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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
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Black Beck Holiday Park is a 5 * Holiday Park in the heart of the Southern Lakes with excellent…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip…
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts famous lakes and marvel at the scenery from a…
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. …
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
The little sided valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Learn bushcraft or archery skills on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary and…
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Electric bike charge point
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
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Number of results: 105
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Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
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…
Ulverston
Black Beck Holiday Park is a 5 * Holiday Park in the heart of the Southern Lakes with excellent facilities and stunning views. The park boasts of static holiday homes, serviced touring pitches, holiday homes and lodges.
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
Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0845 6439215Hawkshead
Hello, adventure seeker. Gather your Tribe to conquer treetop obstacles & wind-in-your-face zip wires. Or, for a more down-to-Earth adventure, why not whizz along the forest floor with our Segway safari?
Address
Rookhow Woodland, Rusland, Nr Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LATelephone
07525715008Nr Ulverston
Forest Being: Being in the Forest.
A one off session working with the practice of Shinrin Yoku and additional elements to facilitate a deep connection with the Land and yourSelf.
A practice that creates inner calm, peace, feeling centred, grounded…Address
Unit 2 Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
0797380734Coniston
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…
Hawkshead
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally situated for walking and enjoying this exquisite region of rare natural beauty and inspiration of the Lakeland poets. Set in 80 acres of grounds by the…
Address
Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
Mole yearns for adventure, Rat adores boats and Badger likes peace and quiet. Into their lives bursts Toad who loves very fast cars and just can't seem to help getting into trouble. But can the animals reform Toad's character and evict the squatters…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of Dow Crag. These two fine mountains are a big enough draw to spirited walkers but, add to this the stunning array of peaks stacked up behind them and…
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
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Address
Unit 2 Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
0797380734Coniston
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
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
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
Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
015394 32733Coniston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
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 Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
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
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The little sided 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…
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