The Ruskin Museum, Coniston
Set in the centre of Coniston Village, the Ruskin Museum tells the fascinating ‘Stories of Coniston’ and the local heroes that have lived and worked in the village.
The current main attraction is the phenomenally famous Bluebird K7.
In March 2024 after years of legal wranglings, Donald Campbell’s jet engined hydroplane that set seven world water speed records was returned to Coniston.
On the 19th of March, 2024, the fully restored Bluebird K7 went on display to the public in The Bluebird Wing of the Ruskin Museum.
K7 was the first successful jet-powered hydroplane and was considered totally revolutionary when it was first launched in January 1955.
Sadly, in pursuit of the World Water Speed Record, on the 4th of January 1967 tragedy struck and Donald Campbell died whilst actually breaking the 300 mph barrier.
Fully restored Bluebird K7 can be viewed by the general public in Bluebird’s rightful home of Coniston in the Ruskin Museum.
The Rough Guide to the Lake District describes the Ruskin Museum as “The most thought-provoking attraction in the Lake District”.
The Ruskin Museum also highlights many other Coniston heroes and characters. These include John Ruskin the writer, philosopher, art historian and art critic, along with Arthur Ransome and his adventure stories of Swallows and Amazons.
Visit the Ruskin Museum’s website here