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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.’
Did you know?
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body.…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning…
If you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace, and…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Coniston
Copper View & Beechgrove are both VB 4-star bungalows. Set in the centre of Coniston village an ideal base for many activities.
Coniston
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer of the Year, author and photographer of Forty Farms, and Rich Jones, a Cumbria based Professional Photographer.
The course will be held at Yew Tree…
Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
441 reviewsConiston
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns together. In 1929 it was bought by Beatrix Potter who sold it to the National Trust. There is a 1.5 mile, level footpath around the tarn.
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Coniston
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come on our intermediate navigation course to find out.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
76 reviewsConiston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
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
Cumbria
Buses to and through Coniston:
Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
X12 Coniston - Spark Bridge - Ulverston.
Cross Lakes Experience 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Coniston (seasonal).
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.
Coniston
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then our wooden camping pods are ideal. Open all year round, our camping pods are well-insulated, keeping you warm and dry and they come equipped with…
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…
Grizedale, Hawkshead
An evening learning how to photograph the moon and stars.
This 3 hour evening workshop starts with a discussion and practice of the various techniques used for photographing outdoors at night.
Cumbria
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village like the Matterhorn hangs over Zermatt. Smaller of course, but in the same way it is an integral part of the landscape. Most people attempt it via…
The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
Coniston
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where adventure and stunning views await! This is a group event, welcoming individuals and groups for bookings.
East of Lake, Coniston
Go Wild! at Easter - Kids activities at Brantwood
Wednesday 3rd & 10th April
Saturday 6th & 13th April
Join us for Easter Go Wild! at Brantwood on select dates in April. Immerse yourself in nature and creativity with our exciting lineup of kids…
Broughton-in-Furness
Welcome to an early Spring Forest Bathing walk! I am Kim Ainis, a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and am excited to share forest bathing with you. Forest bathing (or forest therapy) is a slow, gentle, guided walk in nature. It isn't a…
Coniston
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village
• Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms
• Lake views and open fire
• Large lounge & dining room, ideal for get-togethers
• Perfect adventure base for those wanting to explore everything the…
Coniston
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Short flexible stays available year round. Escape to the Lakes with us...
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL