Claife Viewing Station and Windermere West Shore

Claife Viewing Station was built in the 1790s on Windermere's quiet western shore as one of the first purpose-built monuments for early Lake District tourists, who admired the lake through windows of coloured glass meant to suggest different seasons. Restored by the National Trust, the roofless station again frames the water through coloured panels, with an Aeolian wind harp that sounds on blustery days and history boards reviewers say are worth reading. It sits a few minutes uphill from the Windermere ferry and Ash Landing, and the courtyard below holds the independent Joey's Cafe with vegan bakes and locally roasted coffee. From here the level lakeshore path runs four miles to Wray Castle for walkers and bikes, and Hill Top is a 1.6-mile walk. Dogs are welcome at the viewing station and cafe, and on leads on the lakeshore and woodland paths. Reviewers note the climb is short but steep, with plenty of steps, and that the viewpoint is free; the toilets at Ferry House are currently closed, with a portaloo at the cafe.