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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 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 team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
An exceptional, luxurious 5 bedroom lake house with beautiful and stylish interior, private lake…
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical…
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking…
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
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Number of results: 116
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Hawkshead
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a unique activity or simply after some quality time with friends and family, Go Ape have you covered. Boasting three high ropes activities above the…
Address
Shepherds Bridge Lane, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ALTelephone
07570982500Coniston
Join me - local guide Emma Seery - and some fellow explorers, for a group walk in the beautiful Coniston Fells.
Contact me via www.southlakesadventures.co.uk to discuss or to confirm your place now
Weather permitting we will head up the…
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
+447884490810Coniston
Road Race around Coniston Water
Coniston
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges have been hand-crafted to each accommodate 2 guests and feature king-size beds, kitchens, private shower rooms & enclosed gardens.
Address
CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
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.
Tourism For All
Coniston
Chillswim Coniston End to End Swim 2026 will take place on Saturday 20th June. Long distance swimming isn't just about being in the water, it's about the journey. Travelling the length of a lake from one end to the other gives the swim meaning. You…
Address
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Address
St Mary Magdalene's Church, Church Street, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6HATelephone
01229 716685Broughton-in-Furness
A concert of choral music performed by chamber choir Coro Camino - A choral pilgrimage across continents and centuries from Thomas Tallis to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
An entertaining and varied programme of sacred and secular music - ancient and modern.…Address
Slater Bob's, Coppermines Valley, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HPTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man
• 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Fellside garden
• Slate floors
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Log-burning stove
• Spectacular views throughoutAddress
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
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for things to do this May half term in the Lake District? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Grizedale Forest, set among the rolling woodland just outside Windermere, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Perfect for families,…
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Easter with your family? Take on Egg-venture, a 'cracking' addition to Go Ape Grizedale's Treetop Adventure Plus. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an…
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.
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…
Address
Water Park Lakeland Adventure Centre,, High Nibthwaite,, Cumbria, LA12 8DQTelephone
015394 33826High Nibthwaite,
This one-day course will give you an insight into safer swimming practices and help build practical lifesaving skills. With a nice balance of practice and theory, this will be a fun and educational experience for all involved. Our lake-side venue,…
Address
Grizedale Campsite, Bowkerstead Farm, Satterthwaite, Ulverston, LA12 8LLTelephone
07875521301Satterthwaite
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual gathering, bigger and better than ever. Expect two days of gravel riding, skill building opportunities, communal grub and basecamp fun, surrounded by a…
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
01257251217Coniston
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…
Coniston
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery from a Canadian Canoe. Along the way we will stop off to try a little Bushcraft. We will cover the exciting and essential skills of how to make a fire…
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
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
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