See inside St Margaret's Church on the Wray estate
St Margaret's of Antioch Church, Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
St Margaret of Antioch Church was built by the Dawsons in 1856 as part of the Wray estate. Hardwicke Rawnsley, who went on to become one of the founders of the National Trust, served as the vicar from 1877 - 1884. During this time, he met young Beatrix Potter and her family who were staying at Wray Castle for their summer holiday in the Lake District. It was the start of a long-lasting friendship: Hardwicke championed Beatrix’s books and they shared a desire to protect the Lake District’s landscape and traditions. Beatrix worked closely with the National Trust and bequeathed to the charity over 4000 acres and 15 farms.
For Heritage Open Days, the church will be opened as a chance to see inside the Grade II listed building and former place of worship normally closed to visitors. The church isn’t owned by the National Trust and has been opened with permission from the Diocese of Carlisle. This may be the last year that we open the church, so be sure to make the most of it while you can.
Drop in between 1030 and 1500, where you’ll be welcomed by a member of the National Trust team who can share with you more about the history of this special place.
Pay and display parking is available at the castle, (first left after Low Wray campsite) which is free for National Trust members. There is an exhibition inside the castle which is free for everyone to view, (Other Everests: One Mountain, Many Worlds) along with a café and toilets.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Saturday 07 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Sunday 08 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Monday 09 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Tuesday 10 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Wednesday 11 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Thursday 12 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Friday 13 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Saturday 14 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
- Sunday 15 September:
- Drop in between 1030 and 1500
Location & directions
St Margaret's of Antioch Church, Low Wray, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0JA
- Directions:
- If you're parking at the castle, you can take the red waymarked walk along the old carriage drive or walk down the main drive (watch out for cars) and turn left onto the road then left again after the gatehouse. Then there's a short walk down to the church. Look out for Heritage Open Days branded materials which will be signposting the event.
- Contact on day:
- National Trust Wray duty officer
- Telephone number:
- +441539433250
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Steps into the church. There is limited parking close to the church however, it isn’t designated as accessible parking. There are no toilets at the church, the nearest toilets are at the castle.
Additional information
Pay and display parking available at the castle (free for National Trust members) and then it's a 10 minutes walk to the church either on tarmac down the drive or across the field.
