Favourite NT property in the Lakes

[Sparklyring]

We're off to Keswick in a few weeks and have a say spare and would like to go to a NT property. Thinking Wray Castle at the moment but wondering if anyone else has any other favourites?

I was going to say Wray Castle!

I read NT as neurotypical and was heartily confused for a moment. 🤦

@BikeRunSki Can you spend a full day there? We like properties that also have a decent walk too not just gardens.

I loved going to Hill Top House (Beatrix Potter's house- not the visitor centre). Was quite moved. It's busy but they use timed entry to avoid overcrowding.

If you've ever loved her books I'm sure you'd enjoy it.

Allan bank in Grasmere very different from your normal NT property, there’s also a stately home but not NT near Keswick called mirehouse with great play areas Not been to Blackwell house (might have got the name wrong ) but it’s original arts and crafts movement and supposed to be beautiful Not been yet though

Also fell foot park nice cafe play areas lake if you have kids We did a good walk up to summit of gummers Howe which is just off the car park there

Wray castle is great for kids and I believe there’s some really nice walks around the grounds. The play areas for kids outside and in the castle are great. It’s not your typical NT place at all but I love it.

If you want slightly more adult friendly places agree with PP that Mirehouse is well worth a visit. And Blackwell is even more ‘adulty’ and beautiful.

Blackwell isn't NT but is well worth a visit. I actually went with DS1 and DD and they got to try screen printing.
I'd have preferred to have gone myself though!

We love Allen Bank. You help yourself to coffee and can wander the house to find a seat. Upstairs there's a room with views over the lake which are lovely. The Easter and Halloween trails are lovely and our dc really enjoy them.

You can do some good walks with Wray Castle en route - obviously along the shore of Windermere but there's all sorts of circular walks possible.

However, that would be my choice if I was in the southern lakes, not Keswick.

I've not been for ages but in the past have enjoyed Acorn Bank near Penrith.... can't remember exactly what it's like but may be worth taking a look at the NT website.

Are any of these places dog friendly?

@VanillaSugarr You can take dogs to the grounds of Wray Castle but not inside. There are some nice walks and you can get down to the lake. We took our dogs on the boat from Ambleside to Wray Castle, had a lovely walk about, then boat again to Brockholes (where you can eat inside with the dogs) then back to Ambleside.

Muncaster castle also nice but not sure of drive from Keswick as it’s western lakes. Been to acorn bank and spent a nice afternoon there many years ago when ds1 was 18 months or so !

Another nice non-NT house is Hutton in the Forest - dogs welcome in the grounds and iirc the tearoom but not the house. We went on a coolish day and left the dog in the car while we did the house, the very nice man in the ticket hut took our mobile number kept an eye on him. (Not sure if he did that for everyone or just dachshunds...)

hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk

Obviously depends on exactly when you are going, but just be aware that most of the NT properties in Cumbria are currently shut for winter. You can go into the grounds at Wray and the cafe is definitely open at weekends (not sure about in the week), but the castle is currently closed. Check on the website before you plan anything as some places might open in Feb half term but others will be shut til Easter.