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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.’
Did you know?
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body.…
Buses to and through Broughton: X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Educational farm business, involving learning about the farm and Herdwick Sheep, including meeting…
If you have a head for heights or wish to take yourself out of your comfort zone, why not challenge…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Get ready for an experience on the water you'll never forget! We offer a range of options for…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Buses to and through Coniston: Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston. X12…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 111
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Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
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.
Coniston
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…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
78 reviewsUlverston
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 reviewsThe Lake District
We train people to undertake expeditions, and also run expeditions across the UK, but mostly in the wilder corners of Great Britain. All expeditions are led by highly experienced, qualified and insured instructors.
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
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
78 reviewsConiston
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Short flexible stays available year round. Escape to the Lakes with us...
Coniston
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.
Coniston
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst surrounded by nature. Listen to voice, guitar, flute and the Animato Quartet as you wander from Ruskin's pond, through woods to Coniston Water and the…
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.
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!
CONISTON
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…
Grizedale
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…
CONISTON
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…
ULVERSTON
Pay & Display car park with 30 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Coniston
Located in the car park on the lake shore of Coniston Water. Postcode: LA21 8EW.
AMBLESIDE
A Pay on Exit system operates in the main car park.
AMBLESIDE
Car park with 15 spaces. Good for walking and cycling trails.
Grizedale
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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