Coniston Hotels

Things to do in Coniston

The village's history as a tourist destination started with the arrival of a rail station in Victorian times.

The Ruskin Museum tells Coniston's story with Stone Age relics as well as the John Usher Miniature Village. The museum is named for poet John Ruskin, who bought a mansion in Coniston and insisted on being buried at the village's church.

Coniston Hall is a National Trust property – one of several in the area. The hall is a Grade II listed building and unfortunately not open to the public. You can however take the scenic walk from the grounds to Tarn Hows.

If you want more advice on the area, visit the Coniston Tourist Information Centre. Volunteers run the centre seven days a week, all year round.

Outdoor activities

Overlooking the village, The Old Man of Coniston is a fell in the Lake District. With well-marked routes to the summit, the fell is often the first place walkers and hikers visit.

Nearby Coniston Water is the Lake District's third-largest lake. It's where Donald Campbell attempted to break the water speed record in Bluebird K7 during the 1950s.

The lake is five miles long and half a mile wide, ideal for boating. Hire a motor boat if you don't fancy rowing. You can also hire out kayaks and canoes, rowing boats and sailing boats. Bicycles are available if you fancy going around the outside instead.

One other way to experience the lake is with a trip on the fully restored, luxury Steam Yacht Gondola, another attraction owned by the National Trust. It runs from March until October, and has open-air decks with incredible views.

Places to eat

Coniston's many cafés offer snacks and hot drinks, ideal after a day spent hill-climbing and exploring. The Green Housekeeper runs a supper club on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. The village also has the Our Plaice fish and chip shop, with sit-down dining.