Brackenthwaite Hows is first site bought by charity specifically for its panorama

It is known for its stately homes and country mansions – and its bank-breaking car parks. Now the National Trust has added one of the Lake District’s loveliest views to its portfolio, after the landowners decided to share it with the nation.

The panorama from Brackenthwaite Hows was painted by JMW Turner in his 1797 watercolour Crummock Water, Looking Towards Buttermere, and offers splendid 360-degree views across the north-western Lakes. It was spotted by the artist on his first ever visit to what later became the national park, and was the basis for an oil painting he exhibited at the Royal Academy.