SUNNY BANK MILL
Spacious riverside self-catering house for 14 with private shoreline on Coniston Water
The Garden and Grounds
With its pretty garden, riverside walk, summer house, large field and private shoreline, Sunny Bank Mill offers the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Garden and summerhouse
The garden is beautifully planted for all seasons. The sheltered south west facing lawn catches the sun all day, but if a breeze is up the summerhouse provides a perfect place to sit and read. Stroll alongside the beck (there's a well-placed bench further down), watching out for the occasional heron or dipper bird - kingfishers and otters have been seen too - more often a stray mallard or wagtail.
Cut up to the field leading down to the lake (3-4 minutes easy level walk from the house to shore); this is a great place for children and dogs to let off steam. Sit and admire the lake then take a circular route and return the other side of the trees, walking up the grassy lane past the back of the house. Finally settle down to drinks and a barbecue on the patio.
There is off-road parking for 6-7 cars, and a 7kW EV charge point is available to hire (please bring your own Type 2 cable).
Field and lake
Available for hire
Available for hire
The lake shore is shallow - great for young children to paddle or play about in inflatables (best to wear water-shoes). Sit on the jetty and drink in the views in this quiet corner of the lake. Northwards from the jetty you can see the fells of the Fairfield Horseshoe; across the lake are the wooded slopes of Grizedale Forest. It's also a great place for open water swimming, or at least a quick dip before breakfast! With no sheep in the field, it's fine to let your dog off the lead for some exercise (but please be respectful of other guests).
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Our rowing boat and 3 Canadian canoes are available to hire for the duration of your stay. Taking 3-4 people each they will open up a new dimension to your holiday, providing hours of fun. Explore the banks of Coniston Water, or land on Peel Island ('Wild Cat Island' of Swallows and Amazons fame) with its secret harbours, trees to climb, and rocks for jumping in if you feel so inclined.
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You are welcome to bring your own paddleboards, kayaks, sailing dinghy, etc, which you can leave (suitably secured) near the shore during your stay.
Local walks from the doorstep
Torver Back Common
(over the road)
Torver tarn in the foreground
Torver Back Common
There are many walks which you can do from the doorstep (more details and maps in the property), and both Commons are usually deserted.
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Skirt round Sunny Bank Farm, then take the lakeshore path to Coniston along the Cumbria Way. Alternatively head up onto Torver Back Common to find picturesque tarns (Kelly Hall and Long Moss) and stunning views along the length of the lake and of Coniston Old Man, Dow Crag and Wetherlam.
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Over the road is Torver Low Common, with equally amazing views. Anne Riggs is just above Torver tarn (an old reservoir which fed the Mill race). On a clear day you can see the estuary from the top of Beacon. Beacon Tarn (on the Cumbria Way) is a favourite with wild swimmers.
Dow Crag and/or the Old Man of Coniston are a good but challenging full day walk from Sunny Bank (or park at the Walna Scar car park for a shorter walk).