Yanxia's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Tarn hows development by Beatrix Potter. Only 8 minutes drive from "High Grassings country house.
Only 8 minutes drive from property to Tarn hows
Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing t by the tarn. There is a mobility scooter available for use for those who are less able to get around the Tarn.
88 lokale inwoners raden aan
Tarn Hows
Only 8 minutes drive from property to Tarn hows
Stunning Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views. A great place to walk and picnic, or to begin your wider Lake District countryside adventure. There are also rare Belted Galloway cattle and sturdy Herdwick sheep grazing t by the tarn. There is a mobility scooter available for use for those who are less able to get around the Tarn.
The old man of Coniston only 8 minutes drive from The property - High Grassings
The Old Man of Coniston is a fell in the Furness Fells in the Cumbria, English Lake District and was the highest point (county top) of Lancashire until local government reorganisation in 1974.[2] It is at least 2,632.61 feet (802.42 m) high, and lies to the west of the village of Coniston and the lake, Coniston Water. The fell is sometimes known by the alternative name of Coniston Old Man, or simply The Old theMan. The mountain is popular with tourists and fell-walkers with a number of well-marked paths to the summit. The mountain has also seen extensive copper and slate mining activity for eight hundred years and the remains of abandoned mines and spoil tips are a significant feature of the north-east slopes. There are also several flocks of sheep that are grazed on the mountain.
58 lokale inwoners raden aan
The Old Man of Coniston
The old man of Coniston only 8 minutes drive from The property - High Grassings
The Old Man of Coniston is a fell in the Furness Fells in the Cumbria, English Lake District and was the highest point (county top) of Lancashire until local government reorganisation in 1974.[2] It is at least 2,632.61 feet (802.42 m) high, and lies to the west of the village of Coniston and the lake, Coniston Water. The fell is sometimes known by the alternative name of Coniston Old Man, or simply The Old theMan. The mountain is popular with tourists and fell-walkers with a number of well-marked paths to the summit. The mountain has also seen extensive copper and slate mining activity for eight hundred years and the remains of abandoned mines and spoil tips are a significant feature of the north-east slopes. There are also several flocks of sheep that are grazed on the mountain.
Coniston
The perfect place to take a break
Situated on the shores of Coniston Water, The Bluebird Café is positioned in a unique and idyllic location and enjoys outstanding views from all the seating.
Something for everyone, offering freshly prepared food, homemade cakes, ice cream, delicious smoothies & shakes or a relaxing glass of wine!! Dog friendly, your canine companions are welcome on our covered heated terrace. Plenty of parking, easy access for buggies and wheelchairs, baby change facilities & disabled toilet. Our onsite partners are Coniston Boating Centre, SY Gondola and Coniston Launch- a great day out for all the family!
Named after Donald Campbell's famous boat, this café is on the lake shore next to Coniston Boating Centre
27 lokale inwoners raden aan
The Bluebird Café by the Lake
12 Lake RdConiston
The perfect place to take a break
Situated on the shores of Coniston Water, The Bluebird Café is positioned in a unique and idyllic location and enjoys outstanding views from all the seating.
Something for everyone, offering freshly prepared food, homemade cakes, ice cream, delicious smoothies & shakes or a relaxing glass of wine!! Dog friendly, your canine companions are welcome on our covered heated terrace. Plenty of parking, easy access for buggies and wheelchairs, baby change facilities & disabled toilet. Our onsite partners are Coniston Boating Centre, SY Gondola and Coniston Launch- a great day out for all the family!
Named after Donald Campbell's famous boat, this café is on the lake shore next to Coniston Boating Centre
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home
: Location – Near Sawrey

Page updated February 2020
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 with the royalties from her first few books, written at her parents home in London, but inspired by her annual holiday visits to the Lake District. She visited as often as she could, but never for more than a few days at a time, sketching the house, garden, countryside and animals for her new books.
Hill Top – the home of Beatrix Potter.
After Beatrix bought the Hill Top she busied herself writing more books, and visiting her farm. In 1909 she bought another farm opposite Hill Top, Castle Farm, which became her main Lakeland base.
Beatrix wrote many of her famous children’s stories in this little 17th century stone house. Characters such as Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here, and the books contain many pictures based on the house and garden.
Beatrix bought many pieces of land and property in and around Sawrey, including the Old Post Office, Castle Cottage and a number of small farms. In 1913, aged 47, she married William Heelis in London and moved to Lakeland, living at Castle Cottage which was bigger and more convenient than Hill Top.
The entrance hall at Hill Top
There is a good example of traditional cottage garden, containing mainly old-fashioned flowers such as honeysuckle, foxgloves, sweet cicely, lupins, peonies, lavender and philadelphus. Roses grow ground the front door. Fruit still plays an important role in the garden – strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and rhubarb
When she died in 1943, she left Hill Top to the National Trust with the proviso that it be kept exactly as she left it, complete with her furniture and china.
Bar lunches and evening meals can be obtained from the Tower Bank Arms (NT owned) next door, during licensing hours. The Tower Bank Arms may be seen in ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck’.
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.
Hill Top is still as it was then, and is now the most visited literary shrine in the Lake District
23 lokale inwoners raden aan
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's House
Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s home
: Location – Near Sawrey

