A Quick Guide to Coniston Village
Once called the ‘Venice of the Lake District’ Coniston village is a beauty spot, within a National Park within a World Heritage Site, a lovely charming village and a great place to stay in a cottage when you are visiting the Lake District.
A venetian style gondola still departs daily on Coniston water, and it is a popular attraction for everyone who sees it, if you have ever wondered how the Victorians liked to travel, this first class experience will show you. Natural beauty abounds in this more secluded and less know part of Lakeland, but it is all the better for that. Busy in the summer (as most places are) but Coniston does move at a more relaxed place making it the perfect place to make as your base while you explore further afield.
Why Stay in Coniston
A Coniston cottage is a great base for hiking and outdoor adventures, with water sports literally on the doorstep on Coniston water there is no time or need to be bored here. Indeed, those with a sense of adventure will be interested that Donald Campbell broke speed records both on land and water here in the 50’s and 60’s. His death occurred in January 1967 after reaching a speed of over 300mph. His life and achievements are documents well in the local Ruskin Museum, a lovely local museum with interesting items from Donald Campbell, Arthur Ransome (Of Swallows & Amazons) and of course John Ruskin of which the Museum is named.
Walking in Coniston
The ‘Old Man of Coniston’ looms large and is inviting everyone who stays to take a walk up its well-trodden paths. It is also a Wainwright so if you are bagging peaks, this is a good one to do. Views from the top are impressive on a clear day and lovely every other day! If you like wild swimming, then Low Water Tarn is on the way! Within striking distance of Coniston is also the very accessible and picturesque Tarn Hows, a lovely mostly flat stroll with lovely views.
Coniston Pubs & Restaurants
We are looking forward to when the pub and restaurants in Coniston are open again, most are locally owned and fantastic! If you want to try something truly local to Coniston then Bluebird Bitter is made by the Coniston Brewing Company and this beer in particular won Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 1998 and it is still going strong!
The brewing company can be found behind the Black Bull where is it served, the Bull itself has a great selection of beers and menu choices for everyone including a fresh ‘Catch of the Day’. Herdwicks café and Bistro is a family run Coniston business which serves delicious food including a great cooked breakfast to fuel you up for a fell bagging day!
Cottages in Coniston
If you want to stay in Coniston then booking a cottage is the best way to get the most out of your visit. A space all of your own to enjoy with your family, with a kitchen and all the amenities you could wish for.
You can view a great range of Coniston Cottages here
