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Culture in South Lakes - Coniston & Hawkshead

Culture in South Lakes - Coniston & Hawkshead

The charming villages of Coniston and Hawkshead offer plenty by way of arts and culture. Home to famous figures like John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter, it’s not hard to see why artists have found inspiration here for centuries. With country houses, museums, galleries and more, discover culture in the South Lakes with a trip to these Lakeland villages.

Coniston can be reached by road via the A593; Hawkshead is located on the B5285. Stagecoach bus service 505 serves both Hawkshead and Coniston.

  1. Brantwood – Home of John Ruskin

    Once home to Victorian artist and art critic John Ruskin, Brantwood in Coniston is a historic house and estate on the shores of Coniston water. Today it is open for visitors to explore, with plenty for all to see and do.

    Wander through the nine rooms originally used by John Ruskin, and marvel at the stunning views pf the Coniston fells outside the window. Discover art exhibitions in the Blue Gallery, located within the house; and the Severn Studio Gallery. As well as pieces by Ruskin himself, there is also a regular programme of contemporary shows from established and new artists; while the events calendar includes theatre, music and craft shows.

    Once you’ve finished exploring the house and galleries, head outside to stroll through the extensive gardens; before relaxing with coffee and cake at the on-site Terrace café.

    Open hours: between March – November, Brantwood is open daily from 10:30am – 5pm. Between December – March, Brantwood is open Wed – Sun from 10:30am – 4pm

    On-site parking is available. Brantwood can also be reached by boat on board Steam Yacht Gondola: a traditional boat with opulent saloons and open air decks, run by the National Trust.
     

  2. Hill Top – Beatrix Potter’s House

    Discover the former home of author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, who used the profits from her first illustrated books – including The Tale of Peter Rabbit – to buy Hill Top Farm in 1905. Step back in time and see the house as it would have been when Potter lived here: see her own belongings throughout, and admire the interiors which feature in classic stories like The Tale of Tom Kitten.

    The Treasure Room at the top of the house displays beloved items including a doll’s house, which inspired scenes from The Tale of Two Bad Mice.

    In the garden, you can see the rhubarb patch where Jemima Puddle-Duck laid her egg; and the garden where Tom Kitten and his sisters played, before visiting the gift shop to pick up a souvenir of your visit.

    Open hours: Hill Top is usually open every day except Friday; the house is open 10am – 5pm; the garden and shop are open 10am – 4pm.

    On-site parking is available; from Windermere Car Ferry and Hawkshead it’s a two-mile walk.
     

  3. The Ruskin Museum

    In Coniston, The Ruskin Museum offers a fascinating insight into the story of this Lakeland village, with exhibitions centred around a number of local icons.

    The Coniston Gallery looks at Coniston’s history, heritage and geology; the Bluebird Wing is dedicated to speed record breaker Donald Campbell CBE; while the Ruskin Gallery features works by writer, artist and social thinker John Ruskin, who lived in Coniston for much of his life. There are also pieces related to Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons, which features numerous locations said to be in Coniston.

    Open hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30am – 2:30pm

    Parking is available in Coniston, with a number of car parks within walking distance of the museum.
     

  4. Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre (studios and gallery)

    Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest is a stunning natural attraction – and home to a rich variety of arts and culture exhibitions. The Visitor Centre is home to a gallery space which hosts art exhibitions throughout the year, inviting visitors to stop and think.

    There are also artist’s studios and a regular programme of performances and events.

    Open hours: daily, 10am – 4pm. Parking is available on-site.
     

  5. Hawkshead Grammar School

    Located in the picturesque village of Hawkshead, the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum offers a fascinating insight into school life between 1585 – 1909. There’s historic classroom furniture, 17th century artefacts, and plenty more to discover. Plus, you can see where famous poet William Wordsworth studied – he was a student here from the ages of 9 to 17.

    Open hours: The Hawkshead Grammar School Museum is open Thursday – Monday, 11am – 4pm, from the 29th March to the 31st October.
    Open every day during school holidays.