Page updated February 2020
Beatrix Potter bought Hill Top in 1905 with the royalties from her first few books, written at her parents home in London, but inspired by her annual holiday visits to the Lake District. She visited as often as she could, but never for more than a few days at a time, sketching the house, garden, countryside and animals for her new books.
Hill Top – the home of Beatrix Potter.
After Beatrix bought the Hill Top she busied herself writing more books, and visiting her farm. In 1909 she bought another farm opposite Hill Top, Castle Farm, which became her main Lakeland base.
Beatrix wrote many of her famous children’s stories in this little 17th century stone house. Characters such as Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here, and the books contain many pictures based on the house and garden.
Beatrix bought many pieces of land and property in and around Sawrey, including the Old Post Office, Castle Cottage and a number of small farms. In 1913, aged 47, she married William Heelis in London and moved to Lakeland, living at Castle Cottage which was bigger and more convenient than Hill Top.
The entrance hall at Hill Top
There is a good example of traditional cottage garden, containing mainly old-fashioned flowers such as honeysuckle, foxgloves, sweet cicely, lupins, peonies, lavender and philadelphus. Roses grow ground the front door. Fruit still plays an important role in the garden – strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and rhubarb
When she died in 1943, she left Hill Top to the National Trust with the proviso that it be kept exactly as she left it, complete with her furniture and china.
Bar lunches and evening meals can be obtained from the Tower Bank Arms (NT owned) next door, during licensing hours. The Tower Bank Arms may be seen in ‘The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck’.
Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.
Hill Top is still as it was then, and is now the most visited literary shrine in the Lake District
Wray Castle :
Windermere / Ambleside
Wray Castle is a National Trust owned family friendly mock-Gothic castle on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers, informal grounds, and Peter Rabbit adventure.
Wray Castle
Explore Wray Castle
Visitors can spend an entire day at Wray and it won’t be the traditional National Trust house you may be expecting. There is something here for everyone and it is a good base for a great day out. Perhaps linked with a walk down the lakeshore as well. There are also the extensive grounds to explore and there is a café with an amazing view, run by a National Trust tenant food producer.
You can wander the Castle’s elaborate hall, rooms with towers, turrets and arrow slots. The castle building room has new foam blocks and there is lots of dressing up, a countryside room, plus the newest addition to the castle, the Peter Rabbit Adventure.
You can explore the Castle inside and out in all weather. Find your way from James and Margaret Dawson’s grand living spaces to narrow winding passages used by their servants. Rooms are empty of the original furniture but photographs taken by Beatrix Potter’s father helps you to imagine 19th-century life.
Rooms in the old servant’s quarter in the castle have been magically transformed.
The castle has mock ruins, hidden doors and a billiard room on the first floor next to the bedrooms. There is a viewing platform on the top of the central tower but this is not open to visitors due to housing a set of communications masts.
Wray Castle History
This is not a real castle but a private house built in in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840. It was built for Dr James Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon, and is now owned by the National Trust. The house was built using his wife’s inheritance from a gin fortune. Apparently she took one look at the house when it was finished, and refused to live in it.
Wray Castle is an elaborate building. James Dawson could essentially build whatever he wanted, from a portcullis to turrets which don’t have any access to them, as well as arrow slits and even mock ruins in the grounds – James ordered the lot. The Dawsons didn’t have any children so it seems amazing that this was in effect a retirement home for two people.
William Wordsworth, on the other hand, said it ‘added a dignified feature to the interesting scenery in the midst of which it stands’. But then, he wasn’t required to reside within its walls.
It was designed by John Jackson Lightfoot who was a trained accountant with an interest in architecture. It was his first and only design as he sadly drank himself to death before it was finished. H.P. Horner, a more experienced architect stepped in to complete the design. So what you see is a combination of Lightfoot’s playful fantasy design and Horner’s practical approach.
The house was one of many built around Windermere lake by very wealthy industrialists who had made their fortunes in big cities during the industrial revolution.
Wray Castle. Aerial photo by Jonathan Webb.
After Dr Dawson’s death in 1875, when he was 96, the estate was inherited by his young nephew, Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Preston’s cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church (next to the Castle and built at the same time by Dr Dawson).
The castle has been in the care of the National Trust since 1929, when it was given to the trust by Sir Noton Barclay to celebrate his year of office as Lord Mayor of Manchester.
Wray Castle Grounds
The grounds are well worth visiting for the sake of the specimen trees – wellingtonia, redwood, gingkoa, weeping lime and varieties of beech. There is a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsworth in 1845 (see photo in Gallery below). Watbarrow Wood is the wooded bank between the castle and the lake, and has several pleasant paths leading through it to the water’s edge. There are spectacular views across Windermere.
Over the last few years the grounds have been undergoing a major restoration by the National Trust, to try and restore them to how they would have looked when the house was built. This will give impressive views to Windermere lake from a variety of directions.
The entrance hallway at Wray Castle. Photo by Jan Fialkowski.
Beatrix Potter at Wray Castle
Although Beatrix Potter was born and brought up in London her parents took her north for her summer holidays. Firstly to Scotland, but when the house they rented there became unavailable they rented Wray Castle. Beatrix was 16 when they stayed here in 1882. Her parents entertained many eminent guests here, including Hardwicke Rawnsley.
