Ruskin Museum (original) (raw)
Welcome to The Ruskin Museum
Opening Hours
From Monday 9th March until Sunday 8th November 2026 we are on Summer hours which are:
Open Every Day from
10.00 until 4.30pm. More Information
Group Bookings
Groups over 10 must pre book tickets to The Ruskin Museum, discounted rates are available and can be bought with or without coach parking, at the Bluebird Car and Coach Park website. Drivers and Tour Guides go free.
Bluebird K7 is back on display.
“The most thought-provoking in the Lakes”
– The Rough Guide to the Lake District
Set in the heart of Coniston Village, The Ruskin Museum tells the fascinating ‘Story of Coniston’ and the many heroes that have lived and worked here.
Mask Wearing
Mask wearing is no longer mandatory but we do advise if the museum is particularly busy that they are worn.
Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes are still available throughout the museum and we advise that you socially distance from other groups where possible. Toilet facilities are open but we ask that you sanitise before use. Above all else, please respect everyone’s choices and enjoy your visit.
Coniston: a Place to Discover:
- The sheer courage and endeavour of World Water and Land Speed Record holders Donald Campbell and his father Malcolm;
- The inspiration of Victorian polymath John Ruskin, his influence of on our lives today and the beauty of his watercolours and drawings;
- Our very own WW1 hero Lance Corporal James ‘Jimmy’ Hewitson, VC who lived a stones throw from the Museum
- The toil and resilience of the early copper miners and quarry men;
- The imagination of Arthur Ransome and his tales of Swallows and Amazons;
- The bravery of the first rock climbers, founders of the Mountain Rescue;
- The creativity and dedication of the Langdale Linen and Lace makers;
- Our quiet, unnasuming violin maker, Bert Smith, greatly admired by Yehudi Menuhin
Museum History
There has been a Ruskin Museum in Coniston since 1901, when W.G. Collingwood, a local artist and antiquarian who had been Ruskin’s secretary, set it up as a memorial to Ruskin. This original collection is now housed in the Museum’s Ruskin Gallery
In 1999 the Museum was extended with the help of a Heritage Lottery grant to include the Coniston Gallery full of local heritage displays and again in 2008 with the creation of the Bluebird Wing, purpose built as the future home of Donald Campbell’s iconic hydroplane Bluebird K7 and a tribute to both Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell CBE
Therefore, as well as the Ruskin collection, the Museum houses many other exhibits including Coniston Coppermining, Slate Quarrying, local geology, Ruskin Lace, rock climbing, farming, Arthur Ransome and of course speed ace Donald Campbell.
Support the Ruskin Museum
As a charity, we rely on support from visitors and donations. The past few years have been particularly difficult for museums and the heritage sector. If you would like to donate to the Ruskin Museum your donation will go towards the future care and conservation of our collection. Many Thanks
Plan your visit to The Ruskin Museum
Opening Times, Prices & Group Bookings