Holidays
3 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure

3 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure

Name: 3 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure
Brand: HF Holidays Limited
SKU: CNN03-FAM01
Price: 629 GBP
Availability: InStock

Monk Coniston

Under 11s go free Early Booking Offer

■ Location: Lake District

■ Duration: 3 nights at an HF Country House

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Travel Dates: Jul-Aug 2027

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 3, 5, 7 & 9 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 92kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£629

Members From

£599

Members Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details

For group booking of 10 or more please click here

The Southern Lake District is always a winner when it comes to family days out; not least because it gets the kids active and away from their screens. Walk through the woods to marvel at Tarn Hows, stock up on gingerbread in Grasmere, or hike to the top of Wetherlam for the most stunning of views. And when you’re not busy bonding with your brood in the great outdoors, relax at Monk Coniston – our Gothic-style country house just a skip away from the sparkling shores of Coniston Water and its namesake village.

Accommodation

HF Country House

With a desirable address overlooking Coniston Water (the inspiration for Arthur Ransome’s 1930 novel, Swallows and Amazons), this characterful Grade II-listed house delights with lakeside and woodland walks from the doorstep, décor that stays true to the period feel, and plenty of Beatrix Potter references. While the children's author and illustrator did not live at the Monk Coniston estate (her beloved home was Hill Top, bought in 1905 with the royalties from The Tale of Peter Rabbit), she campaigned with the National Trust to save it from development. She then purchased the entire estate in 1930 and as the new owner she immediately sold half to the organisation, bequeathing them the other half in her will.

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 3

Slightly longer walks, mostly on well-trodden paths, with some gentle gradients plus stiles and steps possible. Typically, 5-6 miles (8-10km) with around 650ft (200m) of ascent.

Moderate walking grade 5

Some walking experience needed. Full day walks which may include some short but steep ascents and descents throughout the day, and varied terrain. Regular stops. Typically, 8-9 miles (13-15km) with around 1,300ft (400m) of ascent.

Moderate walking grade 7

The most active moderate grade. Longer distances and short but steep ascents and descents possible throughout the day. Hill walking experience desirable. Typically, 11-12 miles (18-19km) with around 1,800ft (560m) of ascent.

Challenging walking grade 9

Demanding full day walks with greater distance, ascent, and fewer stops. Best for very fit walkers. Typically, 13-14 miles (21-23km) with around 2,750ft (840m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

Under 11s GO FREE
Enjoying gentle valley strolls or conquering Wainwright’s summits
Spotting Herdwick sheep
Discovering places that inspired children's author Beatrix Potter
Exploring the dramatic landscapes of the Southern Lake District
Meeting families who share your love of walking

What's Included

Family rooms available subject to availability
Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
Cream tea on arrival day
Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
Daily packed lunches
Three-course evening meals tailored towards families, plus tea & coffee
Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
Choice of up to four guided walks (on walking days)
All transport to and from walks where necessary
Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Family Walks

Day 1 Arrival Day

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Day 2 Tarn Hows and Wetherlam

Option 1 - Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston

Distance: 4 miles (7km) 

Ascent: 800ft (260m) 

We’ll ascend through woodland to reach the picturesque Tarn Hows, a famous beauty spot. We’ll circuit the tarns, enjoying the full range of majestic mountain views on offer, before descending through countryside back to Monk Coniston.

What your kids will love: Looking out for Belted Galloway cattle – their distinctive markings might just remind you of an Oreo cookie.

Option 2 - Tarn Hows and Yew Tree Tarn

Distance: 6.5 miles (10km)

Ascent: 1,000ft (300m)

This option follows the same route to Tarn Hows, but we’ll also explore the countryside a little further. Rather than complete a full circuit of the tarn, we head north on the Cumbria Way for a short section, before returning to Monk Coniston. On the way we’ll pass by Yew Tree Tarn and Yew Tree Farm.

What your kids will love: Being on a film set. Yew Tree Farm starred as Beatrix Potter’s home, ‘Hill Top’, in the 2006 film Miss Potter.