His views on the need to preserve the natural beauty of Lakeland had a lasting effect on the young Beatrix. She had already fallen in love with the unspoilt beauty surrounding the holiday home. She bought Hill Top nearby in 1905 with royalties from her first few books, and when she was 47 married and moved to the Lake District. She bought much land in the area, including most of the land surrounding Wray Castle, though she never owned the castle itself.
One of Beatrix Potter’s favourite rooms at Wray Castle was the library. This is one of the rooms recently renovated, with its trompe l’oeil and restored floor. Younger visitors can also become kings and queens for the day, dressing up and building their own giant castles. Older guests can learn about the history of the building on guided tours which will give them the chance to learn more about the place
54 lokale inwoners raden aan
National Trust Wray Castle
Wray Castle :
Windermere / Ambleside
Wray Castle is a National Trust owned family friendly mock-Gothic castle on the shores of Lake Windermere with turrets, towers, informal grounds, and Peter Rabbit adventure.
Wray Castle
Explore Wray Castle
Visitors can spend an entire day at Wray and it won’t be the traditional National Trust house you may be expecting. There is something here for everyone and it is a good base for a great day out. Perhaps linked with a walk down the lakeshore as well. There are also the extensive grounds to explore and there is a café with an amazing view, run by a National Trust tenant food producer.
You can wander the Castle’s elaborate hall, rooms with towers, turrets and arrow slots. The castle building room has new foam blocks and there is lots of dressing up, a countryside room, plus the newest addition to the castle, the Peter Rabbit Adventure.
You can explore the Castle inside and out in all weather. Find your way from James and Margaret Dawson’s grand living spaces to narrow winding passages used by their servants. Rooms are empty of the original furniture but photographs taken by Beatrix Potter’s father helps you to imagine 19th-century life.
Rooms in the old servant’s quarter in the castle have been magically transformed.
The castle has mock ruins, hidden doors and a billiard room on the first floor next to the bedrooms. There is a viewing platform on the top of the central tower but this is not open to visitors due to housing a set of communications masts.
Wray Castle History
This is not a real castle but a private house built in in the Gothic Revival Style in 1840. It was built for Dr James Dawson, a retired Liverpool surgeon, and is now owned by the National Trust. The house was built using his wife’s inheritance from a gin fortune. Apparently she took one look at the house when it was finished, and refused to live in it.
Wray Castle is an elaborate building. James Dawson could essentially build whatever he wanted, from a portcullis to turrets which don’t have any access to them, as well as arrow slits and even mock ruins in the grounds – James ordered the lot. The Dawsons didn’t have any children so it seems amazing that this was in effect a retirement home for two people.
William Wordsworth, on the other hand, said it ‘added a dignified feature to the interesting scenery in the midst of which it stands’. But then, he wasn’t required to reside within its walls.
It was designed by John Jackson Lightfoot who was a trained accountant with an interest in architecture. It was his first and only design as he sadly drank himself to death before it was finished. H.P. Horner, a more experienced architect stepped in to complete the design. So what you see is a combination of Lightfoot’s playful fantasy design and Horner’s practical approach.
The house was one of many built around Windermere lake by very wealthy industrialists who had made their fortunes in big cities during the industrial revolution.
Wray Castle. Aerial photo by Jonathan Webb.
After Dr Dawson’s death in 1875, when he was 96, the estate was inherited by his young nephew, Preston Rawnsley. In 1877 Preston’s cousin, Hardwicke Rawnsley, took up the appointment of vicar of Wray Church (next to the Castle and built at the same time by Dr Dawson).
The castle has been in the care of the National Trust since 1929, when it was given to the trust by Sir Noton Barclay to celebrate his year of office as Lord Mayor of Manchester.
Wray Castle Grounds
The grounds are well worth visiting for the sake of the specimen trees – wellingtonia, redwood, gingkoa, weeping lime and varieties of beech. There is a mulberry tree planted by William Wordsworth in 1845 (see photo in Gallery below). Watbarrow Wood is the wooded bank between the castle and the lake, and has several pleasant paths leading through it to the water’s edge. There are spectacular views across Windermere.
Over the last few years the grounds have been undergoing a major restoration by the National Trust, to try and restore them to how they would have looked when the house was built. This will give impressive views to Windermere lake from a variety of directions.
The entrance hallway at Wray Castle. Photo by Jan Fialkowski.
Beatrix Potter at Wray Castle
Although Beatrix Potter was born and brought up in London her parents took her north for her summer holidays. Firstly to Scotland, but when the house they rented there became unavailable they rented Wray Castle. Beatrix was 16 when they stayed here in 1882. Her parents entertained many eminent guests here, including Hardwicke Rawnsley.
His views on the need to preserve the natural beauty of Lakeland had a lasting effect on the young Beatrix. She had already fallen in love with the unspoilt beauty surrounding the holiday home. She bought Hill Top nearby in 1905 with royalties from her first few books, and when she was 47 married and moved to the Lake District. She bought much land in the area, including most of the land surrounding Wray Castle, though she never owned the castle itself.
One of Beatrix Potter’s favourite rooms at Wray Castle was the library. This is one of the rooms recently renovated, with its trompe l’oeil and restored floor. Younger visitors can also become kings and queens for the day, dressing up and building their own giant castles. Older guests can learn about the history of the building on guided tours which will give them the chance to learn more about the place
The Steam Yacht Gondola
Location : Coniston
The Steam Yacht Gondola is the oldest steam yacht in the North of England. She was built in 1859 by the Furness Railway Company as an attraction for the tourists they brought by train to Coniston. Now fully restored, she once again provides cruises and boat trips on beautiful Coniston Water.
The Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water

