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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
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Series of matinee piano recitals showcasing talented concert pianists in the exquisite venue of…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Go Ape’s hub in…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Breath-taking mountain views, a private hot tub, wrap-around gardens and a tranquil location on the…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
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…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
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Number of results: 101
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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
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 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.
Address
Ruskin Avenue, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCONISTON
The Lake District National Park Authority manage car parks around the National Park, as do the National Trust and local councils. There are also free smaller car parks in more remote areas. Monk Coniston car park is on the shore of Coniston Water at…
Address
Devonshire Terrace, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8HGCONISTON
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Charges apply every day from 9am to 6pm.
This car park is above the village and is on the site of the long dismantled Coniston Railway station.Address
Water Yeat, ULVERSTON, Cumbria, LA12 8DWULVERSTON
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Address
National Trust Tarn Hows, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PPTelephone
07919 111620Ambleside
The Tramper mobility scooter is free to use and helps to improve access for all at Tarn Hows.Part of our commitment to make more of these beautiful places accessible to those who are less physically able. You don’t have to be registered disabled or…
Address
Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre, Grizedale, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495Ambleside
Breath-taking views, stunning artwork and forest trails, come and discover all that Grizedale has to offer! Wood Moss Tarn route is about 5.5 miles or just under 9km long, heading south from the visitor centre and passing the Wood Moss Tarn, before…
Address
Hawkshead Hill, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0PPAMBLESIDE
Car park with 15 spaces. Good for walking and cycling trails.
Address
Ruskin Avenue, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8EHCONISTON
Pay by mobile phone reference: 7250 - https://paybyphone.co.uk/. You can also pay by credit card as well as in cash.
Address
CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8DGCONISTON
Free parking area with space for around 25. There is a donation box for the Lake District National Park Authority located at the car park.
Tilberthwaite Ghyll car park is a large layby close to Tilberthwaite Farm. The parking area is accessed via a…
Address
The Forge, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8HLTelephone
015394 41765CONISTON
With 250 spaces and only £6 for the whole day, enjoy time in Coniston and the surrounding area knowing that there will be somewhere to park when you arrive and no penalty notice when you get back – however late that might be!
Address
Grizedale, AMBLESIDE, Cumbria, LA22 0QJTelephone
0300 067 4495AMBLESIDE
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
Address
Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EWTelephone
015394 41366Coniston
Located in the car park on the lake shore of Coniston Water. Postcode: LA21 8EW.
Address
Lake Road, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8EWCONISTON
Coniston Boating Centre Car Park is on the western shore of Coniston Water and is easily reached from the village centre. Follow the brown signs for 'Gondola'.
Address
Grizedale, Cumbria, LA22 0QQGrizedale
Pay on Exit. Good for walking and cycling trails through Grizedale.
Address
Bowmanstead, Langdale, CONISTON, Cumbria, LA21 8HDLangdale, CONISTON
Pay and display car park with 70 spaces. Located at the end a a steep single track road from Coniston village.
Address
National Trust Tarn Hows, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0PPAmbleside
Pay & Display Car park with 68 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.Address
Grizedale, Cumbria, LA22 0QQGrizedale
Nestling right in the heart of the Lake District between Windermere and Coniston, Grizedale Forest offers a full range of activities from gentle walks to swinging through the trees with GoApe, from a leisurely meal in the café to exhilarating…
Address
Grizedale, Cumbria, LA22 0QQGrizedale
Car park with 15 spaces. From Grizedale Visitor Centre head south on the minor road to Satterthwaite. First turning on the left about 1 mile south of the Visitor Centre.
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