As attractions go, Brantwood ranks high as an all-encompassing venue where you can really delve into its history and culture thanks to it offering everything from a historic house and gardens to explore to a café, shop and even accommodation.
The former home of renowned artist and writer, John Ruskin, Brantwood is a site for continual learning and growth thanks to the programme of seasonal events which include talks, walks, theatre and special exhibitions.
Amongst the highlights of summer and autumn 2024 is Pull my Thread by Blue Patch, an exhibition exploring the use of sustainable textiles, which links back to Ruskin’s family with displays including a bag that belonged to his mother and Allan Brown’s iconic Nettle Dress. The skills involved in creating the bag and dress demonstrate the philosophy of slow spinning and weaving. The process behind the exhibition is to exhibit innovative ways to produce sustainable textiles.
Alternatively, why not learn about connecting to nature and the use of plant medicines on a foraging and wild medicine walk within the grounds of Brantwood?
Meanwhile, a Natural Architecture talk discusses Ruskin’s creative ideas and the benefits and aesthetics they had during their day.
Family friendly fun throughout the school summer holidays, from July 24 to August 28 can be found via Wild Wednesdays, themed nature-based activities that include ‘Butterflies and Bees’, ‘Flowers’, ‘Pondlife’, ‘Animals’ and ‘The Sun’. Booking is essential.
(Image: Cumbria Tourism)
Or enjoy live performances thanks to the return of outdoor theatre such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Brantwood’s extensive visitor offering all settles around the main house which today acts as a museum showcasing Ruskin’s life and works.
Originally built as a modest eight-room cottage, both the property and land have been significantly expanded upon during Ruskin’s time and in subsequent years.
Much of Ruskin’s possessions remain in the house, which reflect his wealth of cultural associations while showcasing how he lived and worked during his 28 years at the property.
Complementing the house is a dog friendly café, extensive gardens with themed trails and for those who choose to stay a little longer, the estate also encompasses a range of accommodation options.
Brantwood can also be hired for weddings and events.
It is one of the attractions being highlighted by the Let’s Go Culture project, which has received £175,908 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is being supported by Westmorland & Furness Council.
For more information visit Brantwood.org.uk or www.visitlakedistrict.com/lets-go-culture
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