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
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
We have three route options for this glorious off road adventure around Coniston and the Grizedale…
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
An exceptional, luxurious 5 bedroom lake house with beautiful and stylish interior, private lake…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
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: 113
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
-At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his children's book Swallows and Amazons on the Lake.
Address
The Yewdale Inn, Yewdale Inn, 2 Yewdale Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 231322 Yewdale Rd, Coniston
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy a pint of ale by the fire or sit down for a delicious pub meal. With 9 comfortable en-suite guest rooms it's the perfect base to enjoy the area. Also…
Tourism For All
Address
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
Grizedale Campsite, Bowkerstead Farm, Satherthwaite, Cumbria, LA12 8LLTelephone
+447495405725Satherthwaite
A trail running weekend with two unique races.
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
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
Market Square, Cumbria, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6JFTelephone
+1 312-371-8210Broughton-in-Furness
Welcome to a Spring evening Earth Day forest therapy walk--a restorative way to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the natural world. Forest therapy (also known as forest bathing) is a slow, mindful, guided walk in nature. It isn't a…
Address
Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANConiston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft. You can choose from three routes: Mountain cruise, Heart of the Lake cruise or the Full Lake cruise.
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
The Coppermines & Lakes Cottages, The Estate Office, The Bridge, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
01539441765The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village like the Matterhorn hangs over Zermatt. Smaller of course, but in the same way it is an integral part of the landscape. Most people attempt it via…
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Go Ape Grizedale is reopening its three sites for Easter and beyond. Come on down for fun for all the family.
Address
Black Beck Holiday Park, Bouth, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 8JNTelephone
01253879911Ulverston
Explore a range of brand new and pre-owned holiday homes
Chat with our friendly team about ownership (no pressure, just advice)
Enjoy guided park tours
Relax with complimentary refreshments
Receive a goodie bag on arrival
Enter our Try Before You…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…
Address
The Coniston Inn, Hawkshead Old Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AJTelephone
015394 93333Coniston
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland slate building has undergone an exciting restoration to create a stunning pub with rooms. Open all day, every day for food, drinks and rooms.
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.
Tourism For All
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,…
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
Yewfield Guesthouse, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PRTelephone
07783881461Ambleside
2026 Spring Women's Wellness
Nature Retreat
April 16th - 19th 2026
A 3 night Lakeland escape in luxury accommodation with stunning views
Relax, reflect and revitalise with us at Yewfield, a very special retreat centre in a peaceful and quiet corner…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.
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