OUT AND ABOUT IN CONISTON

Coniston village itself is encased between the protective hulk of the Old Man of Coniston, one of the main draws to the area, and the shingle shore of Coniston Water on its eastern flank.

One of the Lake District’s best gastro pubs, The Drunken Duck in Outgate, is but a stone’s throw away from Coniston and will be a firm favourite during your stay in the area. For special occasions, you have three Michelin restaurants to sample. In Grasmere, Forest Side, is the plce to head to for an off-the-beaten-track, stylish, dining experience. On the genteel eastern shore of Windermere, Holbeck Ghyll is reassuringly old-fashioned and The Samling’s recently added restaurant is plush and classic, the chic cruise-liner style mirroring the yachts and sailboats bobbing below on Lake Windermere.

The laid-back gardens of Coniston’s traditional tea rooms and Lakeland pubs are the place to sit back and soak up the sporting atmosphere of energetic visitors taking to the water or heading up Coniston Old Man. The Black Bull Inn and its award-winning brewery, Coniston Brewing Co., is well worth a visit to sample the legendary Bluebird Bitter.

On the western shore of Windermere, Wray Castle  – a private Gothic home rather than castle, built by a retired Liverpudlian surgeon – itself has a boozy past that you may want to delve into. History aside, the gardens of Wray Castle make for the perfect start to exploring Windermere’s beautiful western shore.

From here you can board Windermere Lake Cruises to explore the Lake District’s most popular lake.

Enjoy a taste of Victorian high life, at Brantwood county house looking down on Coniston’s eastern shore. It’s legendary former resident, John Ruskin, has left an impressive art collection as well as a glimpse into impressive world of Ruskin. Views from The Terrace Coffee House and Restaurant are fabulous, and made more perfect whilst enjoying a glass of white wine and a delicious light lunch. The contemporary Ruskin Museum in Coniston is also one not to miss.

Extend your cultural trip, by taking in the grammar school of William Wordsworth in nearby Hawkshead – an historically important village itself. The cobbled, car-free streets of Hawkshead and nearby bluebell woods, are the epitome of English country living, where you could easily wile away several days. There are some superb local businesses here also, where you can add to your cottage larder of goodies and also shop for gifts. We love ‘Hawskhead Relish’ as well as the aptly named ‘Honeypot’, specialist food store.

For another nearby honeypot site, head to Far Sawrey, where you can enter the time capsule of Beatrix Potter’s life at the 17^th century farm from where many of her famous stories were written, Hill Top.

CONISTON GOLD CURATED

To say our intimate collection of luxury cottages in Coniston are special is an understatement. Yet understated they are. In our Coniston Gold collection, you will find some of our most impressive self-catering properties. Some that have undergone lengthy renovations and others where their traditional charm will win you over instantly.

We have central locations where you can easily take in Coniston’s walking and sailing ambiance from the street side beer gardens, people watching as walkers enjoy the relative ease of the Old Man. Or secluded locations offering privacy and a true Lakeland escape, where the shadow of the Coniston fells and bleat of Herdwick sheep provide a tranquil holiday backdrop.

COMPLIMENTS OF CONISTON GOLD

Thought and care has gone into ensuring our luxury Coniston cottages with hot tubs and breathtaking views, have all the glorious extra’s that a luxury self-catering break deserves. We have cottages with state-of-the-art hot tubs, as well as inclusive access to top Lake District leisure clubs and spas. A complimentary day in Ambleside’s Salutation spa, including outdoor hot tub and high-tech gym, will transport you mind, body and soul into the ultimate in relaxation.

For entertaining and staying ‘switched on’, our luxury cottages in Coniston offer WiFi, iPod decks, smart TVs and games consoles, to name a few of our cottage mod-cons. Games rooms are a welcome feature when planning family get togethers and bring out Coniston’s competitive side!

STEP INSIDE CONISTON GOLD

Coniston is one of the older villages in the Lake District and offers a unique collection of some of the most special properties in the region. From outside, think chocolate-box whitewash cottages and slate masonry, picket fences and fellside gardens, a hint of the area’s farming and mining past that helped Coniston prosper.

And prosper Coniston has done. Indeed, it attracted several famous Lake District people. Prominent poet and socialist John Ruskin bought Brantwood, on the eastern shore of Coniston, apparently without even seeing the property. And the geography of this relatively straight lake, plus its length, has been drawing water sports and adrenalin heroes since the early 20^th century and still does today. Sir Malcom Cambell famously used Coniston Water as his racetrack, where he broke several word records. There are various opportunities to head out onto the lake yourself, from the grand Steam Yacht Gondola, where the champagne afternoon tea experience is particularly relaxing, to hiring your own rowing boat. Only during the annual Speed Record week can the limit of 10mph be exceeded, however!

Shake off the excitement and drama of the breathtaking landscape, and step inside one of our pet friendly luxury cottages in Coniston and enjoy a gloriously indulgent retreat. Spacious socialising and relaxing spaces and high-end kitchens, all with a classy finish of sumptuous furnishings, easy-to-use fittings, elegant décor and high quality furniture. All blended effortlessly with the charm and character of period features, and with the natural surroundings.

CONISTON GOLD PETS

Compared to larger south Lake District attractions of Ambleside and Windermere, Coniston remains a quiet place, with the relaxed charm of a walking hideaway. The village pubs all welcome dogs and the slow pace on Coniston Water will appeal to pets, who are welcome on hire boats, Coniston Launch and the outer decks of the Steam Gondola. Stop off at Brantwood gardens set in 250 acres of estate, a great Lake District attraction for pet owners.

On the eastern shore of Coniston, Grizedale Forest is a dog walking playground. For dogs and owners with less energy, nearby Tarn Hows is perfect. Plus, we hand-pick our properties to make sure walks straight from the doorstep are available, as we know how important this is, especially for early risers.

For a luxury walking holiday or a relaxing Lake District escape, there are treasures galore and adventures ahoy with Coniston Gold.