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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?
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Brantwood Dark Skies and Pie Moonlight Walk – Guided walk with professional Mountain Leader, Martin…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
The Lake District Swim Yoga Retreat. We love swimming, but we also love yoga and between the two…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Brighten up your home with a touch of Brantwood's flora and fauna! Join Brantwood's very own…
Road race
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
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: 105
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cumbria
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people tend to ignore this quiet corner of Lakeland and speed on by to the greater heights of the nearby Coniston Fells. This is a pity as this attractive…
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
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...
Coniston
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
523 reviewsKirkby-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
The Tiny roost is working with Bankground Farm Coniston. Using their wonderful jacob fleece to learn the earliest textile. Come and stay two night full board on the Banks of Coniston water in the iconic Bankground Farm.
Offering residential abd day…
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 22
• 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together sleeping 22
• A total of 10 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 4 hot tubs in total
• Stunning mountain location with…
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.
Hawkshead
Join us for an introduction to the sights, sounds and stories of Grizedale at night.
Our knowledgeable and friendly rangers will guide you on a short, level, walk followed by an informal night sky session.
Discover the stars above you, try your…
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
Rusland
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End Cottage is a beautiful,
two-bedroomed cottage.
Ulverston
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Hawkshead
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
880 reviewsUlverston
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
70 reviewsCumbria
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…
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
79 reviewsConiston
• Sleeps 8
• 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
• Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and woodland
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Idyllic location close to village and lake
• Stunning interior which has been recently renovated to an exceptional…
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…
Hawkshead
Join us for a magical guided evening walk through the forest. Listen out for owls, learn about the wildlife in the forest and experience the wonders of the night sky.
Finish with hot chocolate & marshmallows around a campfire.
£7 per adult…
Coniston 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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
522 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL