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Coniston VillageConiston The Lake District
Coniston Water from BrantwoodConiston The Lake District- Tarn Hows, ConistonConiston The Lake District
- Coniston Water through the window of BrantwoodConiston The Lake District
- Coniston VillageConiston The Lake District
- Coniston Water from BrantwoodConiston The Lake District
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.
Food & Drink in Coniston
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.
Coniston - Culture & Heritage
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?
JOHN RUSKIN
John Ruskin (1819-1900), one of the most influential critics, thinkers and social reformers of his day, who inspired Tolstoy, Proust, Shaw, Oscar Wilde, the first Labour MPs, and Gandhi, amongst others. Revolted by industrialisation and rampant capitalism, he revived the local linen industry, the museum houses the finest collection of Ruskin Lace in the world.
DONALD CAMPBELL (1921–1967)
Coniston Water was the scene of an ill-fated attempt by Donald Campbell to break the water speed record. On 4 January 1967, Donald was at the helm of Bluebird K7 and travelling at around 320 mph when the boat somersaulted into the air and disappeared into the water. It was not until 2001 that the remains of Bluebird were raised from the lake bed, and has subsequently been restored and brought back to Coniston, where it can be seen in the specially built ‘Bluebird Wing’ of the Coniston Museum.
SIMON’S NICK
Simon’s Nick, ‘a fearsome crack in the rocks below Levers Water’, was where a seam of copper was worked by a miner called Simon Puchberger. He was blown up by his own explosives. His ghost is said to haunt the mine to protect what remains of the copper ore.
HALIFAX BOMBER
In October 1944 a Halifax Bomber crashed into Great Carrs, a steep mountain side behind Wetherlam. All on board were killed. One of the engines can be seen outside the Ruskin Museum.
OLD MAN OF CONISTON
'The ‘Old Man of Coniston' (SD 272 978) rising dramatically behind Coniston is one of the highest mountains in Cumbria at 803 metres. The ‘man' is the large cairn on the summit.
GERMANIC SURNAMES
The influx of German miners in the 16th century has left a legacy of Germanic surnames and patronyms among Coniston’s residents today, such as the Calkers, Knipes and Zinagles (now Senogles).
Highlights
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
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…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
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…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Ghyll Scrambling by Genuine Adventures in the Lake District is a thrilling climb up mountain…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Show More
Prev
- 1Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Coniston)
- 2Coniston Water
- 3Buses to and through Broughton
- 4Tour of Low Yewdale
- 5Tarn Hows
- 6Tour of Tilberthwaite and Tarn Hows
- 7Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin
- 8Coniston Water
- 9Forage and Nibble near Windermere
- 104 Seasons Fred Whitton - 3 Day Tour
- 11Ghyll Scrambling with Genuine Adventures
- 12Tour of Coniston Water & the Torver Trail
- 13Hollace
- 14Lakes & Country Escapes
- 15Spoon Hall Caravans
- 16The Crown Inn, Coniston - Food & Drink
- 17Scrambling near Coniston with More Than Mountains
- 18The Presbytery, Coniston
- 19Tour of Yewdale and Tilberthwaite
- 20Buses to and through Coniston
- 21Canoe & Bushcraft, Coniston (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure
- 22Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm
- 23Thornthwaite Farm Holiday Cottages & Glamping Cabins
- 24Tarn Hows Cycle Route
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Number of results: 105
, currently showing 41 to 60.
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
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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…
Address
Glen Mary Bridge Car Park, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
+447852162142Coniston
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild-inspired feast near Coniston.
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Address
Coniston Experience Freedom Glamping, Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LATelephone
015394 41555Coniston
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…
Address
Glen Mary Bridge Car Park, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
+447852162142Coniston
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack near Yew Tree Tarn.
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Address
Tanglewood, Brown Howe, Coniston Water, Water Yeat, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
015394 41765Coniston 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.
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Address
Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
Come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer – take in Lake District landscapes, experience a whole range of contemporary art and enjoy an adventure, no matter your age!
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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.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.-
Coniston
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the outskirts of Torver, yet with all the amenities of Coniston close at hand, make Hollace the perfect choice for those looking for a spectacular…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
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…
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Address
Coniston Pier, Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANConiston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
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Address
Brown Howe Car Park, A5084, Coniston, Cumbria, LA12 8DWTelephone
07752205976Coniston
SUP Paddleboarding by Genuine Adventures offers a serene glide across Lake District waters, guided by experts for all ages, with gear provided for a tailored, scenic adventure.
Tourism For All
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Coniston Boating Centre, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
017687 75753Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
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Address
Coniston Experience Freedom Glamping, Park Gate, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8LATelephone
015394 41555Coniston
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site we welcome tent campers and can accommodate tents of up to 3mx3m (approximately a 4-person tent). Dogs are welcome too.
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Address
6 Yewdale Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
01539 441259Coniston
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...
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Address
The Yewdale Inn, Yewdale Inn, 2 Yewdale Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 231322 Yewdale Rd, Coniston
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy a pint of ale by the fire or sit down for a delicious pub meal. With 9 comfortable en-suite guest rooms it's the perfect base to enjoy the area. Also…
Tourism For All
Cumbria
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys on the North side of Coniston; collectively they are widely regarded as making up some of the most romantic scenery in the Lake District. Most people…
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Address
Thornthwaite Farm, Thornthwaite Woodland, Broughton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA20 6DFTelephone
01229 716340Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Tourism For All
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Address
The Coniston Inn, Hawkshead Old Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AJTelephone
015394 93333Coniston
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.
Tourism For All
