About an hour’s drive from Hawthorns, through the spectacular landscape of the Lake District, you’ll find the lovely area of Coniston and Hawkshead. These wonderfully rural villages are a great rest spot for walkers and you’ll find them nestled close to the Tilberthwaite Slate Quarries.
If you’re using your time away in the Lake District to find a balance between being able to relax and unwind, but also take part in things a little more adventurous, then be sure to make the journey and experience everything that it has to offer – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Here’s our top 10 things to do and see around Coniston and Hawkshead.
1. Bluebird & Donald Campbell
In 1967 during a water speed record breaking attempt, British speed record breaker Donald Campbell sadly died in his vessel, the Bluebird K7 which had been modified after a previous attempt. You can visit Campbell’s final resting place in Coniston Cemetery which is a quiet and peaceful place for reflection.
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2. Ruskin Museum
The Ruskin Museum is a great place to really immerse yourself in the area and learn everything there is to know about the history, geology and people of the area. With a gallery displaying works depicting the Lake District, pottery making exhibitions and even farming displays, you’ll be able to spend hours browsing!
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3. Brantwood House
This thoroughly breath-taking museum and historical house was owned by John Ruskin – so you know it’s going to have plenty or finery and things to explore! Not only it is the perfect spot to take in the picturesque views of Coniston Water, but you can also take a look at art, furniture, landscaped gardens and personal belongings of Ruskin himself.
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4. Old Man of Coniston
To the west of the village you’ll find the Old Man of Coniston. This mountain is popular with visitors to the area who want to explore the Furness Fells and take one of the many signposted paths to the top. It’s also said to be the inspiration for the mountain Kanchenjunga from one of the Swallows & Amazons novels written by Lake District resident, Arthur Ransome.
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5. Beatrix Potter Gallery
At this lovely National Trust site you’ll find a myriad of Beatrix Potter’s original artwork. Filled with much-loved characters, the unique 17thcentury building is situated in Hawkshead and gives you the opportunity to step into the author’s footsteps to take in the places that inspired her.
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6. Tarn Hows
With a one and three quarter mile walk, Tarn Hows is the ideal place to take in views of the countryside, mountains and water too. The route is accessible to those with wheelchairs and you’ll even pass hidden waterfalls and atmospheric woodland too.
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7. The Copper Mines
Once you begin to explore Coniston and Hawkshead, you’ll most likely come across remnants and forgotten remains of its days as a copper mining village. There’s plenty of old equipment dotted around and you may even see evidence of man’s interference with the local landscape too.
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8. Steam Yacht Gondola
Take to Coniston Water and see the area from a different point of view. This charming, restored Victorian steam boat is a wonderful insight into times gone by. With an engineer on board to answer any questions, you can take in the scenery from the open-air deck or relax in the luxurious saloon.
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9. Fishing on Esthwaite Water
A hidden gem that’s visited more by locals than sightseers, Esthwaite Water is a scenic trout fishery and a must-see for fishing enthusiasts. There’s an on-site fish and tackle shop where you can not only pick up bait and equipment, but a few hints and tips too!
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10. Wray Castle
Over 180 years old, Wray Castle has church-like interiors within its Gothic revival structure. There are organised tours throughout the day but you’re also more than welcome to take things at your own pace and make the most of the shoreline views across Lake Windermere.
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We hope you enjoy your time exploring Coniston and Hawkshead and remember, if you have any questions or fancy some recommendations during your stay at Hawthorns Caravan Park, then simply pop into our tourist information library.
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