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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.
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Learn bushcraft or archery skills on a private country estate overlooking the Duddon estuary and…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
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…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Large spacious rooms with superb quality pocket sprung beds and quality fittings, fresh local…
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Learn the skills to paddle a canoe safely and confidently on lakes and flat water rivers in the…
A peaceful and quiet retreat in the heart of the English Lake District. Yewfield is ideally…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
Grizedale Forest has activities for all ages from mountain biking to relaxing walks, Go-Ape to…
Orchard Cottage is centrally situated in Coniston village. Excellent accommodation with three…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Bike Hire of all types of bikes. Guided Bike Tours. Off road guided rides with instruction.
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Number of results: 111
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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…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Address
Longlands Holiday Park, Kirkby Croglin, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XZKirkby-in-Furness
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South Lakeland and beyond; Longlands is a private holiday park offering its residents a luxurious oasis of calm.
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…
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
The Farmer's Arms, Lowick Green, Ulverston, County (optional), LA12 8DTTelephone
015394 41050Ulverston
Join stallholders from across the UK to celebrate the versatility of British wool with us.
Organised by local farmer Maria Benjamin (Dodgson Wood), this special one day festival will showcase many innovative businesses using British fleece to…
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…
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
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
Keepers Cottage, Ashlack, Grizebeck, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XNTelephone
01229889183Kirkby-in-Furness
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
You will start the guided canoe tour in the day-light, giving…
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.
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
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
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Coniston
Large spacious rooms with superb quality pocket sprung beds and quality fittings, fresh local produce used for breakfast.
Address
Keepers Cottage, Ashlack, Grizebeck, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XNTelephone
01229889183Kirkby-in-Furness
A truly unforgettable night-time adventure in the Lake District National Park and one that not many people get to experience.
This Dark Sky walk has it all; remote open fell land, stepping stones over a bubbling beck, paths alongside the beautiful…
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…
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Address
CumbriaSet in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most idyllic valleys of the Lake District.
Coniston
Learn the skills to paddle a canoe safely and confidently on lakes and flat water rivers in the beautiful Ullswater valley.
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…
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