Don't Miss
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
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
Copper View & Beechgrove are both Vb 4-star bungalows. Set in the centre of Coniston village an…
Guided hill walking in the Lake District. Wherever you wish to go, let us take the stress out of…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Learn bushcraft or archery skills on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary and…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering…
Electric bike charge point
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to…
The property is situated in an extremely peaceful location, well within the Lake District National…
Our range of glamping pods, camping pods and Airstream caravans can be found in the heart of the…
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Cottages and apartments full of character set amidst the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
.jpg)
Search
- Accommodation
- Things to Do
- What's On
- Food & Drink
-
Towns & Villages
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Accommodation
Things to Do
What's On
Food & Drink
Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 84
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
18 Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41319Coniston
Copper View & Beechgrove are both Vb 4-star bungalows. Set in the centre of Coniston village an ideal base for many activities.
Address
Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Ambleside
Gerry Judah's BENGAL : The Four Elements will open at Grizedale Forest Gallery on 21st July. This solo exhibition marks a unique collaboration between Grizedale Forest and internationally acclaimed artist Gerry Judah, bringing together a striking…
Coniston
Guided hill walking in the Lake District. Wherever you wish to go, let us take the stress out of your day. Your expert local guide will navigate you every step of the way, sharing with you an insight into the history, geology & nature. Want a truly…
Address
-At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his children's book Swallows and Amazons on the Lake.
Learn bushcraft or archery skills on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary and Coniston Fells. We run various Bushcraft courses from fun half day sessions to more advanced full days. Maybe you’d prefer to try your hand at archery…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Address
Yewfield, Hawkshead Hill, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
015394 36765Ambleside
Situated next door to Yewfield is the old stable building where we have our self-catering apartments – Rowan, Mulberry, Yewtrees and Swallows Nest. And across the stone wall with enclosed garden we have Rose How where Rose How 1 and Rose How 5…
Address
The Square Cafe & B & B, The Square, Broughton in Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6JATelephone
01229 716388Broughton in Furness
Electric bike charge point
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
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
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.
Address
High Dale Park, Satterthwaite, Near Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA12 8LJTelephone
01229 860226Near Hawkshead
The property is situated in an extremely peaceful location, well within the Lake District National Park, at the head of the tiny, unspoilt valley of Dale Park. Dale Park is one of Lakeland's best kept secrets.
It abounds in wild life.Address
Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LAConiston
Our range of glamping pods, camping pods and Airstream caravans can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
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
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths. They offer traffic free cycling along easy travel tracks passing through some very pleasant landscape. The one alongside the A593 Ambleside Road and…
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.
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
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
Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 49025Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
-
Address
Little Arrow, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AUTelephone
015394 41114Coniston
Cottages and apartments full of character set amidst the beautiful lake and mountain scenery of Coniston. Central location provides easy access for exploring the Lake District.
You may also like
Follow The Lake District, Cumbria on Social Media
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Ratings Powered By
© Cumbria Tourism