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 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
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
The Bluebird Cafe, Coniston boast an idyllic location the the shores of Coniston Water. Open daily…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake District's famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Birchbank Cottage is nestled on the fells between Coniston Water and the Duddon Estuary with many…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Home of Lake District Tweed and The Soap Dairy. Discover valley specific Lake District tweeds,…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
We have three route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale…
Whatever your ability level, Grizedale is a fantastic place to get on the trail and enjoy the fresh…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
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: 103
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603895500Hawkshead
Kids go home. Adults Go Ape.
Looking for an after work activity in the Lake District this summer? Thursday is the new Friday and Friday just got even better with brand new for 2026 Go Ape adults-only sessions at Grizedale Forest.
Grab your mates,…
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
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
Crown Inn, Coniston, Tilberthwaite Ave, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EDTelephone
01539441243Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
07540888895Coniston
We have three route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale Forest taking in a great mix of challenging climbs and fast, flowing sections through the forest.
Address
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
01229 889183Coniston
Discover the Lake District after dark on an unforgettable canoe journey across beautiful Coniston Water. As daylight fades, paddle across the peaceful lake surrounded by the dramatic Coniston mountains and some of the Lake District's most…
Address
Grizedale Forest, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
+443000674495Hawkshead
Follow an un-nature trail, spotting things you wouldn't expect to find, to a magical spot to make your own willow wand! Suitable for ages 7+ Outdoor event, please dress for the weather on the day No dogs sorry 10% discount for Forestry England…
Cumbria
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys on the North side of Coniston; collectively they are widely regarded as making up some of the most romantic scenery in the Lake District. Most people…
Coniston
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a compass bearing? Come on our intermediate navigation course to find out.
-
Address
Force Mills, Sattherthwaite, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8LQUlverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Address
Lands End Farm, Crosslands, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8JUTelephone
+441229860228Rusland
In the Rusland Valley, an unspoilt valley between Windermere lake and Coniston Water, close to Grizedale Forest. An idyllic rural setting of small fields with stone walls and rocky wooded hillsides. Great local walking from the door or into…
Address
Longlands Caravan Holiday Park, 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.
Cumbria
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The extensive network of access tracks within the forest has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
Address
Coniston Experience Freedom Glamping, Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LATelephone
015394 41555Coniston
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then our wooden camping pods are ideal. Open all year round, our camping pods are well-insulated, keeping you warm and dry and they come equipped with…
Address
The Bridge Cottages, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
• Sleeps up to 16
• 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together sleeping 16
• A total of 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 3 hot tubs in total
• Large rooms, perfect for…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…
Torver
• Sleeps 4,
• Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England
• Private hot tub with open countryside views
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Stunning, luxurious interior
• Wifi
• Walks from the door including The Old Man of Coniston
• Wood-burning…Address
CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Address
15 Yewdale Road, Coniston, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
07957 196184Coniston
14 stalls selling Antiques, Vintage and Collectablesbles
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
Ratings Powered By
© Cumbria Tourism