You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Coniston
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.
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.
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?
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
This charming Grade II Listed cottage is in a lovely peaceful location at the foot of the fell no…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 61 to 80.
East of Lake, Coniston
Come to an exhibition of radical and innovative textiles; from homewares to art and fashion from Blue Patch, the UK's Sustainable Business Community.
Pull My Thread captures the creative spirit of the new green economy. Displays include new bio…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsCumbria
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…
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in Coniston. Get in touch today to build your own custom experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsConiston
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where adventure and stunning views await! This is a group event, welcoming individuals and groups for bookings.
Hawkshead
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the Grizedale Forest Park. Further information is available from the visitor centre where maps for all the trails can be purchased.
Coniston
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Short flexible stays available year round. Escape to the Lakes with us...
Coniston
Experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
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
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
If you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge yourself to go over the edge? We offer abseiling and climbing experiences to give you a unique perspective from real rock faces.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsCumbria
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
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning mountain scenery. We’ll make a stop on the lake shore and our expert instructors will teach you the fundamentals of bushcraft.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsConiston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
2 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
556 reviewsUlverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsConiston
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences from a qualified Mountain Leader; guided mountain days out, navigation training and general mountain skills coaching and training.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL