The Sun (Coniston)
The Sun is a lively 16th century inn located at the very start of the ascent up the Old Man of Coniston. Whilst the inn has been renovated throughout, much of the 16th century charm remains, with exposed beams, flagstone floors, and a cast iron range that is used to provide heating and hot water.
In 1967, Donald Campbell stayed here for his last, and sadly, fatal attempt to break the water speed record. The inn pays homage to Campbell and their part in his story with various photographs and other memorabilia dotted around the interior. You will find good food, real ale, and basic but comfortable accommodation here.
Food & Drink
Photo thanks to The Sun
A good pub serves a good choice of real ale, and the Sun has an impressive selection available. There are eight handpumps in total, and as the Sun is a freehouse, the pub is able to offer ales from a wide selection of breweries. You will normally find the local brew, Coniston Bluebird here, along with other local favourites, such as Loweswater Gold and those provided by the Hawkshead and Ulverston breweries. In addition, the pub has ten wines available by the glass, so there is sure to be something to suit your tastes. You will also find twenty malt whiskies, and a great selection of gins and tonic waters.
The food at the Sun is more bistro style dining rather than classic pub grub. The menu changes regularly to make the best of locally sourced produce, and you may find items, such as venison, pan-fried scallops, or tattie hotpots available to try. Lunch is served between 12noon and 3pm, where you will find a great range of sandwiches and light bites available. Evening meals are served between 5.30pm and 8.30pm with a good choice of hearty options, generally priced around the £15 mark. Meals can be enjoyed in the bar or in the conservatory overlooking the fells.
Other Features
Photo thanks to The Sun
The Sun welcomes dogs in all areas except for the conservatory dining room. With plenty of tables outside and in the bar area dog owners are still able to dine with their pets. The Sun has a quirky mezzanine room that is brimming with Donald Campbell memorabilia. Here you will also find a flat screen television showing various sports matches, a pool table, and a darts board. There is a splendid beer garden outside of the pub with extraordinary views of the fells and a play structure with a slide for children.
Accommodation
Photo thanks to The Sun
The Sun Inn has 8 rooms available, all of which have been renovated in recent years and are presented with modern, yet understated décor. Rooms are adequately appointed. There are flat screen televisions, but these are smaller than what you might find in other hotels, with the owners firmly of the belief that guests are there to enjoy the views outside, not on the screen.
You will find tea and coffee making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries in en-suite shower rooms. There is one family room, one twin room, and six double rooms, with some of the double rooms available to let on a single occupancy basis. Guests also have access to a private residents’ lounge.