Option 3 - Tarn Hows and Black Crag

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,750ft (540m)

We’ll ascend through woods and walk across open fields to Iron Keld Plantation. Then we’ll traverse open fell to reach our high point of the day, the summit of Black Crag, a recognised Wainwright for anyone bagging fells. After enjoying the impressive panoramic views, we’ll continue to Hollin Bank, where we join the Cumbria Way and return to Monk Coniston via Tarn Hows.

What your kids will love: Standing proud on the summit of Black Crag where the 360-degree views are breathtaking. What can you see from the top?

Option 4 - Low Tilberthwaite and Wetherlam

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 2,650ft (800m)

A grand day out in the mountains, our most challenging route reaches the top of Wetherlam, after a mild but exciting scramble up Wetherlam Edge.

What your kids will love: Taking on the challenge of scrambling up ‘The Edge’. From the top, imagine the area busy with mining and quarrying activity in complete contrast to today’s total serenity.

Day 3 Grasmere

Option 1 - Around Rydal to Grasmere

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

Ascent: 600ft (180m)

We’ll stroll alongside one of the Lake District's prettiest lakes, Rydal Water, and have time to explore the grounds of Rydal Hall. It’s then on to Grasmere following the route of an old coffin trail. Keep an eye out for red squirrels on the way.

What your kids will love: Paddling in Rydal Water and seeking out the grotto in the grounds of Rydal Hall. It was built by Sir Daniel Fleming in 1668 to frame the waterfalls, with Wordsworth even describing the view in his poem An Evening Walk.

Option 2 - Above Rydal and Grasmere

Distance: 6.5 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,050ft (320m)

Starting from the bustling town of Ambleside we’ll follow the River Rothay to Rydal passing the impressive Rydal Hall. We continue above the north shore of Rydal Water, following the same section of coffin trail as option one, but take a slightly longer route into Grasmere. This picture-perfect Lakeland village is famous for being the home of William Wordsworth.

What your kids will love: Finding William Wordsworth’s grave in the village churchyard and sampling tasty Grasmere Gingerbread.

Option 3 - Helm Crag and Calf Crag

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent: 2,000ft (620m)

An opportunity to climb Helm Crag, one of the most distinctive Lakeland fells with the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ rock formations on the summit. We’ll follow the ridge to Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before descending via Far Easedale.

What your kids will love: It's a steep climb to the top of Helm Crag, but the views over the nearby lakes are a worthy reward. Channel your inner artist and draw what you see.

Option 4 - Sergeant Man to Helm Crag

Distance: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 2,900ft (900m)

We’ll leave the beautiful village of Grasmere and ascend to Easedale Tarn, before taking on the climb to the summit of Sergeant Man. On a clear day we’ll be treated to superb views of Langdale. We follow paths across to Calf Crag, and then stride out along on a fantastic ridgeline, ticking off the tops of Gibson Knott and Helm Crag. It’s then a steep descent back to Grasmere.

What your kids will love: Reaching the famous summit rock formation, the ‘Lion and the Lamb’ – see if you can make out their shape.

Day 4 Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

View all

Accommodation

Monk Coniston

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.

10683_0137 - Monk Coniston - Staff Group

very long wooden jetty, jutting out into a calm blue wooden lake with mountains sunsetting in background

10683_0013 - Monk Coniston - Dining Room

Getting here

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

• 30 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 40 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Travel cot • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounge • Garden with putting green and croquet lawn • Activity barn • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a 40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home. A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, Monk Coniston has 30 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

We love: The rooms with a garden or lake view. We also love Room 9 on the first floor for its original features and beautiful views across the gardens and fields that slope down to the shores of Coniston Water.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.

Room supplements

Superior	Premium single	Premium double/twin	Choose your room
£25 pppn	£20 pppn	£20 pppn	£30 per room

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Monk Coniston

Address

Monk Coniston
Coniston
Cumbria LA21 8AQ

Tel: +44 (0)1539 441566

By train

The West Coast mainline runs to the east of the Lake District, connecting Oxenholme (which is near Kendal), Penrith and Carlisle with London and Glasgow. A direct train runs from Manchester to Windermere. Local trains from Oxenholme call at Kendal, Staveley and Windermere.

The nearest station to Monk Coniston is Windermere. From Windermere you can take a taxi or bus to Monk Coniston (see below).

