National Trust - Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore Windermere west shore Near Sawrey, Hawkshead LA22 0LW

Details

Accessibility

https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/lake-district/places/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore/pdf/claife-viewing-station-access-statement.pdf

"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. Accessible route and/or map, Accessible toilet, Designated parking"

Brief description

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore/bring-your-dog-to-claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore

"Colourful Viewing Station with endless lake views and waterside paths. Beside the Ferry on Windermere's west shore, near Far Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria"

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore

"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."

Address

Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore Windermere west shore Near Sawrey, Hawkshead LA22 0LW

Email

claife@nationaltrust.org.uk

Phone

01539 441456

Website

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore

Directions

https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/lake-district/places/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore/pdf/claife-viewing-station-access-statement.pdf

Beside the Ferry on Windermere's west shore, near Far Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria

2025: "By road

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,

On foot

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."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

"Opening times for 20 April 2025: Countryside Dawn - Dusk; JOEY'S Cafe 10:00 - 16:30"

Transport

https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/assets/website/national/regions/lake-district/places/claife-viewing-station-and-windermere-west-shore/pdf/claife-viewing-station-access-statement.pdf

2025: "By road

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,

On foot

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.

By train

Windermere 3 miles via ferry.

By bus

Catch the 525 Mountain Goat Bus Service from Hawkshead to Ferry House. Four minute Walk to Claife Viewing Station. (Apr - Nov)

Cycling

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.

By ferry

Windermere car and passenger ferry; Ferry House to Ferry Nab, just four minutes walk to Claife Viewing Station.

Windermere Lake Cruise Boat

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."

Amenities

Joey's Café

Claife Station

Ambleside

LA22 0LP

+ Café

Car park, Toilet

Dogs allowed:  "Dogs are welcome at Claife Viewing Station and Café in the Courtyard. The hard-wearing stone and steel materials of the Viewing Station are very dog-friendly.

The lakeshore path between Wray Castle and Claife Viewing Station is a safe, car-free walk with lots of opportunities for pooches to paddle.  

What facilities are available for my dog?

There is a refreshing water bowl and tasty dog treats available at the café."