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Coniston village is especially popular with walkers and outdoor enthusiasts primarily because of its position – at the foot of one of Cumbria’s most popular fells, the Old Man of Coniston and by the western shore of Coniston Water, at 5 miles (8km) long one of England’s largest lakes. A relic fish from the Ice Age, the Arctic Char, still inhabits these waters.
Born on the back of the copper mining and slate quarrying industries, the village today has a thriving economy based on walking, sightseeing, water sports, mountaineering, horse riding and the consumption of real ale!
North of Coniston, two spur roads lead to Tilberthwaite and the old slate quarries, now carved into a distinctive landscape of huge spoil heaps and gaping rock chasms.
Coniston is spoilt for choice with many of its cafes and restaurants having beautiful lake vistas, or are even sited by Lake Coniston itself. How about sitting on a cosy sofa in a Farmhouse tearoom overlooking the lake, or take your coffee, or perhaps something more substantial, on a café terrace, with unrivalled views across the Lake.
Many of the pubs, restaurants and cafes have intimate settings, which are warm and cosy and offer a variety of locally sourced, award-winning foods. There’s everything from Indian food, making a very good choice for vegetarians, to a marvellous selection of traditional pubs with roaring log fires, a warm and friendly service, either in the town itself or in nearby Torver.
The selection of beers are second-to-none, with Coniston having its own local brewery, there is much to try from the Bluebird Bitter to Coniston Old Man Ale.
Portions are often generous without skimping on quality with many eateries being dog-friendly. There’s classy Bistros with beautifully presented inventive cuisine and several of the eating establishments in Coniston aren’t licenced, so you need to BYOB. What better way to enjoy first class food at affordable prices.
Whatever the weather, couples and families will always find somewhere to relax and unwind and enjoy the very best of Cumbrian cuisine and hospitality.
This area’s history is defined by sheep, copper and slate. In the 16th century, rich seams of copper ore were found in Coppermines Valley. With little local mining expertise, German miners were drafted in to work the copper veins. Peak output for the mines was the middle of the 19th century, when most of the copper was used to line the hulls of wooden sailing vessels.
Falling copper prices and greater competition from overseas resulted in a gradual decline and the closure of the mines in 1915 – but the legacy is still visible in the abandoned shafts and open workings that are still pretty dangerous to wander into.
Much of this area was formerly monastic land owned by Furness Abbey which made its money from sheep farming, and iron ore mining and smelting. One of their estates was at Monk Coniston, now owned by the National Trust.
They bred the local Herdwick sheep – from the old Norse for ‘sheep farm’ – whose distinctive grey fleeces and short, sturdy legs were particularly suited to the rigours of living on the open fells. Many Lakeland hill farms continue to farm this old breed.
Slate quarrying developed during the 17th century in response to increased demand for building materials, particularly roofing slates. The quarries at Tilberthwaite and on the ‘Old Man' were mined systematically for around 200 years and one or two are still in operation today.
Quarrying and mining were so profitable that in 1859 a railway was built to bring out the copper and slate. In later years, the railway brought the first tourists to the area, but was subsequently closed in 1964.
Clearly such heavy industry did little to spoil the area’s natural beauty as early tourists still came to marvel at the region’s natural beaty. The influential 19th century writer and social reformer John Ruskin was so enchanted by the landscape that he once declared his house on the eastern shore of Coniston Water – a nice pile called Brantwood – to have ‘the best view in all of England.’
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Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
If you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in Coniston. Get in touch today to build your own custom experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsEast of Lake, Coniston
Join us in the woods and meadows for a morning of foraging, nature connection, discovery and plant wisdom!
This spring were are delighted to be hosting a morning of foraging, plant medicine and nature connection in the beautiful woodlands and…
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man
• 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Fellside garden
• Slate floors
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Log-burning stove
• Spectacular views throughout
Hawkshead
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the Grizedale Forest Park. Further information is available from the visitor centre where maps for all the trails can be purchased.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
Hawkshead
Fancy reconnecting with nature whilst giving helping the environment?
We're hosting a Trash Free Trails #EarthDaySpringClean on the Grizedale Tarn Trail, join us with your friends and family (or come come along and join our friendly Grizedale…
Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the oldest adventurer. With survival at its core, we explore this ancient art and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsUlverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsConiston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsConiston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Coniston
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic village of Coniston.
Our Guided Mountain Days are perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Get ready to explore the breathtaking scenery of…
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Duddon Bridge, Broughton-in-Furness
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the stylish Cow Barn. With 3 sunny bedrooms, a modern airy interior, cosy log-burner & pretty garden, it’s the ideal base for a break in the Lakes
Ulverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Cumbria
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the Sun Hotel. It was connected to the Furness Railway at Foxfield but sadly it was abandoned in 1958. The track bed has since then been unused (apart…
Coniston
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from 3-5 May in Coniston. Whether you're planning a single night away, or want to head off for several months (or years), you'll find a warm welcome.
Cumbria
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the Sun Hotel. It was connected to the Furness Railway at Foxfield but sadly it was abandoned in 1958. The track bed has since then been unused (apart…
Rusland
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End Cottage is a beautiful,
two-bedroomed cottage.
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