Coniston is a picturesque lakeside village in the Lake District National Park. Coniston sits next to Coniston Water, the Lake District's third largest lake is the home to many attempts at the world water speed record. Sir Malcolm Campbell broke the record on the lake first in 1930, and his son Donal broke the record four more times before his last attempt ended in disaster, crashing fatally at 300 mph (480 km/h).

The lake and its surroundings is the inspiration for Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons. Coniston's other major literary connection is as the long-term home of John Ruskin.

See

• 1 Brantwood (John Ruskin's Home), Coniston, LA218AD (follow the signs for Brantwood from Coniston), ☏ 44 1539 441396, [email protected]. Open all year: Mar-Nov 10:30AM-5PM; Dec-Mar 10:30AM-4PM. Impressive lakeside property that was home to John Ruskin; today opened to the public as a museum. Brantwood runs a number of courses, including art workshops and gardening courses, and holds regular events and exhibitions. There are extensive gardens and the Jumping Jenny restaurant with elevated terrace looking over Lake Coniston. Also available is a self-catering holiday apartment within the house (see "Sleep"). House & garden: adult £7.50, child (5-16) free, student £6.00, infant/junior school groups £1.20, secondary school groups £5.25 (free for adult helpers and teachers). Gardens: adult £5.20, child free, student £4.30. (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Ruskin Museum, LA21 8DU, ☏ 44 1539 441164, [email protected]. Museum celebrating the life and works of John Ruskin. Also has a section devoted to the Campbell's record breaking attempts  
• Coniston Boating Centre. Electric & rowing boat hire 

Do

• 3 Steam Yacht Gondola, Coniston Pier, Lake Road, LA21 8AN, ☏ 44 1539 432733, [email protected]. Tour the lake on the steam yacht Gondola  
• Climb the Old Man of Coniston

Eat

• 1 The Black Bull, 1 Yewdale Rd, ☏ 44 15394 41335. This is a 17th-century inn and restaurant. (updated Mar 2016)
• The Bluebird Cafe. (updated Mar 2016)
• 2 Brantwood Cafe, Brantwood, Coniston, LA21 8AD (follow the signs for Brantwood from the village of Coniston), ☏ 44 1539 449025, [email protected]. (updated Mar 2016)
• The Crown Inn. (updated Mar 2016)
• Harry's Bar. (updated Mar 2016)
• Holland's Cafe. (updated Mar 2016)
• 3 The Ship Inn, Bowmanstead, ☏ 44 15394 41224. (updated Mar 2016)
• The Sun Inn. (updated Mar 2016)
• The Yewdale Hotel. (updated Mar 2016)

Sleep

• 1 YHA Coniston Coppermines, ☏ 44 345 371 9630. 26-bed hostel with some private rooms. (updated Mar 2020)
• 2 Brantwood (The Eyrie & The Lodge), Coniston, LA21 8AD (Follow the signs for Brantwood from Coniston), ☏ 44 15394 41396, [email protected]. From £215. (updated Mar 2016)