Things to do in Coniston on a rainy day…
The Lake District is renowned for its wet weather, with rainy days often being the norm! Although we encourage you not to let the rain put you off, here are some ideas for things to do when heavy rain is really spoiling your outdoor plans… 

  • Brantwood House

A visit to Brantwood House is a great indoor activity for all the family. The Victorian Lakeland house and estate was once home to the famous poet, artist and critic John Ruskin, who made a huge social impact in Coniston. Watching the rain fall upon Coniston Water from inside the houses beautiful turret window overlooking the lake is an ideal way to spend a rainy day.  The house is filled with Ruskin’s art and treasures including original watercolours and drawings. Once you’re finished exploring, there is a restaurant, a craft shop and a bookshop to visit.

  • Ruskin Museum

For the days where the streets are filled with rain, The Ruskin Museum is here to fill your day with history. The indoor museum is situated in the heart of Coniston and was founded in 1901 by Ruskin’s colleague W.G. Collingwood to stand as a memorial to the late Victorian poet. The museum now covers the history of Coniston itself and influential people, alongside Ruskin, who have lived and worked in the village including World War One hero Lance Corporal James Hewitson, World Water and Land Speed Record holders Donald Campbell and his father Malcolm and many more historic figures who have contributed to the area.  Displays at the museum include artwork and antiques from Brantwood, Stone Age artefacts retrieved from nearby slate quarries and copper mines, and the sailing boat ‘Amazon’ from the film adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s ‘Swallows and Amazons’; a story based in locations around Coniston.

  • Waterfall Walks

Some rainy day activates are surprisingly better outdoors, including waterfalls walks. Waterfalls are often at their biggest and most impressive during and after heavy rainfall. Here are a couple of nearby waterfalls to explore with your waterproofs!

  • Tom Gill to Tarn Hows

The woodland footpath from Tom Gill to Tarn Hows runs up through the forest past a number of stunning, cascading waterfalls, before reaching the iconic spot of Tarn Hows. The woodland provides shelter from falling rain whilst walking alongside the full flowing water. 

  • Torver to Banishead Quarry 

The route from Torver to Banishead Quarry runs up stunning moorland before reaching the quarry pool and waterfall. In the summer months, the waterfall sometimes disappears; to see this place at its most impressive, a visit after heavy rainfall is ideal. The footpath leading up to the quarry is open with no shelter, which may make walking arduous in heavy rain. However, The Wilsons Arms in Torver is a cosy pub to dry off in at the end of the day! 

  • Beatrix Potter Gallery 

In the nearby town of Hawkshead, the Beatrix Potter Gallery is a great indoor attraction to visit on the days the weather isn’t being too kind. The 17th century art gallery displays original artwork from the famous author, including the original Squirrel Nutkin manuscript. Exhibitions often vary, showcasing artwork from different classic tales.