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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
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Low Hall is a spacious Victorian farmhouse set in peaceful countryside, offering spectacular views…
The slate quarries close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling.…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Curating Climate: Nature NOW showcases artworks made over the past five months that unite and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
14 mile road race around Coniston Water
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts famous lakes and marvel at the scenery from a…
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 116
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Address
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…
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.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous clean-cut walls and deep-water filled hollows bear testament to this. They have been idle for many decades and nature has pretty much reclaimed them…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people tend to ignore this quiet corner of Lakeland and speed on by to the greater heights of the nearby Coniston Fells. This is a pity as this attractive…
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.
Address
Low Hall Farm, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7TRTelephone
01229 889220Kirkby-in-Furness
Low Hall is a spacious Victorian farmhouse set in peaceful countryside, offering spectacular views of the Duddon Estuary and Lakeland fells.
Address
Tilberthwaite car park, near Coniston., ConistonTelephone
07984 410230Coniston
The slate quarries close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. There are a number of abseils of different lengths so we can increase the level of challenge as you gain your confidence! You can combine your…
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
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
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
01229889183Coniston
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
You will start the guided canoe tour in the day-light, giving you time to get to grips with…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and fells. However, tucked away amongst the low fells around Tilberthwaite and Tarn Hows are two trails that break this convention. The first one is an…
Address
CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Curating Climate: Nature NOW showcases artworks made over the past five months that unite and respond to the meaningful experiences the groups had in Grizedale Forest. The works creatively raise awareness of the impact of climate change, such as…
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.
Address
Various Locations, The Lake District, CumbriaTelephone
07967 630956The Lake District
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the wilder corners of Great Britain. All expeditions are led by highly experienced, qualified and insured instructors.
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07884490810Coniston
14 mile road race around Coniston Water
CONISTON
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts famous lakes and marvel at the scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Here, you’ll visit hidden coves, remote islands and jetties to jump off making this one to remember. We run various canoeing excursions…
Address
Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to sculpture in the forest. The Visitor Centre includes the Forest Shop, Cafe in the Forest and shop.
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
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