Tarn Hows is probably one of the most visited beauty spots in the Lake District.
It is free to visit and open to the public. It is estimated to attract over 3/4 million visitors each year.
There are two car parks, public toilets and one of the most delightful views in Lakeland.
This beautiful tarn is surrounded by woodland with a disability friendly footpath all the way around.
Its picture has appeared on innumerable calendars, chocolate boxes, greeting cards, and murals.
It is situated just a short drive from Coniston off the B5285 Hawkshead Road.
It is both pretty and picturesque, especially in the autumn and winter where you can gaze across the tarn, studded with islands and surrounded by conifer woodlands and rolling hills.
This popular Lake District attraction is an easy walk from both Coniston and Hawkshead.
In fact, Tarn Hows is a classic dog-walking spot.
It is fully accessible for wheelchair users around the whole 2-mile route.
You can picnic at the tarn, which is, as mentioned, dotted with islands.
It takes an about an hour to walk around the tarn on its well-kept paths.
The land here was donated to the National Trust by Beatrix Potter in 1930.
What is less well known is that the tarn used to be three smaller ones called High, Middle and Low Tarn.
In 1862, James Marshall gained the land and set about building a dam to raise the level.
This, along with other landscaping, largely created the Tarn Hows we see today.
Later, he sold it to Beatrix Heelis, better known as Beatrix Potter, who eventually passed it to the National Trust for safekeeping.
If you want to explore further, check out Tom Gill Waterfall which is a fast-flowing staircase of waterfalls.
Start at the National Trust car park (LA21 8DP) and you will see a signpost for Tom Gill. The path slopes down and through a gate to the water.
Carry on up the hill after you reach the first waterfall to the second.
On a clear day, take a moment, to stand and gaze at the reflection of the surrounding trees and flowers.
If you are looking for a holiday cottage with easy access of Tarn Hows, enquire here.
