The town of Coniston is one of the quietest towns in the southern region of the Lake District, offering a welcome respite from busier resorts such as Windermere and Grasmere.

The town is situated on the banks of Coniston Water, one of the Lake District’s prettiest lakes – and luckily enough it is also one of the least crowded.

Originally a copper-mining village, Coniston is now most famous for the towering peak known as The Old Man of Coniston that dominates the town. At 2,635ft the peak is a favourite climb for walkers and there are several paths that will take you to the top.

The town’s most famous past resident is the writer John Ruskin, who is often overshadowed by the Lake District’s more famous literary son William Wordsworth.

Today you can visit the Ruskin Museum on Yewdale Road to find out more about the man and his work, or take a trip to his former home Brantwood.