The SY Gondola was retired in 1936 and was used as a house-boat, unfortunately she was abandoned in the 1960’s. However, in the mid 1970’s a group of National Trust enthusiasts raised enough money to restore her.
The restored yacht was relaunched on 25th March 1980 and, after a break of 44 years, finally re-entered public service on Coniston Water, Cumbria’s fifth largest lake.
The engine room of the Steam Yacht Gondola

Travellers may choose to sit in the luxurious 1st Class Saloon, or enjoy the open air from the spacious forward or aft seating areas.
Steam Yacht Gondola gave Arthur Ransome the idea for Captain Flint’s houseboat in his children’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’, although this was eventually modelled on Esperance (now at Windermere Steamboat Museum).
The 1st Class Salon

Steam Yacht Gondola – Head of the Lake Cruise
The boat trip around the head of the lake starts at Coniston Pier, proceeding anti-clockwise past Coniston Hall (a working farm owned by the National Trust) to Parkamoor (without stopping here).
The voyage then crosses the lake and continues northwards, with a “request stop” at Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin from 1871 until his death in 1900.
The second, and last, stop is at Monk Coniston at the northern tip of the lake. This is a good place to disembark for the 3 hour loop walk to Tarn Hows and back.
The Steam Yacht Gondola then travels the short distance back to Coniston Pier. This cruise runs 3 times daily and takes 45 minutes – see timetable link below.
Steam Yacht Gondola – Other Cruises
The Full Lake Cruise takes 1 hour 45 minutes and starts from Coniston at 2.30 pm, with the option to pre-order afternoon tea.
The Walker’s Cruise leaves from Coniston at 11 am on a Saturday and Sunday morning and goes all the way to Lake Bank Jetty at the southern tip of the lake, with a request stop at Parkamoor on the east bank – see timetable link below.
Owing to the current situation we recommend that you check the website of this business before travelling for up to date information on what restrictions are in operation at this venue. Most venues need to be pre-booked and some will have reduced hours and/or timed-ticketing
34 lokale inwoners raden aan
National Trust - Steam Yacht Gondola
Lake RoadThe Steam Yacht Gondola
Location : Coniston
The Steam Yacht Gondola is the oldest steam yacht in the North of England. She was built in 1859 by the Furness Railway Company as an attraction for the tourists they brought by train to Coniston. Now fully restored, she once again provides cruises and boat trips on beautiful Coniston Water.
The Steam Yacht Gondola on Coniston Water

The SY Gondola was retired in 1936 and was used as a house-boat, unfortunately she was abandoned in the 1960’s. However, in the mid 1970’s a group of National Trust enthusiasts raised enough money to restore her.
The restored yacht was relaunched on 25th March 1980 and, after a break of 44 years, finally re-entered public service on Coniston Water, Cumbria’s fifth largest lake.
The engine room of the Steam Yacht Gondola

Travellers may choose to sit in the luxurious 1st Class Saloon, or enjoy the open air from the spacious forward or aft seating areas.
Steam Yacht Gondola gave Arthur Ransome the idea for Captain Flint’s houseboat in his children’s book ‘Swallows and Amazons’, although this was eventually modelled on Esperance (now at Windermere Steamboat Museum).
The 1st Class Salon

Steam Yacht Gondola – Head of the Lake Cruise
The boat trip around the head of the lake starts at Coniston Pier, proceeding anti-clockwise past Coniston Hall (a working farm owned by the National Trust) to Parkamoor (without stopping here).
The voyage then crosses the lake and continues northwards, with a “request stop” at Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin from 1871 until his death in 1900.
The second, and last, stop is at Monk Coniston at the northern tip of the lake. This is a good place to disembark for the 3 hour loop walk to Tarn Hows and back.
The Steam Yacht Gondola then travels the short distance back to Coniston Pier. This cruise runs 3 times daily and takes 45 minutes – see timetable link below.
Steam Yacht Gondola – Other Cruises
The Full Lake Cruise takes 1 hour 45 minutes and starts from Coniston at 2.30 pm, with the option to pre-order afternoon tea.
The Walker’s Cruise leaves from Coniston at 11 am on a Saturday and Sunday morning and goes all the way to Lake Bank Jetty at the southern tip of the lake, with a request stop at Parkamoor on the east bank – see timetable link below.
Owing to the current situation we recommend that you check the website of this business before travelling for up to date information on what restrictions are in operation at this venue. Most venues need to be pre-booked and some will have reduced hours and/or timed-ticketing
For offers, competitions and events subscribe

Opening times
Getting here
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Road, Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AN
///pushed.meanders.really
Our location and parking
Contact us

Motor boats

Rowing boats

Paddle boards

Kayak hire

Canoe hire

Bike hire
<<
>>
Welcome to Coniston Boating Centre in the Lake District
On the beautiful shores of Coniston Water with stunning mountain backdrop, our friendly team will help you out on the water on a motor boat, kayak, canoe or paddle board.
We can't wait to welcome you back. Book your boat hire online today!
Keeping you safe
We have put a few measures in place to ensure the safety of our staff and customers:
Online bookings only.
New safe distance queuing system.
Contact-free check-in at kiosk.
Contact-free safety briefings.
Every boat is sanitised between each trip.
Every buoyancy aid is sanitised between each use.
The Bluebird cafe is open from 2nd April.
The public toilets here are open.
We have a staggered booking process to avoid crowds, to book multiple boats you need to book multiple time slots. For example if you are wanting to book two kayaks at 10am you would need to book one at 10:00 and one at 10:15. We will then do our best to ensure you go out at the same time.
Find out about the changes we've made to keep everyone safe
Government guidelines
When can recreational boating take place?
From the 8th March self drive day hire of boats is permitted for the purpose of open air recreation in a public outdoor place (the vessel must be open air) for single household/bubble only. From the 29th March self drive day hire of boats is permitted for 6 people / 2 households per boat if the vessel is open air.
Also at Coniston...

Location and parking
We're situated on the shores of beautiful Coniston Water. Parking charges apply.

Launching and storage
Find out about launching and storage options here at Coniston Boating Centre.

Bluebird Café
Located on the lakeshore, you can enjoy outstanding views from all the seating.

