Coniston Water & Coniston and Hawkshead

10.30am - Begin your tour in Coniston. Arrive at the Ruskin Museum - an innovative, inspirational and interactive award winning museum where you can explore the real Lakeland, discover “Swallows and Amazons” country, mourn the water speed ace Donald Campbell and find out about John Ruskin, artist, critic, radical social reformer. From the museum follow the road down to the lake to Coniston Pier.

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 41164  

Website: www.ruskinmuseum.com

12.05pm - Aboard Coniston Launch.  Relax & enjoy a gentle cruise taking in the magnificent views of the lake and mountains on your way to Brantwood. On arrival at Brantwood jetty follow the path up to the house

Telephone: +44 (0)17687 75753

Website: www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

12.40pm - Arrive at Brantwood in time for lunch. Have a delicious lunch in the delightful surroundings of “Jumping Jennys,” followed by an exploration of one of the most beautifully situated houses in the Lake District. Brantwood was John Ruskin’s home from 1870 to 1900 and contains a superb collection of his drawings, watercolours, furniture and personal items. There’s a seasonal programme of exhibitions and events too. Follow the footpath back to the jetty:

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 41396  

Website: www.brantwood.org.uk

2.30pm - Board Coniston launch to take you back to Coniston Pier. Boats leave reguarly should you wish a shorter or longer visit to Brantwood.  For up to date timetable information please contact Coniston Launch.

Telephone: +44 (0)17687 75753  

Website: www.conistonlaunch.co.uk

2.45pm - Arrive Coniston pier.

From Coniston follow the B5286 sign-posted Hawkshead (journey time: approx 15 minutes).

3.00pm - Arrive at the delightful village of Hawkshead. Deemed to be one of the prettiest villages in the Lake District, Hawkshead has clusters of whitewashed cottages grouped around courtyards and squares with fascinating cobbled streets.  The centre of Hawkshead is closed to cars making it a pleasure to stroll around and explore.

Start with a walk up a gentle hill to see a most interesting 15th Century church, enjoying fine views over the village.  St Michael’s has a fine collection of painted texts and decorations dating from around 1680.

Drop in to the Grammar school where Wordsworth was once a pupil and see Ann Tyson’s house identified by a plaque.  At the time William Wordsworth was lodging with Ann Tyson she lived at Colthouse just outside the village.

For a wonderful end to your day - visit Beatrix Potter Gallery which displays a fascinating selection of her original illustrations.

Telephone: +44 (0)15394 36355  

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Visitors are advised to check opening times and admission prices, as not all attractions are open daily, all year round. The times shown at each attraction are only a rough guide. Wheelchair users and people with special needs are advised to check facilities with individual attractions prior to their next visit.