![]() The house and gardens have been restored to how they were in Ruskin’s time and are open to the public.ĭuring the summer months the National Trust runs cruises on Coniston Water aboard Britain’s oldest working steam yacht, Gondola, built in 1859 and restored in the 1960s. ![]() The Ruskin Museum itself was opened in 1901 in memory of the Victorian social reformer and critic John Ruskin who lived nearby in Brantwood House, overlooking Coniston Water, until his death in 1900. Their story is told in the Bluebird Wing of the Ruskin Museum in Coniston village. Sir Malcolm Campbell set a world water speed record on Coniston Water in his Bluebird K4 in August 1939 his son Donald later set four world water speed records on the lake in his Bluebird K7 before being tragically killed during a 5th attempt in 1967. ![]() The drive south from the Lake District through High Furness passes by Coniston Water, inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons and possessed of the longest clear straight stretch of deep water of any English lake, hence the ideal place to stage world water speed record attempts. It is a region which has much to offer the discerning traveller, including ancient stone towns, picturesque villages, fine Victorian country houses, miles of stunning coastline, stupendous views, and one of the world’s best gardens. Along with the Cartmel Peninsula to the east, Furness was, before 1974, a part of Lancashire known as Lancashire-beyond-the-Sands, separated from the rest of the county by the sands of Morecambe Bay. It consists of Low Furness, the peninsula on which Barrow lies, and High Furness, an area of lakes and high fells to the north. Carlisle is well worth a look – once a Roman camp, its red-brick cathedral dates back to the early 12th century and its 11th-century castle was built by William Rufus.Inspired by an intriguing article that appeared in this newspaper about “humble Barrow-in-Furness” I decided it was time to go and explore the rest of Furness, an outstandingly beautiful but mysteriously little-known part of northwest England. Other towns along this coastline include Whitehaven, Workington and Maryport. With its wide cobbled streets, spacious green and views of the Solway Firth, Silloth is a fine Victorian seaside resort. In the south, the Lune Valley remains as lovely as it was when Turner painted it. Much of Cumbria is often overlooked in favour of the Lake Distirct. Tom Kitten, Samuel Whiskers and Jemima Puddleduck were all created here. Another place of literary pilgrimage is Hill Top, home of Beatrix Potter, located near Windermere. This beautiful countryside once inspired William Wordsworth and his home, Dove Cottage, in Grasmere is a popular museum. It’s famous for Lake Windermere, England’s largest lake, and Derwent Water, ‘Queen of the English Lakes'. Last, but by no means least, are Cumbrian sticky toffee pudding, and a platter of local cheeses to finish.Ĭumbria's rugged yet beautiful landscape is best known for the Lake District National Park that sits within its boundaries. Or you may want to seek inspiration from the steak menu. In the evening, begin with warm confit duck leg salad then wild sea trout and baby leeks slow-braised lamb shank or borlotti, haricot and kidney bean chilli. Traditional home-cooked food is offered from a wide-ranging menu, which at lunchtime offers small, medium and large plates, examples respectively being crab cakes, griddled chicken superfood salad, and home-made steak and kidney pudding. ![]() Along with much-loved real ales like Jennings' Sneck Lifter, there's an extensive cellar of fine wines and a fair few malt whiskies. Oak beams, inglenooks and winter fires inside, and beer gardens with dramatic views of the fells outside, prove a powerful draw. William Wordsworth, who lived in Grasmere for 14 years, called it "the loveliest spot that man hath ever found" he would probably still think so. Facing Fell Crag and with Rydal Crag to its rear, it stands alone a little way out of picturesque Grasmere, making it an ideal base for touring the ever-beautiful Lake District. The name makes perfect sense when you arrive.
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