Welcome to Coniston Boating Centre
We are a not-for-profit attraction run by the Lake District National Park Authority. All profits go towards keeping it special for future generations.
Contact us
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Road, Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AN
///pushed.meanders.really
015394 41366
conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Opening times
Boat hire - 10am - 5pm
Bluebird Café takeaway- Open for takeaway only
Parking charges apply
 

31 lokale inwoners raden aan
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake RoadFor offers, competitions and events subscribe

Opening times
Getting here
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Road, Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AN
///pushed.meanders.really
Our location and parking
Contact us

Motor boats

Rowing boats

Paddle boards

Kayak hire

Canoe hire

Bike hire
<<
>>
Welcome to Coniston Boating Centre in the Lake District
On the beautiful shores of Coniston Water with stunning mountain backdrop, our friendly team will help you out on the water on a motor boat, kayak, canoe or paddle board.
We can't wait to welcome you back. Book your boat hire online today!
Keeping you safe
We have put a few measures in place to ensure the safety of our staff and customers:
Online bookings only.
New safe distance queuing system.
Contact-free check-in at kiosk.
Contact-free safety briefings.
Every boat is sanitised between each trip.
Every buoyancy aid is sanitised between each use.
The Bluebird cafe is open from 2nd April.
The public toilets here are open.
We have a staggered booking process to avoid crowds, to book multiple boats you need to book multiple time slots. For example if you are wanting to book two kayaks at 10am you would need to book one at 10:00 and one at 10:15. We will then do our best to ensure you go out at the same time.
Find out about the changes we've made to keep everyone safe
Government guidelines
When can recreational boating take place?
From the 8th March self drive day hire of boats is permitted for the purpose of open air recreation in a public outdoor place (the vessel must be open air) for single household/bubble only. From the 29th March self drive day hire of boats is permitted for 6 people / 2 households per boat if the vessel is open air.
Also at Coniston...

Location and parking
We're situated on the shores of beautiful Coniston Water. Parking charges apply.

Launching and storage
Find out about launching and storage options here at Coniston Boating Centre.

Bluebird Café
Located on the lakeshore, you can enjoy outstanding views from all the seating.

Welcome to Coniston Boating Centre
We are a not-for-profit attraction run by the Lake District National Park Authority. All profits go towards keeping it special for future generations.
Contact us
Coniston Boating Centre
Lake Road, Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AN
///pushed.meanders.really
015394 41366
conistonbc@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Opening times
Boat hire - 10am - 5pm
Bluebird Café takeaway- Open for takeaway only
Parking charges apply
 

Food Scene
Hawkshead
Hawkshead
Hawkshead may be better known than Coniston and sit only a few miles to the east but to me lacks a more rustic nature. The centre is attractive but the large woollen shop, large car park with a steady chain of coaches does it no favours. Best to stay in Hawkshead at one of its traditional guest houses or pubs, abandon the car and withdraw in to the tiny alleyways with their craft shops, the Beatrix Potter museum and cafes. It is better at night.
Nearby Tarn Hows is a famous landmark north of Grizedale. Grizedale is an artificial tarn created over a century ago by merging 3 smaller areas of water. Now it is a beautiful spot, peaceful and well managed by the National Trust.
Grizedale Forest
Grizedale Forest
The forest is Grizedale houses a popular adventure playground. It has many walks and cycle routes, a Go Ape Tarzan style outdoor experience and a large information centre. For those after walks on the open fells clearly it is not ideal. However as a one off I found it interesting and the walk offers an alternative in poor weather.
Near and Far Sawrey are two pretty little hamlets near the ferry across Windermere. Near Sawrey is the location of Hill Top House but Far Sawrey is the prettier with the added bonus of a pub. The remainder of the area is more peaceful but with no villages of note. The character of the Lake District changes towards the south end of Windermere and Coniston. Farmland taking over and the influence of the sea starting to take effect.
Best Walks around Coniston and Hawkshead
Easy Walks
Little Langdale. A short walk from Tilberthwaite to Little Langdale with superb views of the Langdale Pikes.
Tarn Hows. An easy walk on an excellent path round this lovely tarn set in woodland and rocky outcrops.
Coniston Hall on the lake. A straightforward short stroll to Coniston Hall with good views across and down the lake.
Latterbarrow & Hawkshead. A short walk to this excellent viewpoint from one of the most popular Lake District villages.
Moderate Walks
A walk in Grizedale Forest. A choice of walking opportunities from this famous outdoor playground in the forest
Beatrix Potter Country. From Hill Top at Near Sawrey the land rises through woodland and tarns with views over Windermere and Coniston.
Top o’ Selside. The land rises steeply from the the south west shore of Coniston to this lovely, rarely visited peak.
Woodland Fell & Beacon Tarn. South of the main Coniston range lies unspoilt fells with an idyllic tarn nesting amongst them.
Hard Walks
Classic Coniston Round. A high level circuit of the fells that lie to the west of Coniston village.
Great Carrs & Wetherlam. An attractive circuit of the northern Coniston range from Little Langdale.
Weather Forecast
HAWKSHEAD WEATHER
Other Things to do
Brantwood House. The wonderfully situated home of John Rushkin, who founded the National Trust and was a great friend of the Lake District
Hill Top House. The home of Beatrix Potter in Near Sawrey, the National Trust tell the tale of this famous author and conservationist.
Coniston Boating Centre is 1/2 a mile from the village and is where canoes, sailing boats and all manner of aquatic joys can be hired.
John Rushkin museum. In Coniston this museum is the story of the area and the best way of finding out it’s history.
Bluebird Brewery. Set on the Coppermines road and showcased in the Black Bull this is a celebration of great beer and a great adventurer.
Grizedale Forest. A remarkable 28 square mile of forestry converted in to an adventure playground for cyclists & walkers. Information centre and cafe.

