Restoration of Beatrix Potter castle under way

Wray castle will be closed until 2027

Work is under way to restore a Gothic Victorian castle with links to Beatrix Potter.

Wray Castle in Ambleside, Cumbria, was built in the 1840s and has been closed for conservation work to renovate the building and make it more resilient for the future.

The castle is due to reopen in 2027 in the hope of becoming a gallery and exhibition space housing the National Trust's Beatrix Potter watercolour collection in honour of the children's author holidaying there in 1882.

Laura Lee, general manager for the South Lakes National Trust, claimed the restoration was a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity.

Donated to the National Trust in 1929, it has been a visitor attraction since 2011 following periods of being used as a youth hostel, a base for the Freshwater Biological Association and a training college for Merchant Navy radio officers.

Part of the castle's 64 acres (25.8 hectares) of grounds on the west shore of Windermere remain open to the public.

Among the works in progress is the restoration of the Glasshouse

The conservation work includes roof repairs, rewiring, fire protection upgrades and improvements to security and environmental systems.

The restoration of the estate's Glasshouse is under way and the Footman's Lodge has already been renovated.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to give Wray Castle the care and attention it deserves," Ms Lee said.

"While the castle building is closed, the wider estate remains open."