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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?
Spoon Hall Caravans is a quiet family run farm site with beautiful views over Coniston water.…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Our ghyll scrambling, gorge walking & canyoning experiences around Coniston suit most fitness…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
The North Face trail is a single track trail designed for experienced mountain bikers with better…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness…
Follow the 'Tone Trail' in the serene setting of Brantwood Gardens and hear beautiful music whilst…
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
• Sleeps up to 22 • 4 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 4-8 or together…
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Coniston
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...
Hawkshead
There are 8 waymarked walks and 5 waymarked cycle trails, plus the North Face trail, in the Grizedale Forest Park. Further information is available from the visitor centre where maps for all the trails can be purchased.
Coniston
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and refurbished to a high standard. Many have outstanding views, log fires, exposed beams, antique furniture, quality and great character
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.
The 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.
Coniston
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many activities.
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
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.
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.
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…
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 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 reviewsConiston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Coniston:
Coniston Rambler 505 Ambleside - Hawkshead - Coniston.
X12 Coniston - Spark Bridge - Ulverston.
Cross Lakes Experience 525 Bowness - Ferry House - Hawkshead - Coniston (seasonal).
X12 Coniston - Ulverston.
Torver
• Sleeps 4,
• Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England
• Private hot tub with open countryside views
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Stunning, luxurious interior
• Wifi
• Walks from the door including The Old Man of Coniston
• Wood-burning…
Cumbria
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and fells. However, tucked away amongst the low fells around Tilberthwaite and Tarn Hows are two trails that break this convention. The first one is an…
Cumbria
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village like the Matterhorn hangs over Zermatt. Smaller of course, but in the same way it is an integral part of the landscape. Most people attempt it via…
Coniston
Explore one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, Coniston Water, and see the magnificent scenery from a canoe. We'll tailor the day to suit you - whether it’s a fun day of games, exploring the lake and splashing with the whole family or a relaxing…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
458 reviewsConiston
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness of the night sky in the heart of the Lake District.
It is an evening full of adventure, star gazing, stories and mythology and of course lots of fun!…
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.
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