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Home » Adventure » England » The National Trust: Tarn Hows

The National Trust: Tarn Hows

Published on January 10, 2016 by Elizabeth Atia 44 Comments
Last Updated on July 23, 2017

Tarn Hows, Lake District

While listening to BBC Radio 2 over my morning cup(s) of coffee I am listening to stories of flooding in the Lake District, and how, despite the weather, people are being encouraged to visit the area (where it is safe, of course) and enjoy its natural beauty.

We had the pleasure of visiting the Lake District on summer holiday in 2014. We’d packed up our Rav 4 with provisions and took the ferry south to the mainland for our very first family holiday on the mainland. This was the first time our youngest had ever visited the mainland, and we wanted it to be something special.

While camping in Grizedale in the heart of the Lake District, and visiting the nearby Go Ape facility, we were recommended by staff to visit Tarn Hows, if we had a chance. Not really knowing what it was, we followed driving instructions down the scenic road to get to the National Trust Park.

Tarn Hows, Lake District
Tarn Hows, Lake District

Upon arrival there was a small stand selling ice cream (yay! It was sweltering hot and this was most appreciated!) and another selling summer hats.

I bought a floppy summer hat.

My regular readers will know that where I live, on the wild and remote Shetland Islands, there is no use to own a summer hat. It would blow off your head in a matter of seconds.

I treasured that summer hat for this walk, as it kept the sweltering sun off my delicate redhead fair complexioned skin!

Tarn Hows, Lake District

Tarn Hows is located approximately 2 miles north east of Coniston, or 1.5 miles north west of Hawkshead in the heart of the Lake District.

It was originally a series of three smaller ‘tarns’ (small mountain lakes), but in the late 1800s landscape improvements were made by the land owner creating the larger tarn that we can see today.

There is a very well-maintained 1.5 mile path around the perimeter of the tarn, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Lake District.

Tarn Hows, Lake District

As I sit here typing, the winter gales howl outdoors in the pitch black and I can still feel the warmth of that summer sun on my shoulders. It was absolute positive heaven, and our children really enjoyed exploring the area.

The children’s author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, lived nearby, and you can see how she would have been inspired by the landscape, and the animals inhabiting it.

All in all it was a fantastic day’s outing, a glorious walk and one of the highlights of our Lake District trip.

Tarn Hows, Lake District

Tarn Hows, Lake District

Tarn Hows, Lake District

Tarn Hows, Lake District

PLACES TO EAT NEARBY

The nearby village of Hawkshead boasts several quaint little eateries (and an outdoor shop if you’re needing extra sleeping bags/camping equipment!), including The Queens Head Inn & Restaurant.

We visited here with friends for my husband’s birthday lunch, eating al fresco under the summer sun. Service was good and the meal was reasonably priced and of very good quality.

Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead

Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead
Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead
Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead

Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead
Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead
Queens Head Inn, Hawkshead

In Coniston we stopped at The Sun Hotel, simply because it was at the top of the hill and it had magnificent views (and it was one of the few places we could spot with a table free outdoors!). Again service was decent and our meals were delicious, especially after a day’s meandering around Tarn Hows.

The Sun Hotel, Coniston, Lake District

The Sun Hotel, Coniston, Lake District
The Sun Hotel, Coniston, Lake District

To find out more about the Tarn Hows and Coniston visit The National Trust website. You’ll also find updates on whether or not the area is currently closed due to flooding – at the time of writing, it’s open.

Go and play! 🙂

Grizedale - camping in the Lake District

You might also like my other Lake District post about our camping experience – To the Trees! Forest Adventures in the Lake District.

Exploring the Tarn Hows in the Lake District

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Filed Under: Adventure, England Tagged With: Coniston, Hawkshead, Lake District, Tarn Hows

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Comments

  1. Joy Armour says

    November 4, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    What beautiful photos! I absolutely want to go to Tarn Hows now!

    Reply
  2. sarah says

    February 28, 2016 at 12:06 pm

    Wow, what an amazing place! I can’t wait for summer so we can have days out like this! I’ve never been to the Lake District but I’d love to visit, it looks beautiful! xx

    Reply
  3. Idaintyit says

    February 24, 2016 at 7:46 pm

    this place looks so beautiful! I have been to the Lake District but didn’t go here, definitely on my list for next time

    Reply
  4. Emily Underworld says

    February 14, 2016 at 4:53 am

    Your photos are beautiful, I’d love to visit the Lake District!

