Brantwood – the former home of England’s greatest thinker John Ruskin – is so much more than a single day out on your doorstep. 

Nestled on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, the house is an ever-changing delight – much like the spectacular views from its picture windows.
Its rolling programme of exhibitions, events and talks are enough to keep any visitor enthralled even without the added attractions of the idyllic setting, beautiful gardens and its newly refurbished Terrace Café.  
Pay one visit – and you will want to return. And now you can! Your entrance ticket – once bought – allows you to return time and time again at no extra cost for the next 12 months.
A visit to Brantwood will make you instantly understand why Ruskin spent so much time pondering the nature of paradise. But don’t just sit and stare in wonder. There’s so much to see and do.

News and Star:
New for this year is a wonderful library of art in the Garden Room. An extraordinary collection of books has been bequeathed. It’s a place to sit, read and simply enjoy the moment – mindfulness of the cultural kind. 
Ruskin, the famous Victorian artist, writer and social reformer, made Brantwood his home in 1872 and lived there for the last 28 years of his life. It is just one of the venues being highlighted by the Culture in South Lakes project, which has received £92,294 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, being administered by Westmorland and Furness Council.
Exhibitions at Brantwood always take their inspiration from themes that interested Ruskin during his lifetime. For example, Tracery – Venice and the Lakes Interlaced (in the Blue Gallery, until July 11) is an exhibition of works by artist Deirdre Kelly which combines Ruskin’s love of both the Lake District and Venice. Taking inspiration from Venetian lace makers, intricate designs are traced onto maps of the Lake District to create beautiful, artistic pieces. 
Filled with fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin’s personal treasures, the house retains the character of its famous resident. And with so many of Ruskin’s possessions remaining, it feels as if the man himself has just stepped out into the garden!
The ever-changing theme of Brantwood extends into its 250-acre estate of woodland trails and eight gardens which provide a different delight depending on what time of the year you visit. Indeed, Brantwood is celebrating the fact it has just been named as a Royal Horticultural Society partner garden. Yet another reason to make a beeline for Brantwood!  
For more details visit www.brantwood.org.uk/ or www.visitlakedistrict.com/cultureinsouthlakes for more inspiration on arts, culture and heritage in South Lakes.