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Captivating Coniston

All Areas > Travel > Holidays & Travel

Author: Al Hidden, Posted: Thursday, 23rd August 2018, 09:00

Coniston from Brantwood Coniston from Brantwood

Maybe you’re planning a long-haul adventure, but need a few days’ away in England first – or you just fancy time in one of our most treasured landscapes. Either way, the Lake District, just a few hours’ drive from Gloucestershire, rarely disappoints.

I hadn’t visited for years, so welcomed the opportunity to go back. With a group of friends, we stayed at Browside and Underwood self-catering cottages (standard B&B too). Located within sight of Coniston Water, it’s an excellent base for exploring the Southern Lakes. Whether you follow Wainright’s footsteps across the fells, explore the valleys, or chill-out lakeside, you’ll be perfectly placed. And come sundown, Browside’s hot tub is sublime.

In Bluebird’s wake

Mention Coniston and Donald Campbell’s record-breaking attempts in ‘Bluebird’ probably come to mind. Maybe also The Old Man of Coniston, or Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books from the 1930s, several of which are set on a fictional amalgam of Coniston Water and Windermere.

Imagine my joy when we stumbled on the Swallows and Amazons Tearoom & Restaurant, B&B and holiday cottages at Bank Ground Farm one lunchtime. It’s the farm that inspired Holly Howe, in ‘Swallows and Amazons’. Enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the lake, with house martins swooping overhead, we marked it for a repeat visit. Then we continued to nearby Brantwood House, where the John Ruskin memorabilia and gardens completed a happy afternoon.

Sunset over Windermere

The day before, we’d walked from Ambleside to Rydal and back, then down to Waterhead. There, as shadows lengthened across the Wateredge Inn’s lawn, we enjoyed the sunset over Windermere. The food looked great too, but we were cooking that night, so we stuck with drinks and left dining for another time…

Exploring the shores of Coniston Water and Windermere is wonderful, but for a different perspective, book a Windermere cruise from Bowness Pier. And if you fancy venturing further, the fascinating Lakes Distillery near Keswick (booking required) is excellent. Or head south to the lingering Edwardian character of Grange-over-Sands on Morecambe Bay, and try The Hazelmere for a relaxed lunch.

Unbeatable for an accessible escape

The likes of Japan, Patagonia and Canada are unquestionably amazing, but you really can’t beat the Lake District for accessible escape. The contrast and relaxation really is as good as flying around the globe. Just remember to pack ‘Swallows and Amazons’, and Hugh Brogan’s excellent biography of Arthur Ransome, with those Wainright guides.

Other Images

Windermere

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