Coniston Guest House and Pubs

Isn't it peculiar that when you put in an 'internet search' for Coniston Guest House you come up with lots of listings for Sheffield and even as far afield as South Africa and New Zealand! Rest assured these Coniston Guest Houses really are in the Coniston in Cumbria. This is the Coniston that belongs to Swallows & Amazons, Ruskin, Donald Campbell, Coniston Old Man and now to you, too.

Bank Ground Farm Guest House

Bank Ground Farm has grounds leading down to Coniston Water. In fact it was this very place that Arthur Ransome chose as the base for the Walker family, in his famous Swallows & Amazons books, and if you've seen the Swallows & Amazons movie then you will, of course, know Bank Ground by its screen name Holy Howe.

15th century beams and cottage windows mix with bedrooms that have proper furniture and good quality bed linen. Breakfasts are traditionally Lakeland and locally sourced where possible. If you're not able to stay here then why not drop by and sit on the lawn with something from the Swallows and Amazons tearoom?

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Yew Tree Farm Bed & Breakfast

You will really feel as though you have walked into Beatrix Potter's world as you approach Yew Tree Farm, which was once owned by her and more recently featured in the movie with Renee Zellweger.

Antique furniture, some of which originally belonged to Beatrix Potter; lowering your head to walk through doors and ducks to greet you in the yard are all signs that you've arrived in an authentic corner of rural Cumbria that others only dream of. Scrumptious afternoon teas and breakfasts are sourced from their own garden or by local suppliers.

If TV's and Wi-fi are important to you then you may wish to stay elsewhere. Light sleepers are warned that noise does travelling through this old property and for the same reasons smaller children can not be accommodated. Read more about this historical Guest House and don't miss the photos of the well furnished bedrooms at Yew Tree Farm.

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Coniston Pubs

Black Bull - Coniston

I quite like the idea of pubs with accommodation that do good bar meals and this type of arrangement suits us well when we are travelling with teenagers, who prefer the atmosphere of the bar to a quieter B & B lounge.

The Black Bull has more than one claim to fame. This is the home of the award winning Bluebird Bitter, which is brewed from Coniston water, on the premises. The Black Bull at Coniston is no stranger to celebrities either, with Anthony Hopkins lodging here during the filming of 'Across the Lake', a memoir of Campbell's last 60 days. And, if you delve further into the Black Bull's history, it is said that Wordsworth met the artist Coleridge here.

Oh, and if you are travelling with teenagers, they'll be pleased to know that there is free wi-fi at the Black Bull and that all rooms have a flat screen T.V. too!

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The Wilsons Arms at Torver

Towards the southern end of Coniston Water under Walna Scar and Dow Crag lies the Cumbrian village of Torver. A 'local's pub that very much welcomes visitors to their corner of Cumbria, too. You, your dog and your children will be welcomed and to a lovely roaring fire on cooler days, too.

We like their sensibly priced menu which makes use of good local produce, with portions that will fill you after a day on the fells. Have a look for yourself here.