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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.
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 RuskinJohn 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 are now undergoing restoration.
- Simon's NickSimon’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 BomberIn October 1944 a Halifax Bomber crashed into Great Carrs, a steep mountain side behind Wetherlam. All on board were killed. A memorial cross and plaque now stands at the site. 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 SurnamesThe 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
• 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…
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Brighten up your home with a touch of Brantwood's flora and fauna! Join Brantwood's very own…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
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.
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
Explore Coniston Water - one of the Lake Districts' famous lakes and see the magnificent scenery…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
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Number of results: 99
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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
Address
CumbriaSet in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most idyllic valleys of the Lake District.
Cumbria
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.
Address
The Terrace Coffee House & Restaurant at Brantwood, Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
01539449025East of Lake, Coniston
Brighten up your home with a touch of Brantwood's flora and fauna!
Join Brantwood's very own talented florista, Janet, for a special festive workshop! Enjoy morning refreshments and a delightful seasonal lunch as you craft your own beautiful wreath…
Address
Bank Ground Farm, East of the lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AATelephone
07773797581Coniston
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…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.
Address
-At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his children's book Swallows and Amazons on the Lake.
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.
Address
John Ruskin School, Lake Road, Coniston, Cunbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
+447884490810Coniston
Road race
Address
Coniston Boating Centre, Lake Rd, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ANTelephone
017687 75753Coniston
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally friendly way to enjoy beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Facilities
Beyonk Online Booking
- Bookable Product
Address
Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396Coniston
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
Address
Brantwood, Home of John Ruskin, Brantwood, East of Lake, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8ADTelephone
015394 41396East of Lake, Coniston
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of Brantwood.
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…
Address
Grizedale Forest - Forestry England, Grizedale, Hawkshead, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
03000674495Hawkshead
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…
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.
Address
Spoon Hall, Haws Bank, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AWTelephone
015394 41391Coniston
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.
Tourism For All
Address
Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCumbria
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…
Address
Mill Pool Barn, Torver Mill, Cumbria, LA21 8BJTelephone
015394 41765Torver Mill
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2
• Idyllic riverside location
• Secluded gardens
• Views of Coniston Old Man
• Fantastic walking and mountain biking from the doorstep
• Beautiful, luxury interior
• EV charger
• Secure bike storageWe offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the oldest adventurer. With survival at its core, we explore this ancient art and follow in the footsteps of our ancestors.
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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