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?
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where…
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness…
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Enjoy…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cumbria
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…
Cumbria
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…
Hawkshead
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better quality mountain bikes. Please be aware that this trail is not for tag-alongs or trailers bikes.
Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Coniston
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.
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Coniston
This charming Grade II Listed cottage is in a lovely peaceful location at the foot of the fell no more than 10 minutes walk from Coniston village where there are a good selection of shops and a number of pubs.
Coniston
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.
Coniston
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.
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 reviewsThe 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.
Coniston
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a great venue to experience the thrill of abseiling. More Than Mountains only uses highly qualified and knowledgeable instrutors who are incredibly…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsHawkshead
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale Forest packs a punch with both action and adventure. Explore the forest on two wheels with our all-terrain Segways or test your nerve amongst the trees…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
869 reviewsConiston
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from 3-5 May in Coniston. Whether you're planning a single night away, or want to head off for several months (or years), you'll find a warm welcome.
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...
Ambleside
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviewsDuddon Bridge, Broughton-in-Furness
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the stylish Cow Barn. With 3 sunny bedrooms, a modern airy interior, cosy log-burner & pretty garden, it’s the ideal base for a break in the Lakes
Coniston
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…
Coniston
• 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…
Coniston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL