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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.
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?
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the…
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…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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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 reviewsConiston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
Coniston
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.
East of Lake, Coniston
Out First food & folk night was a huge success, selling out after just 3 weeks so we've decided to host Food & Folk #2. We invite you to another evening full of Food & Folk.
For just £35 per person and including Chef's snack & welcome drink on…
Grizedale, Hawkshead
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, we have adventure covered.
Cumbria
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…
Cumbria
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths. They offer traffic free cycling along easy travel tracks passing through some very pleasant landscape. The one alongside the A593 Ambleside Road and…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the oldest adventurer. With survival at its core, we explore this ancient art and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.
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458 reviewsHawkshead
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
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to listen to and identify our woodland and garden birds.
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Cumbria
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…
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…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Coniston
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…
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…
Kirkby-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.
Coniston
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic village of Coniston.
Our Guided Mountain Days are perfect for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Get ready to explore the breathtaking scenery of…
Cumbria
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…
Coniston
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one has it all for an adrenaline based 2-3 hours! You must be confident and comfortable in water and being submerged in it. Suitable for adults and…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
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Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL