The neo-Gothic Wray Castle in Cumbria is an exceptionally young castle, built in 1840. In 1882, 16-year-old Beatrix Potter, author of children’s stories such as „Peter Rabbit”, spent her summer holidays here.

Wray Castle is actually a relatively young Victorian Gothic country house, so you won’t find tales of knights, crusades and ghostly haunted rooms here. Wray was built around 1840 by the eminent Liverpool surgeon James Dawson. However, he obtained the money for the construction not from his own practice, but from his marriage to the heiress of a gin producers’ fortune. Dawson’s wife shared his preference for the Gothic architectural style, which was very fashionable in the mid-nineteenth century. For the location of his romantic castle, Dawson chose a hill overlooking the western shore of Lake Windermere. The castle was never intended to function as a fortress, and the only thing it had to defend against was the British weather.

In the 1930s, the castle was donated to the care of the National Trust, which then began restoring it to its former glory. There were conflicts. Some residents considered the castle an eyesore that should be demolished, while others said it was a wonderful building that added charm to the area. Wray served in a variety of roles until the end of the 20th century. There was a hostel, offices of the Biological Society, and even a training center for Navy radio operators and a hotel. Since 2011, Wray has been open to visitors.

Interestingly, in 1882, 16-year-old Beatrix Potter, author of children’s stories such as „Peter Rabbit”, spent her summer holidays here.

ATTRACTIONS

Unlike many National Trust properties, this one came into their possession completely empty, so don’t expect gorgeous artwork and tapestry-covered walls. However, the castle is adapted to be visited by young travelers and takes full advantage of the fact that it hosted a famous writer within its walls. An example are Peter Rabbit Adventure Rooms, i.e. rooms in the castle that were used to illustrate the story of Peter Rabbit: Peter Rabbit’s bedroom, Mr. McGregor’s garden and many others. The castle also has rooms such as a billiards room and a games room for older children.

The castle is unfurnished, but in the lower rooms there is an exhibition of photographs by Herbert Bell and Rupert Potter, showing the castle and its surroundings in the 19th century.

There are plenty of picnic areas around the castle with amazing views of the hills and forests, not to mention the shores of the largest lake in England.

Unfortunately, the upper floors of the castle are currently unavailable to visitors.

Opening hours:

castle: 10:00 – 16:00 (Saturday – Wednesday)
areas around the castle: 08:00 – 20:00 (daily)
The castle can be visited from March to November