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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?
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Offering peace and tranquillity, enclosed in 38 acres of glorious woodland, 5 Star rated Black Beck…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
• Sleeps 4, • Luxury cottage rated 5 Star Gold by Visit England • Private hot tub with open…
The little side valley of Tilberthwaite was once a thriving centre for slate quarrying. Numerous…
• Sleeps 8 • 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms • Huge garden including terraces, outside seating and…
This is the ideal activity for groups of 8 or more who want to challenge both their mind and body.…
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many…
Nestled between Windermere and Coniston, in the heart of the Lake District. Our hub in Grizedale…
Out First food & folk night was a huge success, selling out after just 3 weeks so we've decided to…
• Sleeps 4 • Outstanding lake views • Private balcony and garden • Up to 2 dogs welcome • Open…
• Large Victorian house in Coniston Village • Sleeps 16 guests across 6 bedrooms with 6…
Tarn Hows is a stunning local beauty spot, artificially made in the 19th Century by joining 3 tarns…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
Join us for an incredible adventure on the Coniston Fells, a stone's throw from the historic…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Meet Coniston's heroes, John Ruskin, artist, radical and seer and Donald Campbell, speed ace. View…
Set in a quiet corner of Western Cumbria, and with panoramic views over Duddon Sands, South…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 81 to 100.
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Outstanding lake views
• Private balcony and garden
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Open fire
• Village location close to several pubs and shops
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
East of Lake, Coniston
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing room for this potpourri of viola gems, including a poignant work by Dana's grandfather.
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…
Coniston
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock climbing, it is a great way to ascend a mountain taking on the challenge of using your hands and feet to climb steeper sections of rocky terrain. As the…
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
77 reviewsConiston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
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,…
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.
Coniston
• Sleeps 4
• Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man
• 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms
• Fellside garden
• Slate floors
• Up to 2 dogs welcome
• Log-burning stove
• Spectacular views throughout
If 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 reviewsConiston
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
Enjoy cruising aboard our launches around beautiful Coniston Water. A personal commentary by our crew complements your experience of this wonderful area.
Coniston
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent…
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.
Not a light undertaking with some challenging climbing, particularly the infamous Walna Scar Road.
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
CONISTON
Pay by mobile phone reference: 7250 - https://paybyphone.co.uk/. You can also pay by credit card as well as in cash.
Ambleside
Pay & Display Car park with 68 spaces.
Public toilets adjacent to the car park.
Coniston
There's something for everyone at Coniston Boating Centre, both on and off the water. You can hire motor boats, rowing boats, sailing dinghies, canoes and paddleboards to explore the lake in a style that suits you. We have a wheelchair-accessible…
CONISTON
Pay and display car park with 25 spaces. Open 7 days a week. Charges apply every day from 9am to 6pm.
This car park is above the village and is on the site of the long dismantled Coniston Railway station.
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