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Colourful Viewing Station with endless lake views and waterside paths
Beside the Ferry on Windermere's west shore, near Far Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Asset | Opening time |
---|---|
Countryside | Dawn - Dusk |
JOEY'S Cafe | 10:00 - 16:30 |
Lots of steps up to Claife Viewing Station from Ash Landing car park and a slope from the Courtyard. Level route on lakeshore path of Windermere from Claife Viewing Station.
Junction 36 off M6, then take A684 which becomes the A591 to Windermere and Ambleside. B5285 from Windermere via Windermere ferry 3 miles. B5286 and B5285 from Ambleside 9 miles. B5285 from Coniston 8 miles.
Parking: Ash Landing, very near Claife Viewing Station and Harrowslack, on Windermere's west shore,
Come over from Bowness as a foot passenger on the Windermere ferry. Many footpaths in the area; walk from Hill Top, Near Sawrey or down the west shore path from Wray Castle. Windermere Lake Cruises Ferry Bowness to Ash Landing.
Windermere 3 miles via ferry.
Catch the 525 Mountain Goat Bus Service from Hawkshead to Ferry House. Four minute Walk to Claife Viewing Station. (Apr - Nov)
4 mile lakeshore track suitable for mountain bikes from Wray Castle to Claife Viewing Station. You can take your bike on the ferry across Windermere from Bowness to Ferry House. 2 minute cycle to Claife Viewing Staion.
Windermere car and passenger ferry; Ferry House to Ferry Nab, just four minutes walk to Claife Viewing Station.
Shuttle service from the heart of Bowness village to Ash Landing on Windermere's western shore (April - October). Claife Viewing Station is 2 minutes' walk uphill from Ash Landing, follow the signposts from Ash Landing Car Park opposite where the boat drops you off.
Beside the Ferry on Windermere's west shore, near Far Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Bring your dog to Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore. With lakeside and woodland walks, it’s a great place for you and your four-legged friend to explore.
Viewing platform built in 1790 for the first tourists to the Lake District with panoramic views framed by coloured glass.
Run, walk or cycle along the west shore of England's biggest lake, with mountain views and lakeshore access.
Independent café serving vegan baked goods, savoury snacks, locally roasted coffee, teas and hot chocolate.
Use Claife Viewing Station as a starting point for longer walks in the area along the lakeside, through woodlands and fell hikes.
Explore Beatrix Potter's 17th-century farmhouse, inspirational garden, gift shop and more. Catch the convenient bus from Ferry House or Ash Landing (4 minutes from Claife Viewing station) to Hill Top or walk the 1.6miles (2.5km) on the gravel path. Visitors not arriving by car get priority access to the attraction.
Claife Viewing Station offers endless lake views surrounded by lakeside strolls, longer bike rides and wildlife in the woodland. Leave the car behind and make the most of your trip.
Enjoy a relaxing lakeshore walk through woodland and parkland on this linear trail, taking in views of the islands of Windermere and the Victorian Gothic Wray Castle
Challenge yourself with a walk along Windermere's undeveloped western side and discover some of the Lake District's most dramatic views. Here you can find a café and toilets before heading back to the car park.
This gently undulating track along the west shore of Windermere is suitable for cyclists and runners of of all ages and abilities.
Joey’s Café at Claife Viewing Station serves as a cosy pit-stop for those walking up to the station or setting out along the west shore. Will it be a slice of freshly baked cake or a frothy coffee?
Sitting on the western shore of Lake Windermere this first floor apartment is a cosy retreat.
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak in Windermere.
A simple lakeside retreat for an uplugged holiday, with a jetty to launch your canoe or kayak in Windermere.
A 1930s log and stone cabin high above Lake Windermere with a sun terrace and great views.
By Windermere, England’s largest lake, surrounded by things to do and places to visit.
A cosy house in the old kitchen garden of Wray Castle with views of stunning scenery all around.
A two-bedroom cottage just above Tarn Hows with heaps of character in the heart of the Lakes.
An inspiring spot looking out over Langdale Valley with Arts and Crafts influenced detail inside.
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The western shore of Windermere is perfect for a car-free adventure. Why not travel over on the ferry from Bowness? In less than 15 minutes you’ll arrive on the tranquil west shore.
From here you can discover Claife Viewing Station. Less than a five-minute walk from the ferry, stroll through the courtyard and up to the viewing platform, where you can admire panoramic views of Windermere through coloured panels and listen out for the Aeolian wind harp on a blustery day. Learn about the building’s colourful history and relax in the quaint café in the courtyard, then explore Ash Landing Nature Reserve just down the road, where you can wander through the woodland and stumble across pockets of wildflower meadows.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, set out on the 4-mile lakeshore path which leads to Wray Castle. Whether you are on foot or bike, this gentle, linear route is great for the whole family. Foot passengers can return to Bowness or Ambleside on the boat from Wray Castle, or refuel in the castle's café and retrace your steps back to the ferry.
Discover how the viewing station was one of the first purpose-built monuments to entice early tourists to enjoy the views across Lake Windermere.
Explore how our work helps ensure that the land here is a healthy habitat for both visitors and its resident wildlife.
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.