Check National Rail for journey times and routes.

By taxi

The journey from Windermere train station to Monk Coniston is 10 miles.

From Oxenholme, it’s double that at 23 miles.

For pricing, please contact Ace Taxi directly.

Ace Taxi
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ace Taxi*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1539 445445
Email: acetaxiwindermere@gmail.com

A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Monk Coniston.

*Ace Taxi is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

From Windermere station catch the 555 or 599 to Ambleside Kelsick Road. Change here onto the 505 to Monk Coniston. The stop is right outside our country house.

Check Stagecoach for bus times.

National Express also run coaches to Lancaster, Penrith and Carlisle where you can catch an onward bus connection into the Lake District.

By car

Car parking is available at Monk Coniston.

Leave the M6 motorway at junction 36. Follow the A590 to Greenodd Roundabout, take the second exit and follow the A5092 before turning right onto the A5084 signposted to Torver. At the T junction turn right onto the A593 and follow into Coniston village. Turn right onto the B5286 and follow for 1.5 miles. The entrance to Monk Coniston will be on your right.

By air

The nearest airport is Manchester International Airport.

There are direct trains every hour to Oxenholme with the journey time around 90 minutes. From here you can change to Windermere or get a taxi (we recommend pre-booking one).

National Rail have up-to-date information on times and routes.

Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option, but it’ll take you at least four hours to reach Oxenholme. Take the train to London Paddington station, then the London Underground to London Euston where you can connect to the main line train to Oxenholme. The journey from here is 2.5 hours.

More Information

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip 
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable) 
Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
Waterproof overtrousers 
Gloves and a warm hat
Rucksack with waterproof liner
Flask for hot drinks  
Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity) 
Sunscreen 
UV sunglasses

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

spare warm clothing
spare high energy food
head torch and spare batteries
please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended 

Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve) 
Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters 
First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
Sit mat  
Waterproof pouch for valuables 
Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace) 
Wallet/purse 
Camera
Walking poles

Who's the boss? Please note that parents are responsible for their children at all times; our leaders are not permitted to run activities without other adults present. All leaders undergo a thorough assessment so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands.

On the first evening of your holiday, your leaders give a short talk about safety on walks which we would like you to attend. Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and a minimum number of guests. Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest while clothing, equipment, or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem, all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps, and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks.

Kids on their own: Any teenager aged 14 years or over can leave you at the starting line and join a walk unaccompanied on the basis they can look after themselves. Children under 14 will need to be accompanied by an adult on walks; however, this does not need to be a parent or legal guardian.

Please note, coaches used on this holiday all comply with UK law, and may not have seat belts suitable for children. Where children are under 3yrs of age, they must not travel in the front seat on coaches, nor or the back seat of coaches. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/when-a-child-can-travel-without-a-car-seat

Carbon Footprint - 92kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: CNN03-FAM01

Dates & availability

3 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Adult

23 Jul - 26 Jul 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

~~£679~~ £629

Members

~~£649~~ £599

Single rooms

~~£679~~ £629

~~£649~~ £599

Enquire now

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Adult

6 Aug - 9 Aug 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

~~£679~~ £629

Members

~~£649~~ £599

Single rooms

~~£679~~ £629

~~£649~~ £599

Enquire now

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3 Night Southern Lake District Family Walking Adventure

Accommodation

HF Country House

Walking grades

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Itinerary

Family Walks

Option 1 - Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston

Option 2 - Tarn Hows and Yew Tree Tarn

Option 3 - Tarn Hows and Black Crag

Option 4 - Low Tilberthwaite and Wetherlam

Option 1 - Around Rydal to Grasmere

Option 2 - Above Rydal and Grasmere

Option 3 - Helm Crag and Calf Crag

Option 4 - Sergeant Man to Helm Crag

Accommodation

Monk Coniston

Getting here

Check-In & Check-Out

About

Food & drink

Rooms

Accessibility

Getting here

Address

By train

By taxi

By bus

By car

By air

More Information

Packing list

Safety information

Carbon Footprint - 92kg CO2

Reviews

2027

23 Jul - 26 Jul 2027

6 Aug - 9 Aug 2027

Include flights from the UK

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Flexible choice of guided walks

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