Situated overlooking Coniston Water, Brantwood House was the home of John Ruskin for the last 20 years of his life. The gardens are set into the hillside, and give an insight into the mind of this great Victorian polymath. There are eight themed gardens, some radical (Dante's Purgitorial Mount), some medicinal, others dedicated to ferns (over 250). Having spent a few hours wandering around the gardens, (and house) you'll get an appreciation into the troubled mind of Ruskin.

www.brantwood.org.uk
The Brantwood Trust , Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD
+44(0)15394 41396
Google map: bit.ly/N9TvTG

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Jumping Jenny's doesn't just claim to be the best but it is. As every cake mouthful melts you instantly HAVE to have more. Be it a cool or warm day, a cup of tea in proper china hones the taste buds for more delicious cake - oh if you insist. All supped and enjoyed while watching the vapor trails from National Trust's steam yacht Gondola which has just deposited you at the jetty below, dissipate to reveal the most fantastic view of Coniston and the Lake District mountains.

jumpingjenny.net/
Brantwood, Coniston, Cumbria LA21 8AD
+44(0)15394 41715
Google map: bit.ly/LwlJWj

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The best cream teas we've ever had - huge scones, sometimes still warm from the oven, with hefty dollops of local damson jam and cream on the side. Yum Yum. (They also do a good lunch).

Yew Tree Farm is a working farm, built in 1693 and was once owned by Beatrix Potter. Beatrix herself started the Tea Rooms and it's still got her original furniture. There's a fireplace for when it's cold, and also outside seating for when the weather allows. The house was used in the film 'Miss Potter'.

They do B&B too, and sell their home reared beef and lamb. When we were there - on an Open Day, when we were allowed to look around the fabulous bedrooms with their wonky floors, oak four posters and panelled walls, they had a pig race too - great fun!

Set in a stunning location 2 miles outside Coniston on the A593, but there is no car park (except for disability vehicals) so it's best to walk there and build up an appetite! There is a small, NT paying car park 100 metres away, which often gets full.
www.yewtree-farm.com Tel: 01539 441433

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