Hawkshead
The picturesque village of Hawkshead is a popular destination for tourists keen to experience the "Lake District Proper", with its car-free town centre and cobbled winding streets.
With a population of around 600, the village is much smaller than many of its rival towns, but has much to offer visitors with a good number of pubs and cafés serving Cumbrian ales and soul-nourishing food. The town sits to the north of Esthwaite Water, close to the Grizedale Forest Park.
TOP HAWKSHEAD HOTELS
For those wishing to explore the Grizedale Forest and Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is a lovely little part of the Lake District with a few good sights of interest and well positioned in the heart of the Lake District. Below we have a look at hotels in Hawkshead and the nearby vicinity.
Queen's Head Inn & Restaurant
Sawrey House Hotel
Ees Wyke Country House
HISTORY
Originally the site of a farm owned by the monks at Furness Abbey, the village of Hawkshead became an important market town during the medieval period. In 1585 Archbishop Edwin Sandys of York opened the Hawkshead Grammar School, which would later see the likes of William Wordsworth and other notable figures educated within its confines.
The town developed as a tourist destination following the inception of the Lake District National Park in 1951, with visitors attracted to the plethora of ancient buildings and medieval squares that were so beautifully described in Wordsworth’s autobiographical poem, The Prelude.
SHOPPING
Hawkshead is a warren of higgledy piggledy cobbled streets and alleyways, and cars are not permitted in its narrow centre streets. Here you will find a lovely collection of independent shops including those that celebrate local cuisine. The award winning Hawkshead Relish Company is based here, creating handmade pickles, sauces, and chutneys using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
Poppi Red is a delightful gift shop with café, whilst Hawkshead Family Outdoor Fitters is the place to get all of your walking equipment. There are also a great number of pubs where you can sample locally brewed ales.
KEY ATTRACTIONS

Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit (Neftali / Shutterstock.com)
Hawkshead was once home to beloved children’s author Beatrix Potter, following her marriage to local solicitor William Heelis. Heelis’ office in the village is now to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, where you can view an exhibition of some of Potter’s original artwork. Just outside of the village is Hilltop, Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse that has been wonderfully preserved as an example of life during her time.
The former school of William Wordsworth is now the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, allowing you to step back in time to a Georgian school room. Alternatively, brewery tours are available at the Hawkshead Brewery, which includes a refreshing pint at the end. Hawkshead is conveniently located for exploring some of the most picturesque parts of the Lake District, including Grizedale Forest, where you will find walking and adventure trails to suit all abilities.
GETTING THERE
By Car – Exit the M6 at Junction 36 and take the A590. This picturesque but windy route will take you through Newby Bridge and along the edge of Esthwaite Water before arriving at the village. Cars are not permitted in the village centre but there is a large carpark at the southern end.
By Public Transport – A regular bus service operates between Kendal and Coniston stopping at Hawkshead
6 minutes drive from the property - High Grassings
59 lokale inwoners raden aan
Hawkshead

Hawkshead
The picturesque village of Hawkshead is a popular destination for tourists keen to experience the "Lake District Proper", with its car-free town centre and cobbled winding streets.
With a population of around 600, the village is much smaller than many of its rival towns, but has much to offer visitors with a good number of pubs and cafés serving Cumbrian ales and soul-nourishing food. The town sits to the north of Esthwaite Water, close to the Grizedale Forest Park.
TOP HAWKSHEAD HOTELS
For those wishing to explore the Grizedale Forest and Esthwaite Water, Hawkshead is a lovely little part of the Lake District with a few good sights of interest and well positioned in the heart of the Lake District. Below we have a look at hotels in Hawkshead and the nearby vicinity.
Queen's Head Inn & Restaurant
Sawrey House Hotel
Ees Wyke Country House
HISTORY
Originally the site of a farm owned by the monks at Furness Abbey, the village of Hawkshead became an important market town during the medieval period. In 1585 Archbishop Edwin Sandys of York opened the Hawkshead Grammar School, which would later see the likes of William Wordsworth and other notable figures educated within its confines.
The town developed as a tourist destination following the inception of the Lake District National Park in 1951, with visitors attracted to the plethora of ancient buildings and medieval squares that were so beautifully described in Wordsworth’s autobiographical poem, The Prelude.
SHOPPING
Hawkshead is a warren of higgledy piggledy cobbled streets and alleyways, and cars are not permitted in its narrow centre streets. Here you will find a lovely collection of independent shops including those that celebrate local cuisine. The award winning Hawkshead Relish Company is based here, creating handmade pickles, sauces, and chutneys using locally sourced ingredients and traditional methods.
Poppi Red is a delightful gift shop with café, whilst Hawkshead Family Outdoor Fitters is the place to get all of your walking equipment. There are also a great number of pubs where you can sample locally brewed ales.
KEY ATTRACTIONS

Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit (Neftali / Shutterstock.com)
Hawkshead was once home to beloved children’s author Beatrix Potter, following her marriage to local solicitor William Heelis. Heelis’ office in the village is now to the Beatrix Potter Gallery, where you can view an exhibition of some of Potter’s original artwork. Just outside of the village is Hilltop, Beatrix Potter’s 17th century farmhouse that has been wonderfully preserved as an example of life during her time.
The former school of William Wordsworth is now the Hawkshead Grammar School Museum, allowing you to step back in time to a Georgian school room. Alternatively, brewery tours are available at the Hawkshead Brewery, which includes a refreshing pint at the end. Hawkshead is conveniently located for exploring some of the most picturesque parts of the Lake District, including Grizedale Forest, where you will find walking and adventure trails to suit all abilities.
GETTING THERE
By Car – Exit the M6 at Junction 36 and take the A590. This picturesque but windy route will take you through Newby Bridge and along the edge of Esthwaite Water before arriving at the village. Cars are not permitted in the village centre but there is a large carpark at the southern end.
By Public Transport – A regular bus service operates between Kendal and Coniston stopping at Hawkshead
6 minutes drive from the property - High Grassings
Chesters by the River is a gorgeous vegetarian café and shop by the beautiful River Brathay, on the way to Coniston & Langdale. Its a bright, modern cafe with a delicious all home-made menu and there’s a takeaway menu, or an outside area where you can sit by the wood-burner.
A great place to stop and rest after a wander in the Langdales, Coniston or up to Elterwater. It’s very doggy friendly and has spectacular home made food. See if you can work out the slogan ‘Bad Dog No Biscuit’.. Recommendations talk about the amazing flat breads, sausage rolls, soups and salads, lemon meringue pie, flapjacks and tiffin.
There’s also a fabulous shop with really different items for home; books, children’s section and personal gift ideas.
Open all year round 9-5pm in the winter 9-4pm every day except Christmas and Boxing day.
Hints & Tips: Enjoy a walk through the woods out toward Elterwater and along the river, then return back for more food and drink!
Why we like it: You forget its vegetarian, the choices are so tasty and the cakes are incredible. There’s also a large covered area at the back where you can sit with your muddy dog/ boots.
66 lokale inwoners raden aan
Chesters By The River
Chesters by the River is a gorgeous vegetarian café and shop by the beautiful River Brathay, on the way to Coniston & Langdale. Its a bright, modern cafe with a delicious all home-made menu and there’s a takeaway menu, or an outside area where you can sit by the wood-burner.
A great place to stop and rest after a wander in the Langdales, Coniston or up to Elterwater. It’s very doggy friendly and has spectacular home made food. See if you can work out the slogan ‘Bad Dog No Biscuit’.. Recommendations talk about the amazing flat breads, sausage rolls, soups and salads, lemon meringue pie, flapjacks and tiffin.
There’s also a fabulous shop with really different items for home; books, children’s section and personal gift ideas.
Open all year round 9-5pm in the winter 9-4pm every day except Christmas and Boxing day.
Hints & Tips: Enjoy a walk through the woods out toward Elterwater and along the river, then return back for more food and drink!
Why we like it: You forget its vegetarian, the choices are so tasty and the cakes are incredible. There’s also a large covered area at the back where you can sit with your muddy dog/ boots.
Only 1mile from High Grassings.
"This much-loved Lake District pub has a quirky, contemporary-country style that feels smart yet relaxed and with a real sense of place. Food is serious but not pretentious and the bar, with own-brew beer, is still a locals' favourite."
50 lokale inwoners raden aan
The Drunken Duck Inn & Restaurant
Only 1mile from High Grassings.
"This much-loved Lake District pub has a quirky, contemporary-country style that feels smart yet relaxed and with a real sense of place. Food is serious but not pretentious and the bar, with own-brew beer, is still a locals' favourite."
2 miles from the property - High Grassings
Outgate Inn serves very good pub food.beer garden live music
Outgate Inn
2 miles from the property - High Grassings
Outgate Inn serves very good pub food.beer garden live music
family or kids
Our adventure near Hawkshead (the jewel in our crown) has always proved a popular day out. Built on a side of a hill, it feels seriously high. And that's because it is. Enjoy our epic Tree Top Adventure in the Lakes. Swinging through the canopy, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure brings people together like nothing else we've ever seen. It really does. You'll fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy 18 metres up a magnificent Douglas Fir. You and your tribe can expect the ultimate adventure at Grizedale. You can get off the beaten track and enjoy our NEW forest adventure with Go Ape Forest Segway - an epic experience with a down to earth twist. And Grizedale Forest is also home to our Tree Top Junior Adventure for Tiny Tarzans. Release your little monkeys onto a Go Ape course designed for them. No one loves adventure more than kids! Zip Trekking Adventure is a brand NEW experience. The course is a network of seven tandem zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs at Grizedale Forest, providing customers with an exhilarating experience of flying way above the forest floor, and seeing the area in a completely new way. Please arrive 15 minutes before Zip Trekking Adventure.
53 lokale inwoners raden aan
Go Ape Grizedale
Our adventure near Hawkshead (the jewel in our crown) has always proved a popular day out. Built on a side of a hill, it feels seriously high. And that's because it is. Enjoy our epic Tree Top Adventure in the Lakes. Swinging through the canopy, wiping out at the bottom of zip wires and going on an adventure brings people together like nothing else we've ever seen. It really does. You'll fly 200 metres across the top of the Grizedale Beck and marvel at the forest canopy 18 metres up a magnificent Douglas Fir. You and your tribe can expect the ultimate adventure at Grizedale. You can get off the beaten track and enjoy our NEW forest adventure with Go Ape Forest Segway - an epic experience with a down to earth twist. And Grizedale Forest is also home to our Tree Top Junior Adventure for Tiny Tarzans. Release your little monkeys onto a Go Ape course designed for them. No one loves adventure more than kids! Zip Trekking Adventure is a brand NEW experience. The course is a network of seven tandem zip lines that traverse the sky-scraping Douglas Firs at Grizedale Forest, providing customers with an exhilarating experience of flying way above the forest floor, and seeing the area in a completely new way. Please arrive 15 minutes before Zip Trekking Adventure.
“The twin white washed villages of Coniston and Hawkshead sit astride a landscape of soft hills and a woodland playground”
Beacon-Tarn-on-Woodland-Fell
Hawkshead-from-summit-LatterbarrowHawkshead
Clear-reflections-Tarn-Hows
Grizedale-Tarn
Dow-Crag-to-Blind-Tarn
Wetherlam-from-Yew-Tree-Farm
