Hello! I'm slightly biased (as Manager of Townend) but will try and give you a bit of background. The two places are very different. Townend is a 400 year old Farmhouse, lived in by the same family for 12 generations and full of social history, funny stories and interesting things. It has a small garden, but no shop or catering onsite (although there is a super café in the village, 300m walk). Wray Castle is much larger. The best way to get there is by boat from Waterhead or Brockhole. It's a substantial Gothic place with lots of big rooms, but it doesn't have an original collection. There's lots to see and do there though - a number of the rooms have been filled with things for families like giant building blocks, colouring etc. This year there is a big exhibition aimed more at adults about Margaret Dawson and Beatrix Potter and broader themes to do with women in history. There are also substantial wooded grounds leading down to the lake shore and a café and shop. Why not try and visit both places? :o) Best wishes Emma

Hello Thanks for your enquiry. There are two options: Troutbeck Church (A592) - Route 508 Around 1 mile Troutbeck Bridge (A591) - Route 555 or 599 Around 1.5 miles, but feels like further! Both are walks along the road, although they are quiet-ish village roads. For more information and timetables have a look at the Stagecoach Cumbria website. Another option is to walk up from Brockhole on the A591 (National Park Visitor Centre) on footpaths, or across from Ambleside - both of these options would need an OS map to make sure you're on the right track. All walks to Townend include an uphill section, as the main roads are at lower level than the house. I hope that answers the question, but do give us a call if we can give you any more information on 015394 32628. Best wishes Emma Wright Manager Townend

pretty sure it's no dogs. We took it in turns to sit in the courtyard with ours. looking round inside w a dog under your arm might be tricky. not much space.

Not necessary. Ring ahead just to confirm they are goping to be open and then turn up