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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.
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.
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.’
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Join us for an epic day exploring the breathtaking Coniston fells with our expert guide, where…
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Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness…
• Sleeps 4 • Outstanding lake views • Private balcony and garden • Up to 2 dogs welcome • Open…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
Experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Enjoy…
Grab your tent and get ready to set off on your next adventure. At our Coniston Park Coppice site…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
A fantastic, adventurous canyoning experience. Slides, jumps and scrambling in the water - this one…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
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The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
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Coniston
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made with the freshest, Cumbrian produce.
Coniston
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.
Cumbria
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The extensive network of access tracks within the forest has some way marked and colour-coded mountain bike routes - which are particularly ideal for…
2 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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
556 reviewsHawkshead
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!
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most idyllic valleys of the Lake District.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsIf you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge yourself to go over the edge? We offer abseiling and climbing experiences to give you a unique perspective from real rock faces.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsCumbria
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the Sun Hotel. It was connected to the Furness Railway at Foxfield but sadly it was abandoned in 1958. The track bed has since then been unused (apart…
Coniston
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at the heart of this quaint village.
Coniston
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.
The Bridge, Coniston
Springbank Cottage is a luxury, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage in the popular village of Coniston. Close to spectacular walking, the lake and with a beautiful, enclosed garden it really is the perfect base for any Lake District holiday.
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body. Our raft building, bushcraft, and hill walking sessions help you develop outdoor skills and cooperation.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsKirkby-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.
Cumbria
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…
Coniston
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.
Coniston
If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from 3-5 May in Coniston. Whether you're planning a single night away, or want to head off for several months (or years), you'll find a warm welcome.
Coniston
• Sleeps up to 16
• 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together sleeping 16
• A total of 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms
• Each cottage comes with its own hot tub - 3 hot tubs in total
• Large rooms, perfect for…
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 reviewsNr 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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