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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.…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
An exceptional, luxurious 5 bedroom lake house with beautiful and stylish interior, private lake…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
The Montane Grizedale Trail 13 & 26 takes place from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, near…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
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Number of results: 104
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Address
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
07752205976Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
The Yan, Grizedale Observatory, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
07970105607Hawkshead
Grizedale Observatory and planetarium for stargazing under the dark skies of the Lake District. Nestled deep within the breathtaking Grizedale Forest in the heart of the Lake District, this immersive stargazing experience invites the whole family to…
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
Biketreks Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
015394 31245Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
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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
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
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
John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
+447884490810Coniston
Road Race around Coniston Water
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
Mill Pool Barn, Torver Mill, Cumbria, LA21 8BJTelephone
015394 41765Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storageConiston
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
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…
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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
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
Glen Mary Bridge Car Park, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
+447852162142Coniston
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack near Yew Tree Tarn.
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.
Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Whatever your ability level, Grizedale is a fantastic place to get on the trail and enjoy the fresh Lake District air. Create your own adventure or follow one of our waymarked routes, with a wide range of distances and difficulty levels there’s…
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
Brown Howe Car Park, -, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
01229 889183A5084, Coniston
Experience something truly unique. Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
You will start the guided canoe tour in the daylight, giving…
Address
Brown Howe Car Park, Grizebeck, Kirkby-in-Furness, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
01229 889183A5084, 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.
You will start the guided canoe tour in the daylight, giving you time to…
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