Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin

About

Brantwood house is a registered museum. The 9 rooms that Ruskin used are open to the public. The Severn Studio presents a programme of quality art and craft exhibitions throughout the year.

Special exhibitions on display in the Blue Gallery, Ruskin's original dining room. Brantwood gift and bookshop, many specialist books on Ruskin.

Full programme of events throughout the year. Family-fun quiz sheets and activities available. Brantwood's Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant where everything is cooked on site from fresh ingredients.

Garden

Brantwood has unique and beautiful mountainside gardens, set in a 250 acre wood estate with spectacular views.

‘Brant’ is Norse for steep, and Brantwood’s steep woods were first worked by Norse invaders in the ninth century. With a stunning diversity of flora and fauna, these ancient semi-natural woodlands comprise half the 250 acre estate. Elsewhere the estate ranges from lakeshore meadows to high, open fell. The estate is a paradise for walkers of all abilities, from low level rambles to energetic hikes to Crag Head. A range of trails thread the estate and a trail guide is available in the shop.

At the Estate’s heart are eight unique and beautiful gardens which continue the many radical experiments in land management and horticulture which Ruskin began. They are broadly divided into three areas – the northern and southern gardens, which involve some walking uphill, and the lower gardens which are suitable for all.

Art Exhibition

Brantwood is a vibrant centre of exhibitions, both historic and contemporary, held in the Blue Gallery within the House and the Severn Studio Gallery. Admission to the Blue Gallery is included in the House admission and entry to the Severn Studio is included in the House or Gardens admission. Both are available to view during House opening times. The programme (a current listing of which can be viewed on the Brantwood website) features exhibitions of Ruskin's own exquisite studies as well as important contemporary shows of both well known and up and coming artists.