The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to Coniston

Coniston welcomes year-round visitors and boasts an idyllic spot next to its namesake lake. Known for its natural beauty, literary and industrial heritage, and water activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Coniston. Visiting this beautiful area, you can enjoy everything from outdoor adventures and lakeside fun to dining, drinking, and leisurely strolls – all set against the stunning scenery of Coniston.

Whether you plan to visit Coniston for one day or a few, our comprehensive visitor’s guide covers everything you need to know for your stop at this pretty Lake District village. Keep scrolling to discover:

• How to get to Coniston
• Parking in Coniston
• Local Coniston attractions 
• Walks from Coniston village
• Coniston lake activities 
• Places to eat and drink in Coniston
• Shops in Coniston
• Places to stay in Coniston

How to get to Coniston

Coniston sits in the heart of the Lake District National Park. To its east lies Windermere, to its north, Ambleside. The town is about equidistant between the M6 motorway and the Cumbrian coast.

Coniston’s proximity to Lake District attractions makes it an ideal base for exploring the immediate and wider areas. Let’s explore how to get to Coniston by car or public transport. 

By car from the North:

If arriving from North of Cumbria and exiting the M6 at J40, there are two main routes to Coniston. One goes via Grasmere and Ambleside through the centre of the Lakes. The other is via Ullswater and is picturesque, but follows windy roads, is slower and uses Kirkstone pass, which closes in bad weather. 

The fastest route looks something like this:

• A66 west for approximately 12.5 miles
• B5322 south for approximately 4 miles
• A591 south for approximately 11.5 miles
• A593 west for approximately 7.5 miles until you reach Coniston

By car from the East and South:

Whether you’re approaching Coniston from the East or South of the country, J36 of the M6 is the starting point for our directions. Again, there are two main, equally scenic routes, that can take a similar amount of time. 

Via Newby Bridge:

• A590 north west for approximately 3.5 miles
• Slip road to continue on the A590 west towards Barrow for approximately 16.5 miles
• A5092 north at Greenodd towards Coniston for approximately 10 miles, continuing North at Torver until you reach Coniston

Via Windermere and Ambleside:

• A590 north west for approximately 3.5 miles 
• Continue straight on for the A591 north for approximately 16 miles, passing Windermere on your way
• Veer left slightly onto the A5075 for under a mile
• Take the A5093 west and stay on approximately 7 miles until you reach Coniston

Handy tips for driving through the Lake District

• Prepare for slower travel through villages and over fell roads, lots of these are narrow in places.

• In winter or bad weather, check for road closures (especially routes like Kirkstone Pass and Hardknott Pass).

• Allow extra time if travelling in summer or during school holidays.

• Avoid queues by driving earlier or later in the day.

Public transport serving Coniston

Because of its location, accessibility to Coniston via public transport is limited but there are options available. 

If you’re travelling to the Lake District by train, we advise changing from mainline services at Oxenholme to the local service. This runs between Oxenholme and Windermere with a few stops in between. You can either transfer to a bus at Kendal or continue right through to Windermere and change there. 

The 555 bus runs from Kendal, through Windermere and up to Ambleside, where you can transfer onto a bus service to Coniston (below). Check the times of the 555.

The 505 “Coniston Rambler” bus runs between Ambleside, Hawkshead, and Coniston. Twice a day, the bus route extends to Kendal: twice in the morning and twice in the evening. Find up-to-date bus timetables.

If you’re travelling from the South Lakes, the X12 connects Coniston to Spark Bridge and Ulverston. Check the bus timetable.

All timetable links were accurate at the time of publishing. 

NB. It’s also possible to arrange taxis to and from Coniston, with services operating out of the main towns, such as Kendal, Ulverston and Windermere. Taxis can be more costly, but easier, if you have lots of luggage or equipment. A quick online search will produce results for Coniston taxis. We advise calling and booking ahead. 

Coniston parking

Parking in Coniston gets busy during peak times. Plan your parking in advance of your journey, and if you’re staying in Coniston, check with your accommodation provider about allocated spaces. You’ll find parking in the village, at lake access points, and further afield for walkers. Here’s a breakdown of the main parking locations.