    Parking is available in Hawkshead, with a public car park across the road from the museum. You can also reach the museum by bus: the 505 Stagecoach bus service stops in Hawkshead.

There’s always something going on in South Lakeland: a packed year-round programme of events, theatre, exhibitions and festivals awaits. Visit our website to discover more.

Download a printable PDF of this Cultural Itinerary

Brantwood - The home of John Ruskin  Hill Top House Summer ©National Trust Images.  Ruskin Museum  Treepole, Sculpture by Simon Clements & Harriet Fraser 2018 photo copyright rob Fraser  Culture in South Lakes - Hawkshead Grammar School
 

Culture in South Lakes

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1 Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin
2 Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
3 Hawkshead Grammar School Museum
4 The Ruskin Museum
5 Grizedale Forest
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  1. Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebell Wood at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    View over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Views over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Family Activities at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Blue Gallery Exhibition at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Grounds at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebell Wood at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    View over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Views over Coniston Water at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Family Activities at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District
    Blue Gallery Exhibition at Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin in Coniston, Lake District

    Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin

    Coniston

    Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.

  2. Exterior and Gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and Gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Beatrix Potter posing outside her residence at Hill Top in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Interior decorations at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Activities at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Interior and decor at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Family activities at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Grounds and walks near Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Beatrix Potter at her residence at Hill Top in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and grounds at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and Gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Beatrix Potter posing outside her residence at Hill Top in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Interior decorations at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Activities at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Interior and decor at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Family activities at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Grounds and walks near Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and gardens at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Beatrix Potter at her residence at Hill Top in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District
    Exterior and grounds at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House in Near Sawrey, Ambleside, Lake District

    Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House

    Ambleside

    Beatrix Potter's iconic house, full of her personal possessions, with traditional cottage garden. Her paintings of the House and garden were used to illustrate many of her tales.

  3. Exterior and Entrance at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Display Cases at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Items on display at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Classroom at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Exterior and Entrance at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Display Cases at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Items on display at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria
    Classroom at Hawkshead Grammar School Museum in the Lake District, Cumbria

    Hawkshead Grammar School Museum

    Hawkshead, Ambleside

    Situated in the quaint Lake District Village of Hawkshead, the boys Grammar School gives insight into school life ever since it opened in 1585. William Wordsworth also attended the school from age 9 to 17 with his brothers. 

  4. Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    The Ruskin Gallery at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Entrance to The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Donal Campbell's Jetstar Speedboat at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Free Children's Activities at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Statue of Donald Campbell at The Ruskin Museum
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    The Ruskin Gallery at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Exterior and Entrance to The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Donal Campbell's Jetstar Speedboat at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Free Children's Activities at The Ruskin Museum in Coniston, Lake District
    Bluebird at The Ruskin Museum
    Statue of Donald Campbell at The Ruskin Museum

    The Ruskin Museum

    Coniston

    Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking museum in the Lakes', Rough Guide - all editions.

  5. The Yan
    The Yan
    Grizedale Forest
    Grizedale Visitor Centre
    Grizedale Forest
    Biking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Playpark
    Cycling in Grizedale Forest
    The Yan
    Grizedale Forest
    Grizedale Visitor Centre
    Grizedale Forest
    Biking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Walking Trails
    Playpark
    Cycling in Grizedale Forest

    Grizedale Forest

    Hawkshead

    Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!

Itinerary Distances

Sort By Shortest Journey

FromToDistance * (metric)
Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin (54.35351,-3.05916)Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House (54.35173,-2.96948)5.24
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House (54.35173,-2.96948)Hawkshead Grammar School Museum (54.37385,-2.99823)2.78
Hawkshead Grammar School Museum (54.37385,-2.99823)The Ruskin Museum (54.37013,-3.0763)4.57
The Ruskin Museum (54.37013,-3.0763)Grizedale Forest (54.3399,-3.02433)4.29
Total Distance *16.88 miles
Estimated Journey Time33 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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