Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Lake District audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~45 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type nature
- Suggested visit ~45 min
- Lake District Lake District guide
About Tarn Hows
A sparkling, much-loved tarn ringed by conifers and fells between Coniston and Hawkshead, largely man-made in the 19th century and saved for the nation by Beatrix Potter.
Tarn Hows is a landscaped tarn between Coniston and Hawkshead, one of the Lake District's most popular and photographed beauty spots. It is largely man-made: where there are now a single lake and wooded shores, there were originally three small tarns, until the landowner James Garth Marshall dammed the outflow in the 19th century, flooded the ground between them and planted the surrounding trees.
In 1930 Beatrix Potter bought the 4,000-acre Monk Coniston estate, which included Tarn Hows, for about GBP 15,000; she sold part to the National Trust and gave her own share away anonymously, helping to preserve it. It is now owned by the National Trust, was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1965, and is circled by a maintained footpath, part of which is accessible.
Did you know? Tarn Hows looks utterly natural but is largely man-made: a Victorian landowner dammed the outflow of three small tarns, flooding the ground between them and planting the trees to compose the view.
How long should you spend at Tarn Hows?
Plan about ~45 min at Tarn Hows. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Tarn Hows worth visiting?
Tarn Hows is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Lake District, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Lake District
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Tarn Hows and read more:
Day 1 of the Lake District in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Tarn Hows
Preview the Lake District tour free in the Gingerguide app.