Why Coniston is one of the best places to stay in the Lake District
If you’re thinking of visiting the Lakes for a weekend, short break or holiday, choosing exactly where in the Lake District to make your base can seem a little daunting.
To make things a little easier, we’ve put together some reasons why choosing Coniston as your location for your break in the Lakes can ensure you have the best Lake District holiday possible.
1. Access to a beautiful lake
Coniston village is located near the head of Coniston Water, the third largest lake in the Lake District. As well as being stunningly beautiful, Coniston Water is also great for water sports and activities. It is popular with paddle-boarders, wild-swimmers, and canoeists as well as those with small boats. You can bring your water sport enquipment with you or hire items such as rowing boats and canoes from Coniston Boating Centre.
There is plenty of public access to the shores of Coniston Water, meaning you’ll always find a place by the water to relax or enjoy water-based activities.
Lake cruises also run on Coniston Water year-round meaning there is something for everyone at Coniston.
2. Access to fells and mountains
Coniston village sits at the foot of the Furness Fells. Iconic peaks such as The Old Man of Coniston can be walked straight from the village centre, meaning once you’re here, your car can have a holiday too.
There are also stunning hikes to the summits of Wetherlam, Swirl How and Dow Crag direct from the village. There’s also a host of remote mountain tarns to discover along the miles of hiking trails starting at the village including Lever’s Water and Goat’s Water.
For those seeking a gentler pace, then more sedate – but no less stunning – strolls along the lake shore or around the picturesque Tarn Hows await.
So if you’re looking for walks form the door, then Coniston is the perfect for choice for hikers or walkers looking to get out and about in the Cumbrian mountains during their Lake District holiday
3. Perfect for waterfall chasers
As if having the lake and mountains on your doorstep wasn’t enough, choosing Coniston as the base for your Lake District break also means you have stunning waterfalls to explore from your door.
Head up to Coppermines Valley along the mountain road from the village and spectacular waterfalls await, some of which feature crystal clear pools for wild swimming. And if, when you get there the waterfalls look familiar, then you may have already seen them on Tic Tok or Instagram – Coppermines Waterfalls are world famous! Pick up a free waterfall route map from The Coppermines Lakes Cottages office or The Blue Bird Car Park in the centre of the village and start exploring.
4. Not too big, not too small – perfect
Coniston is smaller than some of the other Lake District towns which can sometimes feel a little overwhelming during busy periods. Yet with 5 great pubs, a choice of restaurants, ample independent shops and a range of friendly cafes, there are plenty of options for dining out or relaxing with a cool drink after a day’s exploring. The village is bustling, without ever being too busy and is a real favourite place to visit for those ‘in the know’. Want to avoid the crowds? Then Coniston is a great option; quieter without being isolated.
5. Central location in the heart of the Lake District
Of course, choosing Coniston as your base doesn’t mean you have to miss out on some of the other wonderful sights the Lake District has to offer. Places such as Wasdale – home of Scafell Pike, Derwent Water – home to Catbells, along with Windermere – home to Bowness & Ambleside, are all accessible from Coniston by car.
For keen cyclists then there are a collection of road and off-road biking routes to neaby places such as Grizedale Forest and Langdale, allowing you to get out and explore via pedal power.
For those looking to utilise public transport during their visit, there is a bus service from Coniston village to Ambleside where you can also pick up connecting services to Windermere, Grasmere or Keswick.
6. Excellent and varied choice of accommodation on offer
Coniston has a great choice of accommodation on offer to suit all budgets. From camping lakeside at Coniston Hall Campsite to luxury lake houses such as Tanglewood, Coniston has options for everyone.
For those wanting to experience the outdoors without compromising on comforts and convenience, then Coniston Shepherd Hut Lodges, each with its own private hot tub, offer the perfect balance of camping versus luxury. Or for those seeking more traditional accommodation, then rooms are available at many of the village pubs.
Today, the most popular style of accommodation is self-catering. You can choose to stay in a cute and cosy traditional cottage, or a luxurious village home-from-home and enjoy the freedom and privacy that a self-catering holiday brings. While there are lots of cottages to choose from on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com, you may well find that these cottages are also available to book direct from owners or from local agencies such as Coppermines Lakes Cottages.
Not only can you then book local and stay local, but you’ll likely find it’s cheaper to book direct – even for the exact same property.