Car Park	Location	Use	Approx Price
Old Station	Coniston Old StationOld Furness RoadConistonLA21 8HU	Pay & display, cash card, and contactless	£5 for two hours to £8.50 for all day
Coniston Sports & Social Centre	Coniston Sports & Social CentreShepherds Bridge LaneConistonLA21 8AL	Tap2Park	£5 all day, camper vans overnight £12.50 Toilets/shower facilities
Ruskin Avenue Car Park	The Lake District National Park AuthorityConistonRuskin AvenueConistonLA21 8EH	Pay & display, PaybyPhone online or app	£5 for two hours, 24h EV charging
Coniston Boating Centre	The Lake District National Park AuthorityConiston Boating CentreLake RoadConistonLA21 8EW	Pay & display or RingGo app	From £3 for two hours up to £8 for all day, 9am-6pm, EV charging and toilets
Monk Coniston (North shore of the lake – best for walking routes – not near the village)	The Lake District National Park AuthorityMonk ConistonB5285ConistonLA21 8AA	Pay & display, cash card, and contactless	£5 for 2 hours; up to £7 for 4 hours.No overnight parking
Bluebird Car & Coach Park	The Coppermines & Lakes Cottages Ltd.Bluebird Car & Coach ParkYewdale RoadConistonLA21 8DX	Pay & display, cash card, and contactless	Up to 2 hrs £5.00, up to 6 hrs £6.50, 12 hrs £7.50, 24 hrs £10.00. Includes toilets, e-bike hire, and EV charging

Useful Coniston parking tips:

• Use National Park car parks where possible – your money goes towards supporting the area, and they often provide toilets and EV charging.

• Arrive early morning or late afternoon to help you avoid the busiest times.

• Check signage: some car parks have limits (no overnight) or are closed in winter.

• Have a selection of payment options. Coins/card/RingGo/PaybyPhone app. Even if a variety of payment options are available, having backup helps if there are malfunctions.

Things to do in Coniston

The outdoor beckons to most people visiting Coniston, but what if you’re looking for something indoors, or something more relaxed? There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions to enjoy here too. From museums and heritage sites to artistic connections, discover fascinating Coniston attractions.

Ruskin Museum

Why visit? Learn about what the area is famous for and the people who have influenced it. An educational and inspiring stop for young and old alike.

Built from local Lakeland slate, the Ruskin Museum in Coniston is a treasure trove of local heritage. With a gallery of his artworks, lecture aids, and personal artefacts, the museum celebrates John Ruskin. Ruskin was a leading Victorian thinker, art critic, social reformer, and conservationist at the time. 

The museum also showcases the area’s mining and industrial past. In addition, many visitors enjoy the dramatic story of Donald Campbell’s Bluebird, who broke four World Water Speed Records in the 1950s and 60s. 

Brantwood House

Why visit? Step into a beautifully preserved and quintessentially English historical house and gardens with stunning views and year-round activities celebrating art. 

On the eastern shore of Lake Coniston, enjoy John Ruskin’s vibrant historic home. Explore its delightful gardens and panoramic lake views. You can also stroll through the rooms of Ruskin’s home while soaking up the venerable art collections and seasonal exhibitions. The estate’s woodland paths and terraces reveal his love of nature and enduring cultural influence.

The Steam Yacht Gondola

Why visit? Relax and enjoy the scenery around Coniston, witnessing the real-life inspirations behind Arthur Ransome’s beloved Swallows and Amazons series.

Step aboard the beautifully restored Victorian vessel that cruises Coniston Water in style. The Steam Yacht Gondola is operated by the National Trust between March and October. 

Experience the lake’s scenery, stopping at historic points like Brantwood and Monk Coniston, and relive the elegance of 19th-century leisure travel. Choose from three main routes to tailor your journey. 

Coniston copper and slate mining heritage

Why visit? Gain a glimpse into centuries of mining heritage and discover remarkable hidden landscapes. 

