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A mini guide to
Coniston & Hawkshead: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Combine boat and walk
The Coniston Launch and the National Trust steam yacht Gondola both stop at Brantwood, so you can sail one way and walk back. The Gondola sails from spring until the end of October.
Wet-day options
The National Park Authority says the Southern Lakes have indoor activities for a rainy day, including the Ruskin Museum in Coniston village.
Hire a boat
Coniston Boating Centre hires motorboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, and has a café, according to the National Park Authority. Read its lake guide for speed limits and byelaws.
Cross by ferry
The Windermere Ferry is a quick way to Hawkshead from Windermere and takes cars and passengers. Check the council for running times.
Walk the cobbled lanes
The Authority says Hawkshead is best explored on foot. Information centres in Coniston and Hawkshead can help with leaflets and local advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Coniston & Hawkshead?
Coniston & Hawkshead is in Cumbria, England. Ruskin, Beatrix Potter and a boat on Coniston Water, between two small villages. Nearby stops and stations include Bus 505, Bus X112, Coniston Boating Centre.
How long do I need in Coniston & Hawkshead?
1 to 2 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Coniston Water, Old Man of Coniston, Ruskin Museum. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Bus 505 (Stagecoach); Bus X112 (Blueworks Travel); Coniston Boating Centre (Coniston Launch); Windermere Ferry (Westmorland and Furness Council). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 9 places to eat and drink in and around Coniston & Hawkshead, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 10 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Coniston & Hawkshead accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Coniston & Hawkshead
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Old Man of Coniston
Fell west of Coniston village, at least 802 metres high and the highest point of historic Lancashire.
Ruskin Museum
Village museum telling the story of Coniston, including Donald Campbell's Bluebird K7 on the lake.
Brantwood
John Ruskin's home overlooking Coniston Water, now a museum and gallery run by a charitable trust.
The Lake District
More areas to explore
Wasdale & Eskdale
England's deepest lake and highest mountain, and a little railway through Eskdale
Open the mini guide →
Windermere & Bowness
England's largest lake, with lake cruises, a railway station and a lakeside town
Open the mini guide →
Ambleside & Grasmere
A walking town at the head of Windermere and Wordsworth's village, linked along the Rothay valley
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Coniston Water: Ian Greig, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Old Man of Coniston: John H Darch, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ruskin Museum: Paul Hermans, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Brantwood: Myself, Public domain, source
- Wasdale & Eskdale: John260660, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Windermere & Bowness: Anthony Foster, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Ambleside & Grasmere: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Keswick & Derwentwater: Antiquary, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Ullswater & Pooley Bridge: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Lake District