While visiting the Lake District for the day, we knew we wanted to take a boat trip. I mentioned before that we found the perfect trip for us from Ambleside since we only had about five hours, and the first stop was Wray Castle. Originally we had planned to just stay on the boat till the next stop, but I’m glad we decided at the last minute to get off and look at this impressive place.
You have to walk up a small hill to get to the castle, and you can see it peeking through the trees and bushes the closer you get. Once you get up to it, there are gorgeous views of the countryside and Lake Windermere.
The day we went there were these really cool old cars, I’m not sure if they are there all the time, but it was a nice surprise. 
We had never heard of Wray Castle before, so weren’t sure what to expect. Since the property is managed by National Trust, we decided to sign up for another year, so we are on the hunt for more properties around us. If you’re not a member, prices for an adult are £7.20 or £8 if you gift aid it. There are of course family prices as well, so check out their web page for up to date information. 
Most of the rooms were done up and had different activities and play areas for children. There were signs telling you more about the house, but it would have been nice to have more sort of adult things. If you’ve got kids though, it’s a great place to take them. It’s a bit like a maze, and when you find a different room there are different activities and games. The room I thought was the neatest was the woodland type room, where there was a giant map of the lake district, bits about the area, and just the way it was decorated. I didn’t take any pictures because I was too busy looking at things. 
Wray Castle was used as a holiday home at one point and Beatrix Potter and her family would visit when another place they would visit was unavailable. With the lake views through the windows, I can understand why. 
There is a small surrounding garden that we had a walk through as it was so nice out, and found these really strange little flowers.
While waiting for our boat, this amazing little steam boat pulled in. The man driving it even had a big straw hat on, it was like something out of a movie.You are able to walk up to the castle and walk around the grounds free of charge if you take a boat, there is a small fee for car parking. Wray Castle is very different to many of the other properties we’ve been to in that National Trust took it on without any contents. So there aren’t any lavish furniture pieces or paintings, but the castle itself is still pretty neat. If you’re along Lake Windermere, its a spot that’s well worth a visit, if only just for the views!
