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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 RUSKIN
John 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 K7 were raised from the lake bed, and has subsequently been restored and brought back to Coniston, where it can be seen in the specially built ‘Bluebird Wing’ of the Ruskin Museum.
SIMON’S NICK
Simon’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 BOMBER
In October 1944 a Halifax Bomber crashed into Great Carrs, a steep mountain side behind Wetherlam. All on board were killed. 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 SURNAMES
The 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 myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Join us for our planetarium show about one of the most fascinating and topical subjects in modern…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
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…
Meteors, AKA “shooting stars”, always elicit a “wow” when they streak across the skies. It’s no…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a…
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston is a spectacular open water swimming event set in the breathtaking…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
14th NOVEMBER 2026 Festive Artisan Fayre at the Coniston Institute (10am to 4:30pm) - 22 indoor…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake District's famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Set within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park, the Montane Grizedale…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
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Number of results: 108
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Address
Old Station Car Park, Old Furness Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HUTelephone
07752205976Coniston
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain streams, with jumps, slides, and stunning views, guided by experts for all skill levels.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Address
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Coniston
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village
• Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms
• Lake views and open fire
• Large lounge & dining room, ideal for get-togethers
• Perfect adventure base for those wanting to explore everything the…Address
Birchbank, Blawith, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8EWTelephone
01229 885277Ulverston
Birchbank Cottage is nestled on the fells between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary with many footpaths and bridleways to walk or cycle on and enjoy views over the Duddon Estuary and over to Coniston Old Man with just the birds for company. The…
Tourism For All
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
Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJGrizedale, Ambleside
Join us for our planetarium show about a fascinating topic in astronomy. We begin with a presentation in the lounge, then moving to the planetarium for a viewing of the movie “Messengers of Space and Time”.
Messengers of Time and Space is a…
Address
Coniston Boating Centre, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
017687 75753Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Address
Mill Pool Barn, Torver Mill, Cumbria, LA21 8BJTelephone
015394 41765Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storageAddress
Grizedale Observatory, Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJGrizedale, Ambleside
Our “Dark Sky Astronomy” events take place on moonless nights, providing the ideal conditions to explore the darkest skies. As your eyes adapt you’ll see the universe as you’ve never seen it before – a glittering tapestry of stars, galaxies,…
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake District's famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. We'll tailor the day to suit your group - whether it’s a fun day of games, exploring the lake and splashing with the whole family…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
Address
The Herdwick Experience, Yew Tree Farm, Consiton, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
01539441433Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
Tourism For All
Address
Grizedale Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01257 251217Grizedale
Set within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park, the Montane Grizedale Forest Trail Half & Full Marathon is one of the most scenic trail running events in the UK. Taking place in the stunning surroundings of Grizedale Forest,…
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.
Address
Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
03000674495Hawkshead
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic couples’ getaway or a peaceful base to explore the Lake District, The Cabin provides a one-of-a-kind forest experience.
Address
Monk Coniston Car Park, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AHTelephone
01257 251217Coniston
Epic Lakes Swim Coniston is a spectacular open water swimming event set in the breathtaking surroundings of Coniston Water in the Lake District National Park.
Known for its stunning mountain scenery and crystal-clear water, Coniston provides the…
Address
Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Tourism For All
Address
Crown Inn, Coniston, Tilberthwaite Ave, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EDTelephone
01539441243Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
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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