The Sun Hotel Coniston

The Sun is a 4 star Inn in a spectacular position overlooking Coniston village, surrounded by dramatic bare fells, with seats and tables on the terrace and in the big tree-sheltered garden which make the most of the lovely views. The heart of the building is a 16thC pub with a stone-topped bar, flagstone floor, exposed stone walls and timbers, beamed ceilings and a Victorian style range (actually new in 2009) which provides a warm welcome in all weathers and helps to heat the water. Cask seats, wooden and cast iron tables, old Victorian settles and quite a few Donald Campbell pictures (this was his HQ during his final water speed record attempt) create an informal, classic Lakeland setting renowned for having a lovely atmosphere and a great range of mostly local beers. Above the bar is a newly opened room open to the roof with a lake boat in the beams, exposed stone walls, a pool table, dart board, satellite TV and extra seating ideal for families and larger groups and in addition there is another patio with tables to the front and a large lounge to one side which leads to a large conservatory and the garden. Extended many years ago as a small hotel, the emphasis of The Sun these days is far better described as an Inn that welcomes walkers, locals, guests and dogs (wet or dry on the stone floors) and focuses on bar, food and rooms in that order. Comfortable informality, quality beers and wines, freshly-made food featuring local produce that changes with availability and the seasons and 8 bedrooms, neither large nor modern but comfortable, quiet, with lovely views and complimented by many contended guest reports in the visitors book.