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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?
This very special full day photography workshop is guided by Amy Bateman, British Life Photographer…
The myriad of slate quarries, including the famous Catherdral Cavern close to Coniston provide a…
• Sleeps 4 • Mountain hot tub with incredible views of Coniston Old Man • 2 bedrooms and 2…
The Yewdale Inn is a traditional British pub located in the picturesque village of Coniston. Enjoy…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Located on the shores of Coniston Water with sensational lake and fell views, this classic Lakeland…
Scrambling is an outdoor adventure experience that sits half way between hill walking and rock…
Coniston Old Man, rises dramatically to its height of 2635ft. Also known as the 'Old Man of…
Thornthwaite Farm is set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Woodland Valley. We have four…
Subberthwaite Common and the Blawith Fells lie at the southwest tip of Coniston Water. Most people…
We offer a variety of Bushcraft experiences that will delight and inspire the youngest to the…
Join us on a tranquil night-time canoe paddle on Coniston Water and enjoy the beauty and vastness…
Copper View is a VB 4-star bungalow. Set in the centre of Coniston village - an ideal base for many…
The Coppermines Valley lies directly behind Coniston village cutting a deep gash between the long…
Join rising star Dana Zemtsov and Festival Director Anthony Hewitt in John Ruskin's elegant drawing…
Come to an exhibition of radical and innovative textiles; from homewares to art and fashion from…
Nestled in the scenic English Lake District, The Crown Inn in Coniston offers a charming retreat at…
Do you want to learn what to do when the mist comes down and how to accurately take and follow a…
Experience a night-time adventure with the whole family on Coniston Water in rafted canoes. Enjoy…
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most…
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the…
On-site cafe/restaurant serving teas, coffees and light lunches all homemade on the premises.…
Covering 112 miles, and the most famous passes of the Lake District, the 4 Seasons Fred Whitton…
The team at The Crown Inn takes great pride in the food we prepare; serving fulfilling dishes made…
The Lake District Where modern tourism was born
Number of results: 115
, currently showing 81 to 100.
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
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 reviewsThe 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.
Set in the south-west of the region the Duddon Valley is remote, unspoilt and one of the most idyllic valleys of the Lake District.
Coniston
Our range of glamping pods can be found in the heart of the Lake District at our Coniston Park Coppice site.
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!
Grizedale, Hawkshead
Stuck for things to do this May Half Term? Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, we have adventure covered.
Coniston
Float back to Victorian times as you indulge in a luxurious cruise on captivating Coniston water in this exquisite steam-powered craft.
Cumbria
Coniston used to have its own railway line with a terminus station in the village just up from the Sun Hotel. It was connected to the Furness Railway at Foxfield but sadly it was abandoned in 1958. The track bed has since then been unused (apart…
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…
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…
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…
Hawkshead
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…
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 reviewsCumbria
Backed by low fells and woodland, the western shore of Coniston Water is a delightful place for a walk. A mixture of paths and tracks weave in and out of the trees and across parkland never straying out of sight of the lake. And, with only a few…
Coniston
Outdoor provider based in the Lake District. Rob Green Guiding offers fantastic outdoor experiences from a qualified Mountain Leader; guided mountain days out, navigation training and general mountain skills coaching and training.
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.
CONISTON
Pay by mobile phone reference: 7250 - https://paybyphone.co.uk/. You can also pay by credit card as well as in cash.
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…
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