Wray Castle, Windermere

So we arrived at the Lake District that afternoon.  Tucked into our B&B the Holbeck Ghyll, we decided to venture out a little just in the surrounds.  We found via Google (our very best friend whilst traveling) nearby Wray Castle - which looked just marvelous on the pictures.

©2015 jennifer bailey wray castle, windermere, cumbria

It's not what you think -- it's one of those houses they built in the 'style' of older times.  This was built in 1840.  It's quite delightful on the outside and the grounds are lovely, but the inside is quite plain and empty and a bit weird actually.  It's all set up for children to trounce around, with a determined angle set on Peter Rabbit -- simply because this is Beatrix Potter country and she visited here when she was 16 for one summer and lived nearby.  But it's shoddy inside and a bit depressing really.  I'm thinking the poor fellow who built this spent all his money on the outside.  We've all seen houses like that before ;)

©2015 jennifer bailey wray castle, rear view, windermere, cumbria

Not really much more to say here.  We were absolutely knackered after this.  We had drove up from London after an overnight flight from home.  We went and ate at a pub down in Windermere, then I believe as soon as our heads hit the pillows at our B&B, we fell asleep :)

This is where we stayed -- it was quite satisfactory.  This was taken the next morning - we were up and out of there by 6am and missed our first breakfast.  But where we went?  All ancient places.  Through mountain passes.  Through tiny hamlets and forgotten vales.  Hikes through forests and hills.  The Lake District in Cumbria is glorious. 

©jennifer bailey holbeck ghyll b&b