You are here: Home > Explore Cumbria > Coniston
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.’
Did you know?
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths.…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
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…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Near Satterthwaite, Grizedale, Ambleside. Known locally as Force Forge. In open woodland.
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
Enjoy cruising aboard 1920's launches with solar-electric power. A unique and environmentally…
Most of the low fells east of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Join us in the woods and meadows for a morning of foraging, nature connection, discovery and plant…
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 112
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Coniston
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many activities.
Coniston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of Coniston' - a popular walk for visitors.
Hawkshead
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!
Torver 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 storage
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.
Kirkby-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.
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness levels. Experience exhilarating waterfalls, canyons, and water challenges on our guided private sessions.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsThe 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.
Hawkshead
Fancy reconnecting with nature whilst giving helping the environment?
We're hosting a Trash Free Trails #EarthDaySpringClean on the Grizedale Tarn Trail, join us with your friends and family (or come come along and join our friendly Grizedale…
Coniston
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village
• Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6 bathrooms
• Lake views and open fire
• Large lounge & dining room, ideal for get-togethers
• Perfect adventure base for those wanting to explore everything the…
Ambleside
Biketreks Grizedale is a bike hire centre and shop in Grizedale Forest, offering mountain bike and E-Bike hire all year round. Our shop stocks a wide range of clothing, accessories and new and ex-hire bikes.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3 reviewsCumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Cumbria
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…
Cumbria
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.
Cumbria
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of Dow Crag. These two fine mountains are a big enough draw to spirited walkers but, add to this the stunning array of peaks stacked up behind them and…
Cumbria
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a walk. A mixture of paths and tracks weave in and out of the trees and across parkland never straying out of sight of the lake. And, with only a few…
Cumbria
Yewdale, Arnside Intake, Tarn Hows and Monk Coniston make up an intricate network of small valleys on the North side of Coniston; collectively they are widely regarded as making up some of the most romantic scenery in the Lake District. Most people…
Coniston
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning mountain scenery. We’ll make a stop on the lake shore and our expert instructors will teach you the fundamentals of bushcraft.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
456 reviewsReceive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL