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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
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
A rare opportunity to explore an award-winning artists' residency and its beautiful gardens, set in…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Race the Sun is an exhilarating triathlon-style team challenge where teams of two or four bike,…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
A rare opportunity to explore an award-winning artists' residency and its beautiful gardens, set in…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
A 5-hour course with a foraging expert, which includes ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Race the Sun is an exhilarating triathlon-style team challenge where teams of two or four bike,…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
A 3-hour session with a foraging expert, including ID work, tasting wild ingredients and a wild…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Show More
Prev
- 1Canoe & Bushcraft, Coniston (Age 5+) with Path to Adventure
- 2Abseiling and Rock Climbing near Coniston with More Than Mountains
- 3Grizedale Forest and Parkamoor
- 4The Crown Inn, Coniston - Food & Drink
- 5Slater Bob's, Coppermines Valley, Coniston
- 6The Bridge Cottages, Coniston
- 7Mill Pool Barn, Torver, Coniston
- 8Lawson Park Open House & Garden
- 9Intermediate Navigation Course with More Than Mountains (Coniston)
- 10Forage and Feast near Coniston
- 11The Expedition Club
- 12Coniston Water
- 13Grizedale Mountain Biking Trails
- 14Longlands Holiday Park
- 15The Yewdale Inn
- 16The Coniston Inn - Food & Drink
- 17Race the Sun Lake District Coniston Off-Road
- 184 Seasons Fred Whitton - 4 Day Tour
- 19Duddon Valley
- 20Thornthwaite Farm Holiday Cottages & Glamping Cabins
- 214 Seasons Fred Whitton - 3 Day Tour
- 22Yewdale and Tarn Hows
- 23Forage and Nibble near Windermere
- 24Coniston Park Coppice - Glamping Pods
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 106
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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.
Address
-Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour follows the annual sportive route but can be completed 365 days a year at your own pace. It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups…
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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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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
The Estate Office, The Bridge, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8HJTelephone
015394 41765Coniston
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
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…Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.Address
Grizedale Forest & Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Hawkshead
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.
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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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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
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Address
Tilberthwaite car park, near Coniston., ConistonTelephone
07984 410230Coniston
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…
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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…
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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, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long high ridge of the main Coniston Fells and the shapely outlying summit of Weatherlam. This impressively steep valley, as its name suggests, has been of…
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour follows the annual sportive route but can be completed 365 days a year at your own pace. It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups…
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
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
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…
Address
Longlands Caravan Holiday Park, Croglin, Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA17 7XZKirkby-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.
Address
CumbriaTelephone
01539 822222Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
