Bank Ground Farm.
East of the Lake, Coniston, Cumbria.
A farm-stay doesn't get more real than this: a 200 acre working farm on the eastern shore of Coniston Water. Bank Ground Farm offers traditional B&B accommodation plus a cafe and restaurant, and a variety of activities on the lake. The farmhouse itself is a grade II listed 15th century building with original low ceilings, exposed oak beams, and open log fires so authenticity is assured.
Six individually furnished bedrooms sleep up to 17 people, with various choices of doubles, twins and family rooms. They are all en-suite (some with a bath, some with a shower) and all have a view. They also have a television, a tea/coffee maker and free wi-fi.
The cafe and restaurant serve breakfast, lunch and occasionally dinners in the evening. Top quality food is the key to eating in the Swallows and Amazons restaurant and food-miles are kept to the minimum, even reaching zero. That's right, beef and lamb come from the Aberdeen Angus and Jacob's sheep reared right there on the farm.
Being in the heart of the Lake District, Bank Ground has every sort of outdoor activity. The area all around offers walking ranging from a gentle scenic stroll to challenging hikes and the same is there for cyclists. Bike hire is available for those not bring their own bike. Out on the water there is open water swimming, paddle boarding, rowing and kayaking - all accessible from the farm. With permits available in Coniston village guests are welcome to fish from the shoreline at Bankground, with the possibility of catching pike, trout, char or perch.
There is a car park of course, along with electric charging points and a washdown for cyclists bringing their own bikes.