Brantwood
A historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts, Ruskin's former home has a wealth of things to see and do for the whole family.
Plan Around Brantwood
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Brantwood Details
The House is filled with Ruskin's treasures: paintings, furniture, objects d'art and his personal memorabilia. Brantwood is a registered museum, but is still kept very much as a home. The house affords a unique opportunity to look into the daily life of one of England's most important social and cultural figures. The atmosphere at Brantwood is special, and because so many of Ruskin's possessions remain, it feels as if the man himself has just stepped out into the garden! Visitors to the house are introduced to Ruskin's world by a brief introductory video and are then free to explore the seven historical rooms which he occupied during his lifetime, all of which are filled with his furniture, art and objects. Information panels are in each of the rooms (foreign translations are also available) and volunteer stewards are on hand to answer questions. For younger visitors there are a range of quizzes and activity sheets. The visit to the house also includes the Blue Gallery where there is a changing programme of specially curated exhibitions. Brantwood has unique and beautiful mountainside gardens, set in a 250 acre wood estate with spectacular views over Coniston Water and the fells beyond. "Brant" is Norse for steep, and Brantwood's steep woods were first worked by Norse invaders in the ninth century. With a stunning diversity of flora and fauna, these ancient semi-natural woodlands comprise half the 250 acre estate. Elsewhere the estate ranges from lakeshore meadows to high, open fell. The estate is a paradise for walkers of all abilities, from low level rambles to energetic hikes to Crag Head. A range of trails thread the estate and a trail guide is available in the shop. At the Estate's heart are eight unique and beautiful gardens which continue the many radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began. They are broadly divided into three areas: the northern and southern gardens, which involve some walking uphill, and the lower gardens which are suitable for all. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the gardens. Brantwood Cafe offers a family friendly menu with a tempting range of freshly prepared snacks and light meals, homemade cakes and cookies. Housed in the former stables at Brantwood, the cafe is full of character and history. One of the best views in the Lake District has to be from Brantwood Cafe's terrace, overlooking Coniston Water to the fells beyond. Open all year: From 21st March - daily from 10:30am until 5 pm. (From end November to mid-March Wed-Sun 10:30am-4pm) Free Wi-Fi available. Dogs are permitted in the Cafe. Grid Reference: SD 31261 95842 Address (near): East side of Coniston Water, Coniston LA21 8AB, UK
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Nearby Parks Around Brantwood
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Brantwood
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Brantwood while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Brantwood Barkpeeler's Hut
A reconstructed woodland worker's seasonal home.
0.7 mi away
Springs Bloomery
A furnace named for the "bloom" that was produced, a mixture of iron and slag.
0.8 mi away
Steam Yacht Gondola to Parkamoor
This walk combines a moderately challenging jaunt through the Coniston area with an excursion on the steam yacht Gondola.
0.8 mi away
Coniston Boating Centre
Run by the Lake District National Park Authority, Coniston Boating Centre offers electric boat, canoe and dinghy hire as well as bike hire with a range of trails nearby.
0.8 mi away
Steam Yacht Gondola
The National Trust's Steam Yacht Gondola plies her route around Coniston Water; she offers an unrivaled sailing experience of the Lakes.
