The village has attracted some notable residents. Ruskin lived at Brantwood, Lord Tennyson resided at Tent Lodge, which over the years also saw the likes of Collingwood, Darwin and the Holts of The White Star Shipping Line. Arthur Ransome resided in a number of the houses and you can still track down the places described in his children’s books. One name that will always be synonymous with Coniston is that of Sir Donald Cambell. Following in the footsteps of his father, Donald took up the challenge for the water speed record. Having already achieved two records of 202 and 260 miles an hour, Donald aimed to best the 300mph mark. On 4th January 1967, on his final dash down the lake, he was clocked at over 320mph when, suddenly, Bluebird shot up into the air and disintegrated to the horror of friends and onlookers. Though much of the craft was recovered, poor Donald's body remained lost until 2001, when a diving team finally found and recovered his remains. Brantwood, open to the public, has a decent cafe, Jumping Jenny's. The highly praised Ruskin Museum on Yewdale Road, is as much an insight into the history of Coniston, its geology and those famous people connected to the village, such as Ransome, Potter and Cambell, as it is on the life of Ruskin and his circle. Coniston’s most loved historic structure can be found on the lake. This is the steam yacht ‘Gondla’. Built in 1859 by Jones & Quiggan of Liverpool, she would not look out of place steaming up the Grand Canal through Venice.With a rakish bow ending in a gilded serpent and plush cabins, she is truly Queen of the Lake. Gondola runs seven times a day from Coniston Pier to Brantwood, a trip of about fourty five minutes. It is possible to hire the craft for private parties such as aniversaries and, if well organised, relive an elegant past. To day the village plays host to many visitors who come to explore the fells and lake. The big one is The Old Man. You can drive and park at the foot of the mountain, taking a number of routes to the summit, some more difficult than others. It is a big climb, but providing you are fit is achievable by most, but do follow the usual safety precautions. There are a number of shorter but as equally pleasing walks. Head up behind the Black Bull and you follow an old cart track along Church Beck, where at the top you can set off and explore the Coppermines Valley and on to two tarns. The lake is considered to be one of the best for simply mucking about on and in the water. Unlike Windermere, speed boats are banned due to the10mph powered boat speed restriction, thus peace prevails. Viewed from the eastern shore it is quite lovely with calm waters against a backdrop of mountain and fell. On the west side of the lake, down Lake Road, is the Coniston Boating Centre. Here you can hire all manner of boats including my favourite, the little electric power boats. Summitreks, run by Ron Rutland, is just before the lake. Here you can hire canoes and mountain bikes, also outdoor clothing. Ron runs activities such as canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling and canyoning, all great fun and well worth calling him for details. For those who bring their own craft there are a number of launch sites including the Boating Centre, Monk Coniston Car Park at the head of the lake and Brown Howe car park, down on the south - west shore. The east shore is the best for exploration with forest on the landward side and gentle beaches were you can picnic and swim. Shops range from butcher, baker, grocer and chemist. For outdoor clothing Coniston Outdoor & Country wear sells a large range of walking gear. They have a shops opposite the main car park on Tilberthwaite Avenue and the Mill on Lake Road. Summitreks are also on Yewdale Road for pro walking and mountain gear. There are a number of good pubs such as The Black Bull, serving Coniston’s own much praised local Bluebirid Ale, along with well prepared, freshly cooked, lunch and dinner.