    Reply
  5. Heather Haigh says

    February 14, 2016 at 1:55 am

    That looks absolutely idyllic and the photos are so good.

    Reply
  6. Maggie says

    February 1, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Lake district looks like a amazing place to have a family day out!!! Especially sun hotel looks like a amazing place to have an outdoor food with scenic view. Wish I’d visit this place soon…..

    Reply
  7. Katie says

    January 26, 2016 at 8:09 pm

    Oh wow, these images are stunning. You are a brilliant photographer. This is such a wonderful place – I think I may visit in the summer. I have a national trust pass so this is brilliant. Thank you for including places to eat too. I can’t get over how beautiful this place is!!!

    Reply
  8. Life as Mum says

    January 25, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Oh wow. Those photos are stunning and so beautiful. Looks like a gorgeous place x

    Reply
  9. Emma T says

    January 24, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    It looks beautiful. I was at Lancaster for uni so I’ve been to the Lakes a lot, but never there. Gorgeous photos too.

    Reply
  10. Kacie says

    January 23, 2016 at 10:22 am

    This looks like such an idyllic setting for a family holiday. These photos are beautiful!

    Reply
  11. Working mum Blog says

    January 20, 2016 at 3:28 pm

    Stunning photos! I love the lake district. I have been to Keswick a few times and I loved it there. Looking through your photos makes me want to visit LD again this summer.

    Reply
  12. Emma White says

    January 20, 2016 at 2:56 pm

    oh what stunning pictures and I agree the Lake District is just beautiful I am not far from it you could have popped in for coffee

    Reply
  13. Jenny Eaves says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:06 am

    Stunning! Absolutely gorgeous photos as always. I’m sure I’ve been there as a child, we often holidayed in the Lake District with my parents. I wonder what the area looked like prior to the landscaping, we have a local loch that was flooded f or a reservoir too. Love the place you chose to eat, amazing views for lunch! Thanks so much for linking up to #Whatevertheweather 🙂 x

    Reply
  14. Chloe says

    January 17, 2016 at 10:24 pm

    Oh my goodness it’s breathtaking. I so want to visit here. Your pictures are incredible. I can see why you needed a summers hat, the weather was definitely on your side. It’s looks so peaceful and completely picturesque. Even the found you ate looks divine! I’ve always wanted to visit here. It’s a must visit for sure. Thank you so much for linking your adventures to #whatevertheweather xx

    Reply
  15. Anca says

    January 17, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    It’s a beautiful place, I hope I will be able to visit it this year. I would recommend Townend in Lake District, the house is beautiful and they have an old recipe book (from late 16oos). For kids Wray castle is amazing. xx

    Reply
  16. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says

    January 16, 2016 at 12:52 pm

    Wow what stunning scenery! Love that we have such beautiful places on our little island 🙂

    Reply
  17. Mama Herself says

    January 15, 2016 at 6:40 pm

    We always went on Lake District holidays when I was a child and I have been meaning and meaning to go again with my kids. Haven;t made it yet, but you have reminded me of the plan.Lovely pictures. The view from the Sun Hotel looks particularly stunning. Mind you, it was never sunny for our visits!

    Reply
  18. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says

    January 15, 2016 at 5:05 pm

    I really do think it is more important than ever to visit the Lake District to support their economy. It’s such a beautiful part of the world too.

    Reply
  19. Ting at My Travel Monkey says

    January 15, 2016 at 4:48 pm

    It’s just bloody beautiful isn’t it? I need to go and explore more of the Lake District. Last time I was there it peed down the whole time! Thanks for sharing your stunning photos again on #MondayEscapes

    Reply
  20. Camilla says

    January 15, 2016 at 3:21 pm

    Stunning scenery and what fabulous food you had too – thanks for sharing:-)

    Reply
  21. Mini Travellers says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:52 pm

    What stunning photos. I was at Tarn Hows myself in October but the weather was much less sunny than this. These photos are beautiful. #whatevertheweather

    Reply
  22. Diana says

    January 14, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    Never been there but it looks beautiful! You always get to visit the most amazing places!

    Reply
  23. Cathy @ Planet Veggie says

    January 14, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Your gorgeous photos are inspiring me to go out for a walk!

