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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.
Food & Drink in Coniston
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.
Coniston - Culture & Heritage
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?
John RuskinJohn Ruskin (1819-1900), one of the most influential critics, thinkers and social reformers of his day, who inspired Tolstoy, Proust, Shaw, Oscar Wilde, the first Labour MPs, and Gandhi, amongst others. Revolted by industrialisation and rampant capitalism, he revived the local linen industry, the museum houses the finest collection of Ruskin Lace in the world.- Donald Campbell (1921 - 1967)Coniston Water was the scene of an ill-fated attempt by Donald Campbell to break the water speed record. On 4 January 1967, Donald was at the helm of Bluebird K7 and travelling at around 320 mph when the boat somersaulted into the air and disappeared into the water. It was not until 2001 that the remains of Bluebird were raised from the lake bed, and are now undergoing restoration.
- Simon's NickSimon’s Nick, ‘a fearsome crack in the rocks below Levers Water’, was where a seam of copper was worked by a miner called Simon Puchberger. He was blown up by his own explosives. His ghost is said to haunt the mine to protect what remains of the copper ore.
- Halifax BomberIn October 1944 a Halifax Bomber crashed into Great Carrs, a steep mountain side behind Wetherlam. All on board were killed. A memorial cross and plaque now stands at the site. One of the engines can be seen outside the Ruskin Museum.
- Old Man Of Coniston'The ‘Old Man of Coniston' (SD 272 978) rising dramatically behind Coniston is one of the highest mountains in Cumbria at 803 metres. The ‘man' is the large cairn on the summit.
- Germanic SurnamesThe influx of German miners in the 16th century has left a legacy of Germanic surnames and patronyms among Coniston’s residents today, such as the Calkers, Knipes and Zinagles (now Senogles).
Highlights
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Take on an incredible team challenge journeying through majestic mountains of the beautiful Lake…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
• Sleeps 2 cottage at Coniston Water • Stunning lake and mountain views • 4 Star Gold rated luxury…
British Long Distance Swimming Association - Founded in 1956 - run by swimmers for swimmers. The…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Want something extra special? Enjoy an evening paddle on Coniston Water exploring the bays and…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Make yourself a beautiful hand sewn patchwork cushion with experienced sewing teacher, Jean Povey.…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
• Sleeps 4 • Outstanding lake views • Private balcony and garden • Up to 2 dogs welcome • Open…
14 mile road race around Coniston Water
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
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Number of results: 118
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Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
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…
Address
Consiton Sports & Social Club, Shepards Bridge Lane, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ALTelephone
01403 210406Coniston
Take on an incredible team challenge journeying through majestic mountains of the beautiful Lake District National Park in this new event featuring an off-road riding section.
Push your limits to complete a course that sees you hike, paddle and go…
Address
Woodland, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6DFTelephone
01229 716340Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Ulverston
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…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour follows the annual sportive route but can be completed 365 days a year at your own pace. It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups…
Address
Joint Adventures, Unit 2 Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07967380734Coniston
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. Activities include Gorge scrambling and Canyoning, Kayaking and Canoeing, Raft Building, Abseiling, Archery, Bushcraft, Hill Walking, Orienteering…
Coniston
• Sleeps 2 cottage at Coniston Water
• Stunning lake and mountain views
• 4 Star Gold rated luxury romantic retreat
• Log-burning stove
• Patio with garden furniture and breath-taking views
• Idyllic location just outside Coniston village.Address
Coniston Water, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
07717064965Coniston
British Long Distance Swimming Association - Founded in 1956 - run by swimmers for swimmers. The course goes from Water Park at the southern end of Coniston Water and you swim until you run out of water, finishing at Monk Coniston at the northern…
Address
Tarn Hows, Tarn Hows Main Car Park, Nr Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41456Nr Coniston
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.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Address
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
01229889183Coniston
Want something extra special? Enjoy an evening paddle on Coniston Water exploring the bays and islands. We'll then park up the canoes and enjoy a dinner of sirloin steak, potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes cooked over an open fire.
This is an…
Coniston
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…
Address
Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LAConiston
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.
Address
Coniston Boatlandings, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
017687 75753Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally friendly way to enjoy beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Farmer's Arms, Lowick Green, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8DTTelephone
01229 481160Ulverston
Make yourself a beautiful hand sewn patchwork cushion with experienced sewing teacher, Jean Povey.
During this day long course, you'll learn how to use paper templates to cut and sew fabric hexagons into patchwork patterns, tacking the fabric onto…
Cumbria
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys on the North side of Coniston; collectively they are widely regarded as making up some of the most romantic scenery in the Lake District. Most people…
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Outstanding lake views
• Private balcony and garden
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Open fire
• Village location close to several pubs and shopsConiston
Learn the skills to paddle a canoe safely and confidently on lakes and flat water rivers in the beautiful Coniston valley.
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07884490810Coniston
14 mile road race around Coniston Water
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