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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?
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Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
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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…
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• 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…
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
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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 reviewsConiston
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery from a canoe. We'll tailor the day to suit you - whether it’s a fun day of games, exploring the lake and splashing with the whole family or a relaxing…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsCumbria
Buses to and through Coniston:
Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
X12 Coniston - Spark Bridge - Ulverston.
Cross Lakes Experience 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Coniston (seasonal).
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.
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.
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…
Ulverston
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck Holiday Park is nestled in the heart of Britain's Lake District, near Bouth. Black Beck provides the perfect setting for short breaks and extended…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsConiston
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water. Nearly 1 mile from Coniston village in a good area for walking and touring the Lakes.
Coniston
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.
It is an evening full of adventure, star gazing, stories and mythology and of course lots of fun!…
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
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.
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.
East of Lake, Coniston
Join us in the woods and meadows for a morning of foraging, nature connection, discovery and plant wisdom!
This spring were are delighted to be hosting a morning of foraging, plant medicine and nature connection in the beautiful woodlands and…
Hawkshead
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the Grizedale Forest Park. Further information is available from the visitor centre where maps for all the trails can be purchased.
Cumbria
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of Dow Crag. These two fine mountains are a big enough draw to spirited walkers but, add to this the stunning array of peaks stacked up behind them and…
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
With 250 spaces and only £6 for the whole day, enjoy time in Coniston and the surrounding area knowing that there will be somewhere to park when you arrive and no penalty notice when you get back – however late that might be!
CONISTON
Electric bike charging point, located at Coniston Boating Centre.
CONISTON
Pay by mobile phone reference: 7250 - https://paybyphone.co.uk/. You can also pay by credit card as well as in cash.
Grizedale
Nestling right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest offers a full range of activities from gentle walks to swinging through the trees with GoApe, from a leisurely meal in the café to exhilarating…
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