Coniston cottages

Holidays in Coniston

Coniston is located on the western shore of the northern end of Coniston Water. It sits at the mouth of Coppermines Valley and Yewdale Beck, which descend from the Coniston Fells. This village in Cumbria first grew as both a farming village and to serve local copper and slate mines. In 1859, the Furness Railway opened the Coniston railway station to passenger traffic, dramatically increasing the number of tourists to the location.

Coniston Water

Coniston Water is about half a mile down from the village, where you can hire boats and bikes to explore the lake and the surrounding area. The lake itself is 5 miles long and half a mile wide. Above its western shore, the mountain of the Old Man of Coniston towers above the lake and the village.

Former home to poet John Ruskin, Brantwood Estate overlooks the eastern shore of the lake. This historic house, museum and vibrant centre for the arts has a variety of things to see and do for the whole family. The estate is filled with fine paintings, beautiful furniture and Ruskin’s personal treasures and offers magnificent views of Coniston Water and the Lakeland mountains beyond.

The Ruskin Museum in the centre of Coniston village features an exhibition about Sir Donald Campbell, famous for breaking the water speed record in 1955 on Coniston Water and was unfortunately killed in 1967 making another attempt on the world speed record in his speedboat, Bluebird.

Walks in and around Coniston

Coniston is perfect for those looking to spend some quality time in the great outdoors, it's popular for hill walking and rock climbing, with fantastic walks on the nearby Furness Fells and just south of Coniston at Grizedale Forest. Some of the finest rock in the Lake District on the eastern face of Dow Crag, just 3 miles from the village.

The Old Man of Coniston is one of the famous Wainwright walks in the Lake District. The summit carries a unique construction, a combined slate platform and carin. The mountain is popular with fell walkers and there are a number of well-marked paths to the summit. On your way up, make sure to look out for the remains of abandoned slate mines which were used for over 800 years! The extensive view from the summit on a clear day includes much of the southern Lake District (including Hawkshead), Morecambe Bay, Blackpool Tower, Winter Hill in the Pennines, the Lancashire coast and the Isle of Man.

Plan a holiday to Coniston

You can choose from our wide selection of cottages, apartments and lodges to find the perfect getaway for you. From romantic trips to family get-togethers, we have properties throughout Coniston for every holiday type. Some of our holiday cottages even welcome dogs and have an enclosed garden for them to sniff around in.

We have holiday cottages throughout the Lake District. When you've finished exploring Coniston, why not book a cottage in nearby Hawkshead, Elterwater or somewhere else in Cumbria?