Brantwood, Historic house museum in Coniston, England.
Brantwood is a historic house and museum set on the shore of Coniston Water, surrounded by gardens, woodland, and meadows. The main building and its grounds offer different areas to explore across the expansive property.
John Ruskin acquired the estate in 1871 without visiting it first, then significantly expanded the original small building. Under his direction, new spaces and gardens were added that reflected his views on art and nature.
The house displays personal collections assembled by John Ruskin, including furniture, books, and geological specimens across multiple rooms. These objects reveal his interests and the way he chose to live.
Access is from the lakeshore side, and the grounds include both the house interior and outdoor areas to explore. Plan to spend enough time to see both the building and the gardens and waterside areas.
The wisteria gardens contain one of the few major collections of this plant in the region and display horticultural experiments from the 1800s. These botanical trials remain visible and show the era's interest in plant cultivation.
Location: Coniston
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Operator: The Brantwood Trust
Address: Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AD
Opening Hours: Every day during summer closed Mon-Tue during winter
Phone: +441539441396
Email: enquiries@brantwood.org.uk
Website: http://brantwood.org.uk
GPS coordinates: 54.35350,-3.05920
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:04
Cumbria features medieval churches, watermills, prehistoric stone circles and Roman ruins. The region houses historic mansions like Sizergh Castle and Hutton in the Forest. Nature enthusiasts can explore limestone formations, waterfalls and Ennerdale Lake. Literature fans can visit William Wordsworth's birthplace and residence.
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2.2 km
Coniston Hall
940 m
Carron Crag
2 km
Lawson Park
884 m
St Luke's Church, Torver
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Church House Public House
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Church of St Andrew
2 km
Monk Coniston
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Memorial cross to John Ruskin approximately 23 metres east of St Andrew's Church
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Low Yewdale Farmhouse and Cottage
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Coniston War Memorial
2 km
Haws Bank Cottage and adjoining cottage
1.5 km
Monk Coniston
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Lodge and former stable approximately 70 metres to south of Brantwood, Coniston
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Privy approximately 13 metres to south of Coniston Hall, Coniston
937 m
Two bloomeries, 340m and 570m NNE of Hoathwaite Landing on Coniston Water
984 m
Eye Catcher Approximately 202 Metres North East Of Sheperd Bridge
2.3 km
Icehouse approximately 30 metres to north of Brantwood, Coniston
33 m
Boon Crag Farmhouse
2.5 km
S.V. Gondola Stores
2.5 km
High Bank Ground Farmhouse and barn
1.2 km
Atkinson Ground House
2.1 km
Outbuilding approximately 30 metres to south of Brantwood, Coniston
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Bowanstead
1.6 km
Barn to north west of Dixon Ground Farmhouse
2.2 km
Dixon Ground Farmhouse and outbuilding
2.2 km
Cairns and enclosure on The Rigg, Banishead
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Far End Cottages
2.5 kmReviews
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