Venture through the village’s industrial past by visiting the numerous slate and copper mines and quarries in Coniston. Visitors to sites such as Tilberthwaite, Cathedral Quarry and Coniston Coppermines can marvel at striking settings and have an atmospheric rendezvous with what was once the area’s main industry. 

Feel a sense of adventure as you explore deep caverns hewn out of rock, beautiful waterfalls and towering rock faces. 

Walks from Coniston village

Coniston is an ideal base for walkers of all levels, with routes starting right from the village centre. Whether you’re looking for a gentle lakeside stroll or a challenging fell climb, the paths in this area are well-marked and give you glimpses into the area’s history at every turn. Many Coniston walks begin within minutes of the main street, making them accessible without extra travel. Here are some of the most popular routes. 

The Old Man of Coniston

Distance: 6-7mi (10-11km) Round trip from the village to the peak

Approx time: 3.5-5hrs, depending on route

A classic Lakeland climb. With an elevation of 803m, the Coniston Old Man walk will reward you with energising panoramic views over Coniston Water and the vast surrounding fells. Check out our article on our favourite routes up Coniston Old Man.

Tarn Hows

Distance: 6mi (9.5km) round trip from the village

Approx time: 2-3hrs

The whole family can enjoy this walk, with gentle, accessible paths. Adapt your walk to an even shorter circuit of Tarn Hows itself, for an expeditious 1.5mi breath of fresh air. The circular route around the tarn is extremely photogenic, so be ready to take some snaps.

Coniston to the Lake

Distance: 0.5mi (0.8km)

Approx time: 10-15 minutes

For an easy outing, this short stroll leads to the boating centre and lakeside paths. Once there, you can simply enjoy the scenery or follow paths south along the western shore towards Torver Common or north towards Monk Coniston. 

If a full circuit of Coniston Water is your goal, this is possible from the lakeshore mentioned above. It’s around 14mi (22km) and takes 5-7hrs. Enjoy plenty of natural beauty right from the lakeside, including woodland tracks and fells for days. 

Walna Scar Road

Distance: (to pass summit) – 7mi (1km) round trip from the village

Approx time: 3-4 hours

This historic packhorse route begins at the edge of Coniston village. Expansive views across the Duddon Valley deliver a wow factor and lots of bang for your (effort) buck. Walna Scar is a great route if you’re looking for links to higher fell routes; conversely, if the summit isn’t within your remit, shorter routes are available too.

Coniston lake activities

Coniston’s identity is strongly tied to the lake, and it’s the pull to the area for thousands of visitors every year. Soak up the spectacular surroundings by visiting the lakeside, which is buzzing with options to get on – or in – the water.

Coniston boat hire

Coniston Boating Centre is the hub for getting on the water. From here, you can hire rowing boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and motorboats. Shore facilities such as parking, toilets, and a café are there to meet and greet you on dry land. 

Lake Coniston cruises

Enjoy a relaxing cruise around Coniston Water with The Coniston Launch. Several hop-on, hop-off points, including Brantwood and Monk Coniston, make these cruises a flexible way to explore the lake, particularly if you have young children in tow. Some cruises offer commentary on local history, enriching your jaunt further. 

Wild swimming, Coniston

Can you swim in Coniston Water? If your idea of bliss is getting right in, you’re in luck. Coniston Water has multiple good access points that are great for a wild swim. Mandatory water speed restrictions mean Coniston Water enjoys a much slower pace than neighbouring Windermere and is perfect for newbie wild swimmers. 

Best places to swim in Coniston Water:

• Water Head and Monk Coniston – peaceful, sheltered and shallow waters
• Brown Howe – good for anyone with limited mobility – car park nearby
• Low Peel – shingle beaches and evening sun – gets busy at peak times

Equally, the mountain tarns (Beacon Tarn, Levers Water, Kelly Hall Tarn) are atmospheric and popular with the wild swimming community, although perhaps more suited to experienced swimmers. 

The best places to eat in Coniston

For a small village, Coniston has lots of great places to choose from when you need a bite to eat. With options for gastro pubs, cafés, and restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice for dining out. And if you fancy a night in, you can find Coniston takeaway food within easy reach of the village. Here’s an overview to help you decide. 

