Tarn Hows
About
Tarn Hows is a picture-perfect mountain tarn surrounded by Scots pines and larches, with views across to the Langdale Pikes and Helvellyn. It's one of the most popular beauty spots in the Lake District — and it completely deserves its fame. The circular walk around the tarn takes about 30-45 minutes on well-maintained paths and is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The surprise is that Tarn Hows is entirely man-made — the Victorians dammed three smaller tarns and planted the pine trees to create this landscape. But that diminishes nothing: it's genuinely beautiful in every season. Autumn is particularly spectacular when the larches turn gold. In winter, the tarn occasionally freezes, and the surrounding fells dusted with snow create a Christmas card scene. The car park fills early on summer weekends and bank holidays — arrive before 10am or after 3pm. Better still, walk from Hawkshead (about 45 minutes) and avoid the parking issue entirely. The National Trust manages the site and the paths are well-maintained. There's no café here — bring a flask and a flapjack and find a bench with a view.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/tarn-hows-and-coniston
Tickets & Pricing
Free. Parking: NT members free, non-members from £5.
Opening Times
Open 24 hours. Car park typically 8:00-dusk.
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