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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
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Looking for a place to stay when visiting South Cumbria? The Old Kings Head Broughton in Furness…
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of Food, Spoon Whittling and Star…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts famous lakes and marvel at the scenery from a…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
The Human Connection is one artist's journey from her intense connection with others to…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Our private activity sessions include ghyll scrambling, canyoning, abseiling, climbing, canoeing,…
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Number of results: 121
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Address
Old Kings Head, Church St, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6HJTelephone
01229 716293Broughton-in-Furness
Looking for a place to stay when visiting South Cumbria? The Old Kings Head Broughton in Furness Cumbria is the place for you. Whether you’re walking, cycling, enjoying our beautiful country side or just simply relaxing the Old King’s Head is the…
Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
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.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a walk. A mixture of paths and tracks weave in and out of the trees and across parkland never straying out of sight of the lake. And, with only a few…
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
+447884490810Coniston
14 mile road race
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…
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
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
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
Ashlack., Ashlack Hall, Grizebeck, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XNTelephone
01229889183Grizebeck, Kirkby-in-Furness
Join us on our beautiful private country estate for an evening of Food, Spoon Whittling and Star Gazing. A truly memorable experience.
After a short walk into a stunning Oak Woodland, we will congregate around an open fire. Here, you'll be shown…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Address
High Hollin Bank, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41680Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Address
6 Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
01539 441259Coniston
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...
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better quality mountain bikes. Please be aware that this trail is not for tag-alongs or trailers bikes.
Cumbria
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The extensive network of access tracks within the forest has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the
Lake District named after an individual - unlike the other paths though, this one has a very recent history. It is the creation of Jack Diamond, a school teacher from…Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The extensive network of access tracks within the forestry has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
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…
Coniston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…Address
Joint Adventures, Business Park, Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07967380734Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston
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…
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