Coniston Water, with its memories of Donald Campbell and Bluebird; Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons and the majestic Gondola is the third largest lake in the Lake District

Nearby Yew Tree Farm was once owned by Beatrix Potter

and the Victorian Poet, Artist and Philosopher John Ruskin retired to Brantwood, on the shores of Coniston Water

Coniston Water

The north end of the lake is just a short stroll from the village centre, which makes it an ideal picnic spot, if you don't want to walk far. Takeaway picnic foods are available from Coniston Village, Deano's Deli on the main street (Yewdale Road) is just one recommendation for a great place to purchase your impromptu picnic, why not enjoy them with this fabulous view.

You could also park at the Monk Coniston Car Park and stroll the few yards to the head of the Lake to enjoy the view. Many car parks including the Monk Coniston car park are part of the Pay by Mobile Phone scheme.

Inspired by Swallows and Amazons?

Arthur Ransome partly based his 'Swallows & Amazons' books on Coniston Water.

The imaginatively named 'wild-cat-island' is in fact Peel Island towards the south of the lake.

The boat used in the original filming of Swallows and Amazons, Swallow was recently relaunched on Coniston after a major refurbishment and Sophie Neville who played loveable 'Titty' in the Ransome Books was there to crack 'ginger beer' over her bow and sail in her once more.

Find out where and when you can sail in Swallow, either here in Cumbria or on her tour around the country.

What better place than to have a go at sailing, than here on Consiton Water, the lake on which Arthur Ransome his famous Swallows and Amazons. Sailing lessons on Coniston Water can be organised at the Coniston Boating Centre. You can also hire rowing boats, electric self-drive boats and kayaks here.

If you fancy something more elegant, then the recently renovated Victorian Gondola is a memorable way to see the spectacular scenery from Coniston Water.

The Coniston Launch is another way to enjoy the Water and a great opportunity to combine a lake and walk trip. Either stay on the Launch for a full cruise or jump off at one of the stops along the way for a fell or lakeshore walk. Coniston Launch also run Swallows and Amazons and Campbell Cruises

Swallows and Amazons Forever!

Holly Howe - the fictional family home of John, Susan, Titty, Roger Walker in Swallows and Amazons, was largely based on Bank Ground Farm and used during filming in 1974. Bank Ground Farm is now a Guest House with a tea-room and self-catering cottages - ideal for returning to the tranquil pace of life in Ransome's books.

The southern end of Coniston Water, is so pretty and peaceful a great place to away from it all.

This is where a lot of the filming of the sailing took place and we can offer you the opportunity to re-live The Swallows and Amazons dream. Lake Cottage not only has stunning views of the lake but also Lake Access and use of owner's boats

Lake Access at Coniston

Monk Coniston - North (village end of Coniston Water) Car Park /Toilets (incl disabled)/ Public launch for small non-powered craft

Brown Howe - West shore of Coniston Water (between Torver and Grenodd on A5084 )Car Park / Toilet (incl disabled) / Wheelchair and Buggy access to shore / Picnic area

Coniston Fells and Coniston Old Man

The Coniston Fells offer some of the finest choice of walking within Cumbria. The now disused Coniston Copper Mines offer a glimpse of Coniston's history and may even hold the clue to the history of the famous Cumberland Sausage.

At the end of the 16th century the Copper Mines on the Coniston fells were worked by German miners and the Cumberland Sausage may have evolved to suit their preference in taste and thickness of sausage.

Interested in reading more about the history of the Coniston Copper Mines?

Donald Campbell CBE - Bluebird K7

The memory of Donald Campbell, who tragically lost his life on Coniston Water in Jan 1967, attempting to beat his own World Speed Record, is still very much alive here.

The best places to find out more about Donald Campbell are at the The Ruskin Museum and The Bluebird Cafe (more info on the Bluebird Cafe on right of this page).

The Ruskin Museum is (in the centre of the village, just opposite the Fire Station),which now has a Bluebird Wing you can even see parts of the Bluebird K7 exhibited there. It's well worth a visit, and also includes some memorabilia of his Father, Sir Malcolm Campbell. Amongst the treasures at the Ruskin Museum are a display of black and white photographs, there is also a TV screen showing clips of the 1966/7 record attempts. From the museum shop you can purchase a 'Collector's Edition' of photographs which have a circcular walk route printed on the back, highlighting Campbell's association with Coniston.