Dow-Crag-approaches
The Area
The area between lakes Windermere and Coniston is filled with a series of low, smooth sloped hills dominated by forestry and some pretty areas of woodland. Coniston and Hawkshead are the villages. This is not an area for wilderness or big hills (with the exception of the Coniston horseshoe) but there is plenty to keep walkers more than interested. Historical figures have left their mark, Rushkin, Donald Campbell and Beatrix Potter being the best known. Including these on one of the shorter walks adds to their attraction.
History
Moss Eccles Tarn, Far Sawrey
History plays its part with Hill Top House in Near Sawrey and Brantwood House on the east bank of Coniston being homes to Beatrix Potter and John Rushkin (founder of the National Trust) respectively. They are both worth visiting for different reasons. The views from Brantwood House are lovely and the situation is peaceful whilst Beatrix Potter’s House at Near Sawrey is more commercialized. However the surrounding area where she walked glorious. Both were very involved in the conservation of the area and their legacy today should not be ignored.
Donald Campbell meanwhile was killed on Coniston Water whilst attempting to break his own world water speed record in 1967. The remains of his boat was lifted from the foot of the lake a few years ago. However his legacy is best remembered by the local ‘Bluebird’ brewery in the village centre!
Coniston
Tilberthwaite, nr Coniston
Coniston is one of my favourite villages in the Lake District. It has avoided the obvious commercialism of some of its larger neighbours. The pretty white washed cottages help retain the peaceful feel to the village. Set between the higher fells of Coniston Old Man and the lake also helps to prevent sprawl and development. The Coniston fells are deservedly popular. Rather than just climbing the Old Man explore them a little closer. In particular Wetherlam and Dow Crag are excellent mountains.
The now disused copper mines of the Old Man also helped create a community in the village. I inadvertently explored some of the mining remains one November night whilst being assessed on my Mountain Leader course. The weather was really poor so have never really looked on the mines with great affection. Coniston lake front is not sadly one of the most attractive. However non-motorised boats can be hired and a steamer runs the length of the lake in the summer months
59 lokale inwoners raden aan
Coniston
“The twin white washed villages of Coniston and Hawkshead sit astride a landscape of soft hills and a woodland playground”
Beacon-Tarn-on-Woodland-Fell
Hawkshead-from-summit-LatterbarrowHawkshead
Clear-reflections-Tarn-Hows
Grizedale-Tarn
Dow-Crag-to-Blind-Tarn
Wetherlam-from-Yew-Tree-Farm
Dow-Crag-approaches
The Area
The area between lakes Windermere and Coniston is filled with a series of low, smooth sloped hills dominated by forestry and some pretty areas of woodland. Coniston and Hawkshead are the villages. This is not an area for wilderness or big hills (with the exception of the Coniston horseshoe) but there is plenty to keep walkers more than interested. Historical figures have left their mark, Rushkin, Donald Campbell and Beatrix Potter being the best known. Including these on one of the shorter walks adds to their attraction.
History
Moss Eccles Tarn, Far Sawrey
History plays its part with Hill Top House in Near Sawrey and Brantwood House on the east bank of Coniston being homes to Beatrix Potter and John Rushkin (founder of the National Trust) respectively. They are both worth visiting for different reasons. The views from Brantwood House are lovely and the situation is peaceful whilst Beatrix Potter’s House at Near Sawrey is more commercialized. However the surrounding area where she walked glorious. Both were very involved in the conservation of the area and their legacy today should not be ignored.
Donald Campbell meanwhile was killed on Coniston Water whilst attempting to break his own world water speed record in 1967. The remains of his boat was lifted from the foot of the lake a few years ago. However his legacy is best remembered by the local ‘Bluebird’ brewery in the village centre!
Coniston
Tilberthwaite, nr Coniston
Coniston is one of my favourite villages in the Lake District. It has avoided the obvious commercialism of some of its larger neighbours. The pretty white washed cottages help retain the peaceful feel to the village. Set between the higher fells of Coniston Old Man and the lake also helps to prevent sprawl and development. The Coniston fells are deservedly popular. Rather than just climbing the Old Man explore them a little closer. In particular Wetherlam and Dow Crag are excellent mountains.
The now disused copper mines of the Old Man also helped create a community in the village. I inadvertently explored some of the mining remains one November night whilst being assessed on my Mountain Leader course. The weather was really poor so have never really looked on the mines with great affection. Coniston lake front is not sadly one of the most attractive. However non-motorised boats can be hired and a steamer runs the length of the lake in the summer months
vegetarian restaurant & cinema
The Lake District is quite unique in having four vegetarian venues all related. For many years Zeffirellis has been a firm favourite with family and friends for a meeting place for an Italian inspired dinner, or enjoying the dinner and movie offer.
With 5 Cinema screens (2 on site at Zeffirellis, a further 2 just down the road in Zeffs by the Park, and one above Fellinis), we also have our jazz bar upstairs in Zeffirellis, which plays host to live (and mostly free) music events with internationally acclaimed artists.
Fellinis is just around the comer from Zeffirellis on Church street.
Our country guest house Ambleside Manor is just a short stroll away from the restaurants, and Yewfield, little over 4.5 miles away set in over 80 acres of private grounds for those who enjoy the quiet of the countryside
Ambleside 8-minute drive from the property -
Hight Grassings
145 lokale inwoners raden aan
Ambleside
The Lake District is quite unique in having four vegetarian venues all related. For many years Zeffirellis has been a firm favourite with family and friends for a meeting place for an Italian inspired dinner, or enjoying the dinner and movie offer.
With 5 Cinema screens (2 on site at Zeffirellis, a further 2 just down the road in Zeffs by the Park, and one above Fellinis), we also have our jazz bar upstairs in Zeffirellis, which plays host to live (and mostly free) music events with internationally acclaimed artists.
Fellinis is just around the comer from Zeffirellis on Church street.
Our country guest house Ambleside Manor is just a short stroll away from the restaurants, and Yewfield, little over 4.5 miles away set in over 80 acres of private grounds for those who enjoy the quiet of the countryside
Ambleside 8-minute drive from the property -
Hight Grassings
Reizigersadvies
Vervoersmogelijkheden
ferry from Hawkshead to Windermere
Windermere Ferry takes people, vehicles, horses and cycles across the lake. It links the busy eastern shore of the lake and the peaceful countryside between Windermere and Coniston on the west, where there are many attractions and facilities for walking, riding and cycling. It carries up to 18 cars and over 100 passengers