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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?
The Coniston Fells are fronted by the rugged face of Coniston Old Man and the towering cliffs of…
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
The Jack Diamond Path up Coniston Old Man is one of the few paths in the Lake District named after…
• 5 Star Gold Rated Barn Conversion for 2 • Idyllic riverside location • Secluded gardens • Views…
It's hard to imagine visiting Coniston without climbing Coniston Old Man. It hangs over the village…
Locally based and proudly independent, we manage a beautiful collection of self-catering properties…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Come to an exhibition of radical and innovative textiles; from homewares to art and fashion from…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
• Sleeps up to 16 • 3 inter-linking cottages, can be booked individually sleeping 2-8 or together…
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in…
Most of the low fells East of Coniston Water are covered by woodland and forestry plantations. The…
Generally you expect to find long rolling descents on mountain bike routes in the higher peaks and…
Many of our cottages are over 100 years old; and most have been sympathetically restored and…
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a…
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race…
Enjoy a guided tour around the magnificent Coniston Water and immerse yourself in its stunning…
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…
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Cumbria
Buses to and through Broughton:
X7 Barrow - Broughton - Millom - Haverigg.
Coniston
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises. Parties and groups catered for. Outside seating on the terrace overlooking the lake.
Coniston
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many activities.
Duddon Bridge, Broughton-in-Furness
Located in the picturesque Duddon Valley near the market town of Broughton-in-Furness awaits the stylish Cow Barn. With 3 sunny bedrooms, a modern airy interior, cosy log-burner & pretty garden, it’s the ideal base for a break in the Lakes
Cumbria
Each of the three roads out of Coniston village are traced for part of their route by cycle paths. They offer traffic free cycling along easy travel tracks passing through some very pleasant landscape. The one alongside the A593 Ambleside Road and…
Broughton-in-Furness
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four cottages including our 4 star VisitEngland Gold Award barn conversion and a handbuilt Log Cabin all with stunning views of the Lakeland fells.
Cumbria
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton Bike Tour follows the annual sportive route but can be completed 365 days a year at your own pace. It's a fantastic opportunity for individuals, groups…
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
458 reviewsCumbria
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…
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.
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...
Cumbria
Medium length - Easy (28 or 36km)/Road and Cycle Track
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
If you want to try camping but don’t have the equipment or just don’t fancy putting up a tent then our wooden camping pods are ideal. Open all year round, our camping pods are well-insulated, keeping you warm and dry and they come equipped with…
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
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.
Coniston
We are a small family run cottage letting business in Central Lakeland. Our five traditional cottages are in Langdale, Grasmere, Ambleside and Coniston.
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 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
Brantwood, the former home of eminent Victorian John Ruskin and a treasure house of art and memorabilia. The 250-acre estate comprises 8 unique gardens, ancient woodland, high moors and meadows.
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