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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
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Situated in a stunning location next to mountains & waterfalls, the Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges…
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
The Montane Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top…
Experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Enjoy…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Based in the heart of the Lake District adventure awaits. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
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Number of results: 103
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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
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 throughoutConiston
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
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after an individual - unlike the other paths though, this one has a very recent history. It is the creation of Jack Diamond, a school teacher from Coniston,…
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
Bowmanstead,, Alderley Edge, Langdale, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8HDTelephone
+447761582675Langdale, CONISTON
Join Mountain Leader Dougie Walker for a guided Coniston Classics walk in the Lake District.
This 12km route includes easy, introductory scrambling on Coniston's famous fells with stunning views over the Old Man range.
Perfect for hikers ready to…
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
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…
Address
The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41164Coniston
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View the fully restored Bluebird craft in the Bluebird wing of the museum. Discover the mineral wealth of the fells, all at 'the most thought provoking…
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
Tanglewood, Brown Howe, Coniston Water, Water Yeat, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
015394 41765Coniston Water, Water Yeat
An exceptional, luxurious 5 bedroom lake house with beautiful and stylish interior, private lake frontage on Coniston Water, 2 private jetties and jaw-dropping views throughout.
Address
Tarn Hows, Tarn Hows Main Car Park, Nr Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41456Nr Coniston
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns together. In 1929 it was bought by Beatrix Potter who sold it to the National Trust. There is a 1.5 mile, level footpath around the tarn.
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
Lands End Farm, Crosslands, Rusland, Cumbria, LA12 8JUTelephone
+441229860228Rusland
Lands End Cottage is a luxury two bedroomed cottage, with 2 bathrooms and a private garden, in a very peaceful location. With its stunning views and comfortable accommodation, Lands End Cottage is ideal for a relaxing break.
Tourism For All
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a walk. A mixture of paths and tracks weave in and out of the trees and across parkland never straying out of sight of the lake. And, with only a few…
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…
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
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.
Address
Grizedale Visitor Centre, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01257251217Ambleside
The Montane Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near Hawkshead in the Lake District. The route is 'undulating' but great trails and views of Coniston and surrounding areas. The event always fills in advance and…
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