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?
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Luxury Cottage set in the heart of the Lake District, between Windermere and Coniston, Lands End…
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body.…
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness…
At 5 miles long, Coniston Water is the third largest of the lakes. Arthur Ransome based his…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
This charming Grade II Listed cottage is in a lovely peaceful location at the foot of the fell no…
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences…
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the…
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
• Sleeps 4 • Outstanding lake views • Private balcony and garden • Up to 2 dogs welcome • Open…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in Coniston. Get in touch today to build your own custom experience.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
46 reviewsHawkshead
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
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
This charming Grade II Listed cottage is in a lovely peaceful location at the foot of the fell no more than 10 minutes walk from Coniston village where there are a good selection of shops and a number of pubs.
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.
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsCumbria
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
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous clean-cut walls and deep-water filled hollows bear testament to this. They have been idle for many decades and nature has pretty much reclaimed them…
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 reviewsConiston
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.
Coniston
Start your day with a Dawn Chorus Walk. 6.30am – 9.30am. Guided walk through Brantwood estate to listen to and identify our woodland and garden birds.
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…
East of Lake, Coniston
Out First food & folk night was a huge success, selling out after just 3 weeks so we've decided to host Food & Folk #2. We invite you to another evening full of Food & Folk.
For just £35 per person and including Chef's snack & welcome drink on…
Cumbria
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after an individual - unlike the other paths though, this one has a very recent history. It is the creation of Jack Diamond, a school teacher from Coniston,…
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…
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
Consiton
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting the Herdwicks!
CONISTON
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'.
ULVERSTON
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Ambleside
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…
Ambleside
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…
Receive all the latest news, special offers and information from the Lake District, Cumbria
Cumbria Tourism, Windermere Road, Staveley, Kendal, Cumbria, LA8 9PL