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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?
Come to an exhibition of radical and innovative textiles; from homewares to art and fashion from…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for…
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston.…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body.…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Cumbria
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and fells. However, tucked away amongst the low fells around Tilberthwaite and Tarn Hows are two trails that break this convention. The first one is an…
East of Lake, Coniston
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing room for this potpourri of viola gems, including a poignant work by Dana's grandfather.
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.
Coniston
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many activities.
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…
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
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…
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 forest has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
Coniston
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.
Duddon 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
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.
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…
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.
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…
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.
Coniston
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.
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.
Torver 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 storage
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
• 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 throughout
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