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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 Coniston 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
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Discover the magic of the Lake District at Grizedale Forest. Whether you're seeking a romantic…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
We're bringing back the summer Sisters In The Wild vibe to the Lake District for our 6th annual…
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Number of results: 104
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Address
Spoon Hall, Haws Bank, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AWTelephone
015394 41391Coniston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Tourism For All
Address
Coniston Experience Freedom Glamping, Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LATelephone
015394 41555Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
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…
Address
The Coppermines Mountain Cottages, Coppermines Valley, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…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
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.
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
Coniston Institute, 15 Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41823Coniston
Coniston Festive Fayre is an Artisan Craft Fayre being held in the Coniston Institute (with a Santa's Grotto) taking place prior to the Christmas Lights switch-on and other events across the village.
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
Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
Address
-Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Address
Tilberthwaite car park, near Coniston., ConistonTelephone
07878 471253Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Cathedral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instructors who are incredibly…
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
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
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The extensive network of access tracks within the forestry has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
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.
Address
Coniston Boating Centre, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
017687 75753Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally friendly way to enjoy beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
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…
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