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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
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Electric bike charge point
The property is situated in an extremely peaceful location, well within the Lake District National…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Large spacious rooms with superb quality pocket sprung beds and quality fittings, fresh local…
We are a mobile outdoor adventure company based in The Lake District. We operate all over The Lake…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
The YMRF is a celebration of mountain running aimed at younger runners. We are aiming to create an…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Mere Mountains is a long standing local provider of activities in Cumbria and the South Lakes. …
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
Black Beck Holiday Park is a 5 * Holiday Park in the heart of the Southern Lakes with excellent…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Orchard Cottage is centrally situated in Coniston village. Excellent accommodation with three…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
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Number of results: 97
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Address
The Estate Office, The Bridge, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
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…
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Address
The Square Cafe & B & B, The Square, Broughton in Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6JATelephone
01229 716388Broughton in Furness
Electric bike charge point
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
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
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
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.
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Address
Coniston Institute, Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
07583371275Coniston
Letters from the Front offers audiences a glimpse into the lives of two truly remarkable people during WW1
It is impossible not to be moved by this real-life story of romance, at once personal, universal, exhilarating and truly poignant. 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
Swallows & Artisans, Lanehead, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AATelephone
07903 324310East of Lake, Coniston
Join talented illuminator, Sarah Lace, for a two day workshop to learn the historic craft of illuminated lettering.
Coniston
Large spacious rooms with superb quality pocket sprung beds and quality fittings, fresh local produce used for breakfast.
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Address
Unit 2 Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
015394 49003Coniston
We are a mobile outdoor adventure company based in The Lake District. We operate all over The Lake District and can even collect you from where you are staying.Activities include Abseiling, Archery, Bushcraft, Hill Walking, Orienteering and…
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Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
PLEASE NOTE, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
To celebrate the Cumbria Dark Skies Festival, join us at Grizedale for an evening of stargazing with Andrew Gray.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village like the Matterhorn hangs over Zermatt. Smaller of course, but in the same way it is an integral part of the landscape. Most people attempt it via…
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long high ridge of the main Coniston Fells and the shapely outlying summit of Weatherlam. This impressively steep valley, as its name suggests, has been of…
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The YMRF is a celebration of mountain running aimed at younger runners. We are aiming to create an event where young runners can come together to socialise, learn new skills and race in a variety of events over the weekend
Coniston
Mere Mountains is a long standing local provider of activities in Cumbria and the South Lakes. Whether you are looking for your family, school, youth group or friends we provide high quality outdoor experiences to suit almost anyone. Our Land Based…
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.
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.
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