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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
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Go Ape’s hub in…
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…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale, near Hawkshead is the perfect…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Go Ape’s hub in…
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…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients,…
Show More
Prev
- 1Duddon Valley
- 2Easter Holidays
- 3The Crown Inn, Coniston
- 4The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood
- 5Canoe & Bushcraft, Coniston (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure
- 6Coniston Launch Co.
- 7Lakes & Country Escapes
- 8The Ruskin Museum
- 9Forage and Nibble near Coniston
- 10Herdwick Experience at Yew Tree Farm
- 11Dark Sky Canoeing & Star Gazing with Path to Adventure
- 12Coniston Park Coppice Site - Tent Camping
- 13Cottagescumbria.com
- 14Cragg Cottage, Torver, near Coniston
- 15Tarn Hows Cycle Route
- 16The Coppermines Mountain Cottages, Coniston
- 17Slater Bob's, Coppermines Valley, Coniston
- 18Go Ape Grizedale
- 19Forage and Nibble near Windermere
- 204 Seasons Fred Whitton - 4 Day Tour
- 21The Coniston Inn - Food & Drink
- 22The Coppermines Lakes Cottages
- 23Tarn Hows
- 24Forage and Nibble in Grizedale Forest
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Towns & Villages
Accommodation
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Towns & Villages
Towns & Villages
Number of results: 105
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Address
15 Yewdale Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
01539 441823Coniston
A product of Dublin's famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early…
Address
CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Address
Go Ape Grizedale, Grizedale Forest, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
01603 895500Hawkshead
Looking for exciting family activities this Easter? Go Ape Grizedale,
near Hawkshead is the perfect destination for outdoor
adventures and unforgettable memories. From 05/04/2025 to 21/04/2025,
join us for a thrilling Easter holiday experience in…
Address
Crown Inn, Coniston, Tilberthwaite Ave, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EDTelephone
01539441243Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Tourism For All
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Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 49025Coniston
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.
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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…
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
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 Ruskin Museum, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8DUTelephone
015394 41164Coniston
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…
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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 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, finding and tasting wild ingredients, and a wild snack near Yew Tree Tarn.
Address
The Herdwick Experience, Yew Tree Farm, Consiton, Cumbria, LA21 8DPTelephone
01539441433Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
Tourism For All
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The Lake District is one of the best places you can visit for Stargazing and is listed in the top 5% of the darkest places in Britain. On a clear evening, we are able to see thousands of stars and constellations including the spectacular Milky Way.
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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.
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cunbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
+447884490810Coniston
Road race
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Address
High Hollin Bank, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41680Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
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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… -
Address
Tarn Hows, Tarn Hows Main Car Park, Nr Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AGTelephone
015394 41456Nr 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.
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Address
The Coppermines Mountain Cottages, Coppermines Valley, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
• 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… -
Address
Slater Bob's, Coppermines Valley, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HPTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
• 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
