The east side of the Lake District can provide much interest for visitors, both those seeking to scale the summits of the imposing fells and discover the lakes, tarns and valleys on this side of the National Park, as well as those looking for more cultural and historical interests – all of which are within a relatively short drive from the Black Bull in Coniston.
Ullswater is the largest lake in this region, reached by a dramatic drive over Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside before descending towards Hartsop, Patterdale and Glenridding.
Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Saint Sunday Crag and Red Screes are just a few of the Eastern Fells listed by Alfred Wainwright and we’d also suggest that the Kentmere Horseshoe be included as one for any serious fell-walker’s bucket list!
Similar to Lake Windermere, Ullswater has a number of ‘steamers’ which carry passengers the length of this body of water and affording wonderful views of the surrounding fells every inch of each journey. Ullswater Steamers operate five vessels, the oldest being the MY Lady of the Lake which was first launched in 1877, with regular sailings available throughout the year.
Further along the shore is Aira Force, an impressive cascading waterfall which is owned and managed by the National Trust, and a great destination for families to enjoy a woodland adventure with, perhaps, a sighting of a red squirrel for the keen-eyed.
The Dalemain Estate can be found that the northern end of Ullswater, an impressive mansion house with five acres of gardens and parkland and famed for, amongst other things, its Marmalade Awards!
Penrith is the picturesque main town on this side of Cumbria, with distinctive red stone buildings, 14th Century castle and bustling centre with plenty of unique and independent shops, regular markets and festivals.
The Pennines provide a dramatic backdrop for Penrith and further down the Eden Valley the smaller towns of Appleby-in-Westmorland and Kirkby Stephen also provide a lovely flavour of life in this part of Cumbria between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
There are plenty of historical sites to explore in the east of Cumbria, including Shap Abbey, Brougham Hall (the “Windsor of the North”) and Brough Castle.
Nature lovers can be rewarded with a visit to a number of reserves owned and managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, including Smardale Nature Reserve with its stunning viaduct surrounded by 49 hectares of wonderfully varied landscape including woodland which has probably been present since medieval times.
There’s a wealth of places to explore in the Eastern Lake District, all of which is within easy reach of the Black Bull. If you’d like any suggestions of where to visit during your stay with us, please talk to one of our friendly team and we’ll be happy to offer our advice for your day out.
We have provided links to other organisation’s websites in good faith and with the intention that these will be of interest to people planning a stay at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel, Coniston. Please note that we are not responsible for the content published on these websites, nor can we be held responsible for the accuracy of information provided.
Should any organisation wish to have the link to their website or reference to them removed, please contact us and we shall happily oblige.
Things to do
& places to visit
in the Eastern Lakes
The east side of the Lake District can provide much interest for visitors, both those seeking to scale the summits of the imposing fells and discover the lakes, tarns and valleys on this side of the National Park, as well as those looking for more cultural and historical interests – all of which are within a relatively short drive from the Black Bull in Coniston.
Ullswater is the largest lake in this region, reached by a dramatic drive over Kirkstone Pass from Ambleside before descending towards Hartsop, Patterdale and Glenridding.
Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Saint Sunday Crag and Red Screes are just a few of the Eastern Fells listed by Alfred Wainwright and we’d also suggest that the Kentmere Horseshoe be included as one for any serious fell-walker’s bucket list!
Similar to Lake Windermere, Ullswater has a number of ‘steamers’ which carry passengers the length of this body of water and affording wonderful views of the surrounding fells every inch of each journey. Ullswater Steamers operate five vessels, the oldest being the MY Lady of the Lake which was first launched in 1877, with regular sailings available throughout the year.
Further along the shore is Aira Force, an impressive cascading waterfall which is owned and managed by the National Trust, and a great destination for families to enjoy a woodland adventure with, perhaps, a sighting of a red squirrel for the keen-eyed.
The Dalemain Estate can be found that the northern end of Ullswater, an impressive mansion house with five acres of gardens and parkland and famed for, amongst other things, its Marmalade Awards!
Penrith is the picturesque main town on this side of Cumbria, with distinctive red stone buildings, 14th Century castle and bustling centre with plenty of unique and independent shops, regular markets and festivals.
The Pennines provide a dramatic backdrop for Penrith and further down the Eden Valley the smaller towns of Appleby-in-Westmorland and Kirkby Stephen also provide a lovely flavour of life in this part of Cumbria between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales.
There are plenty of historical sites to explore in the east of Cumbria, including Shap Abbey, Brougham Hall (the “Windsor of the North”) and Brough Castle.
Nature lovers can be rewarded with a visit to a number of reserves owned and managed by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, including Smardale Nature Reserve with its stunning viaduct surrounded by 49 hectares of wonderfully varied landscape including woodland which has probably been present since medieval times.
There’s a wealth of places to explore in the Eastern Lake District, all of which is within easy reach of the Black Bull. If you’d like any suggestions of where to visit during your stay with us, please talk to one of our friendly team and we’ll be happy to offer our advice for your day out.
We have provided links to other organisation’s websites in good faith and with the intention that these will be of interest to people planning a stay at the Black Bull Inn & Hotel, Coniston. Please note that we are not responsible for the content published on these websites, nor can we be held responsible for the accuracy of information provided.
Should any organisation wish to have the link to their website or reference to them removed, please contact us and we shall happily oblige.