Horse riding in Matterdale, just 2 miles from Dockray. Rookin House activity centre offers a wide variety of activities including Horse Riding Lessons, Pony Trekking, Quad Biking, Archery, Air Rifles, Clay Pigeon Shooting and more.
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A wonderful fell, commanding views across Ullswater lake. 1-2 hours walk from the front door of the Royal, a perfect morning walk before Sunday Lunch.
Beginning its life high in the fells at 720m, Aira Beck passes through Dockray on its way into Lake Ullswater. As it surges down the valley, the turbulent waters pass a variety of pools, gorges and falls. One kilometre before entering the lake, the beck makes the 70 ft leap down a rocky and steep sided ravine at the falls known as Aira Force. The water falls approximately 22 metres (72 ft) to a rocky pool, from where the beck continues through a shallow valley to the lake.
In the summer, Aira Beck offers many clear pools for a quick dip. The power of nature is perfectly demonstrated after heavy rain, when Aira Force really comes to life.
The path from The Royal at Dockray follows Aira Beck down the valley, via Aira Force. Continuing on for 1km, it reaches Lake Ullswater. From here, jump about Ullswater Steamers to reach Glenridding or Pooley Bridge. A lovely circular walk loops up and over Gowbarrow and back to Dockray for a well deserved Cumbrian ale.
The cruises from Ullswater ‘Steamers’ connect to some of the most famous and iconic walks in the Lake District National Park, with views of Wordsworth’s daffodils on the west shore in spring.
Ullswater ‘Steamers’ not only provide scenic lake cruises but also ferry visitors across the lake to connect with famous walking routes. They help people to enjoy and access some of the most popular walks in the Lake District, including the Ullswater Way.
Walkers can take advantage of the excellent facilities on board including both open and covered upper deck seating areas, downstairs saloons, licensed bars, and toilets. There are also facilities located at the pier houses, including free Wi-Fi.
Helvellyn is the third-highest point both in England and in the Lake District, and one of the most scenic. The scenery includes three deep glacial coves and two sharp-topped ridges on the eastern side (Striding Edge and Swirral Edge – both great challenges for able hikers, not to be understimated). Helvellyn was one of the earliest fells to prove popular with walkers and explorers; beginning especially in the later 18th century. Among the early visitors to Helvellyn were the poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth.
Routes to Helvellyn begin from various locations. Glenridding is a common starting point, a longer route begins at Dockray and follows the mountain range taking in various summits on its way to Helvellyn.
Of the many treasures waiting to be discovered in the English Lake District, Lowther Castle is a particular gem. Built at the turn of the 19th century on the site of two previous houses, the castle was a grand affair boasting a room for every day of the year. Its gardens were the envy of the north.
But in 1957 the castle was demolished. Just the façade and outer walls remained standing and for over half a century, the place was empty – home only to chickens, pigs and the odd bat. The gardens were lost to wilderness.
Today Lowther Castle is one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in the country. Dramatic ruins, gardens within gardens, an adventure playground to rival the best in the land. We look forward to welcoming you.
Ullswater – the second largest lake in England surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, just a mile from Dockray. Explore Ullswater on foot, by boat on the Ullswater Steamer, by bike, or by bus – there are a wealth of options for exploring this beautiful lake and valley. The villages at either end of the Lake, Pooley Bridge and Glenridding are scenic tourist hot spots with small shops and cafes.
The Ullswater bus service provides car-free transport from Dockray along the northern shore of Ullswater, connecting Dockray to Glenridding, Pooley Bridge and further to Penrith and Keswick.