    Reply
  24. Ceri @Natural Kitchen Adventures says

    January 14, 2016 at 1:57 pm

    I have never been to the lakes, such stunning natural beauty, and wonderful photos you have taken to show it off.. A walking trek there beckons…

    Reply
  25. Sarah Stockley (@kipperscurtains) says

    January 14, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Jealous much! How stunning is the Lake District? One place I’ve never been but would totally love to. Amazing pictures! Sarah #whatevertheweather

    Reply
  26. Baby Isabella says

    January 13, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    Your photos are beautiful and really do the place justice! We went on a National Trust adventure too this week! #Whatevertheweather xx

    Reply
  27. Sarah - Craft Invaders says

    January 13, 2016 at 12:59 pm

    You post makes me wish summer would hurry up and get here – the photos are fabulous, what a beautiful spot x

    Reply
  28. Emma says

    January 13, 2016 at 10:48 am

    Stunning photos. I did my teaching training in the Lake District near there and nearly settled there for a work as a result! I absolutely love the Lake District with its awe inspiring views and cosy pubs after days spent walking.

    Reply
  29. Ickle Pickle says

    January 12, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    My parents used to take us here when I was a child, I will never forget its beauty. Your photos are stunning. Kaz x

    Reply
  30. Rachel says

    January 12, 2016 at 12:21 pm

    My gosh that scenery is just stunning! Ive never been to the Lakes and it is on my list of places I want to visit x

    Reply
  31. Kacie says

    January 11, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    It looks like such a beautiful place; I’ve never been before but after seeing this post I would love to go!

    Reply
  32. Rachel | Beauty and the Bird says

    January 11, 2016 at 5:58 pm

    These photos look absolutely GORGEOUS! Definitely on my ‘to visit’ list! 🙂

    Reply
  33. VaiChin @RamblingThroughParenthood says

    January 11, 2016 at 2:40 pm

    One of the most beautiful places in the country, if you ask me. Absolutely adore The Lake District, and you have just reminded me why.

    Reply
  34. Alison says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:22 pm

    I love the lake district, will have to revisit soon

    Reply
  35. Stella Kashmoney says

    January 11, 2016 at 12:37 am

    Loving the lake district. It looks so beautiful.

    Reply
  36. Rebecca Smith says

    January 10, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    Oh wow this looks such a beautiful place to visit! I have always wanted the Lake District as I’ve heard how scenic it is 🙂

    Reply
  37. Sarah Bailey says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:58 pm

    What an absolutely stunning looking place to visit. There is so many hidden gems all over the place. It is great to hear about a new one.

    Reply
  38. becky says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    I’ve never been to the Lake District, its on my list of places to go. Your photos are stunning and makes me want to visit all the more!

    Reply
  39. Catstello says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:21 pm

    Looks like a lovely day out for the family!

    Reply
  40. Coombe Mill says

    January 10, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    That looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit on a family holiday, you are all so lucky with the scenery you have at home so it’s amazing you’ve found somewhere almost as beautiful. I bet exploring the woods and lands around the tarn was great fun too. It looks like a lovely place to take a dip, my lot would’ve been in like a shot. Thanks for linking up with me on Country Kids.

    Reply
  41. Rebecca says

    January 10, 2016 at 4:38 pm

    Oh my goodness, your post has brought back some memories! My baby’s dad and I had our first ever holiday in a National Trust holiday cottage that over looked Tarn Hows. It was so incredibly beautiful. We went in February and got snowed in after the first two days, so could only trek down to Coniston each day, and it really was a trek, through Narnia, the snow was that heavy! It’s a magical place, so strange to read your memories of it on a summers day!

    Reply
  42. Leanne says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:20 am

    I’d love to visit the lake district. It looks lovely. I really like how you’ve recommended places to eat within this post. Very helpful! X

    Reply
  43. mellissa williams says

    January 10, 2016 at 10:01 am

    The lake district looks beautiful. I don’t think I have ever visited and I really should! What was your favourite part?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth says

      January 10, 2016 at 10:10 am

      It’s a stunning place. My favourite part was definitely camping in Grizedale in the camping pods. Crouched down next to the fire pit with a glass of bubbly in one hand cooking dinner over an open fire – bliss!

      Reply

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Daydream adventurer. Expat Canadian. Foodie. Calls Shetland home - for now. One eye is always on the horizon. Read More…

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