Brantwood

Brantwood is the former home of the Victorian writer, artist and critic John Ruskin, set on a steep fellside estate above the eastern shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District. Visitors can walk through the rooms, which hold Ruskin's furniture, drawings, watercolours and personal belongings, and see a rolling programme of contemporary and historical exhibitions. The grounds are split into several gardens; the lower ones are gentle, while the upper gardens involve some uphill walking, so sturdy shoes are worth bringing. Woodland trails, a mineral collection and a harbour walk down to the lake give older children plenty to explore, and the site runs activities for all ages. The café terrace looks across the water and serves home-cooked food, and dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens and café.