coffee and dinner in a relaxed environment. Known for its freshly prepared Mediterranean cuisine and friendly welcome, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal in Ambleside. Dishes are prepared using fresh local produce, while an open kitchen adds to the vibrant atmosphere."

"Rydal Road, Ambleside LA22 9AN EnglandItalian, Pizza, European, HealthyLunch, Dinner, Late NightSeating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service[email protected]+44 15394 32134http://www.doddsrestaurant.co.uk/"