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
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Free nature inspired family friendly crafts held in Brantwood's Terrace Cafe. Cosy crafts,…
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Joint adventures is based in Coniston operating throughout The Lake District. We operate all over. …
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
This charming Grade II Listed cottage is in a lovely peaceful location at the foot of the fell no…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
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: 116
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a walk. A mixture of paths and tracks weave in and out of the trees and across parkland never straying out of sight of the lake. And, with only a few…
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, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the
Lake District named after an individual - unlike the other paths though, this one has a very recent history. It is the creation of Jack Diamond, a school teacher from…
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
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…
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Address
Joint Adventures, Business Park, Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07967380734Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston
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…
Address
Joint Adventures, Business Park, Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07967380734Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston
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…
Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
01539441396Coniston
Free nature inspired family friendly crafts held in Brantwood's Terrace Cafe. Cosy crafts, magical music, twinkling lights and a roaring fire.
Address
BikeTreks Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
015394 31245Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
Tourism For All
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
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
Joint Adventures, Business Park, Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
0797380734Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston
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…
Address
Thornthwaite Farm, Thornthwaite Woodland, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6DFTelephone
01229 716340Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Tourism For All
Coniston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…Address
National Trust - Tarn Hows, Coniston, Cumbria, LA22 0PPTelephone
015394 41456Coniston
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
Joint Adventures, Business Park, Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
0797380734Unit 2 Lake Rd, Coniston
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…
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
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.
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…
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