Coniston Pubs

• The Black Bull Inn – a friendly pub with traditional comfort food. Vegan, children’s, and gluten-free menus are available, as well as home-brewed ales (Coniston Brewery). A selection of outdoor seating awaits when the Coniston weather shines in your favour. 

Serves food daily from 12 noon.

• The Crown Inn – a cosy and relaxing pub with an extensive, exciting menu catering to a wide variety of tastes. With its central village spot and cute beer garden, it gets busy during peak seasons. 

Serves food daily from 12 noon. 

• The Coniston Inn – lakeside views and hand-pulled ales are what this pub is best known for. Sit back and enjoy the scenery while tucking into a menu that changes with the seasons. Find comforting classics and chef’s specials such as trout and pheasant, as well as hearty breakfasts. 

Serves food daily from 7.30 am – 9 pm.

• The Sun Hotel & Restaurant – overlooking the village, this traditional pub serves all the classics, with portions to satisfy. The Grade II listed building dates back to the 16th century, making it one of the oldest pubs in the Lake District. It retains much of its original charm still today, with its stone walls, oak beams, and a bar crafted from local slate. 

Serving food daily from 12 noon till 3 pm, then 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm.

• The Yewdale Inn – with a roaring, open fire, this welcoming pub gives you two dining experiences in one building. In the main inn, you’ll find all your favourite pub classics. Alongside this, Enzo’s stylish pizzeria sits seamlessly, offering a distinctly Italian dining experience. Think wood-fired pizzas and delicious coffee. 

Open for breakfast from 8 am at Enzo’s and 9 am at Yewdale. Both serve food until 8 pm daily. 

Coniston Cafés

• Bluebird Café Coniston – right by the lake with lovely views, you can grab a delicious cake, a hot meal, or a sandwich. Perfect for the whole family. 

Open 9.30 am – 4.30 pm daily.

• Swallows & Amazons Café (Bank Ground Farm) – serving wholesome food, homemade on the farm using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. 

Get breakfast from 8.30 am and hot food until 3 pm. With cakes and hot drinks until 5 pm.

• The Green Housekeeper Café – a small, eco-friendly café serving simple home-cooked food made from local produce. 

Open 10 am to 4 pm daily. 

• Herdwick’s Café – a warm welcome and great food await in this traditional Lakeland slate cafe with its modern conversion. Serving tea, coffee, a selection of freshly baked homemade cakes, light lunches, and hearty meals from 10 am – 4 pm daily.

Coniston Restaurants

• Steam Bistro – this hip and relaxed dining spot features a menu full of mouth-watering, contemporary dishes, made from local produce. Private dining and group sharing options are also on the menu. 

Open Wed-Sun 6 pm – 11 pm.

• Sara’s Indian – serving tasty, authentic Indian cuisine, Sara’s puts flavour on the table. With a friendly atmosphere, BYOB policy (without corkage!) and reasonable prices, what’s not to love? 

Serving food 5.30 pm – 11 pm daily. 

Coniston Takeaways

• Our Plaice – no village is complete without a reliable chippy. Our Plaice serves all the trimmings so you can enjoy a night in with your comfort food. 
• Sara’s Indian – as well as being a fantastic restaurant, Sara’s offers their delicious dishes for takeaway. Boom!
• Enzo’s – get your authentic Italian wood-fired pizza to go. Yes please. 

Coniston village shops

Coniston’s shops strike the perfect balance between convenience and curiosity. Get groceries, outdoor gear, handmade gifts, souvenirs and local produce all in one nifty stroll of the village. Here’s our roundup of what’s in store.

• Coniston Co‑operative Society – Independent local grocery for all your essentials.
• W.F. Hutchinson – Butcher and fresh local produce.
• Coniston Outdoors – Outdoor clothing, footwear, and hiking gear.
• Just for Ewe – Gifts, cards, and local crafts.
• Lakes & Country Gifts – Homewares, souvenirs, and locally made items.
• Yew Tree Farm Shop – Specialist local heritage meats and farm produce.
• Coniston Gifts – Souvenirs, puzzles, and crafts.
• Wards Newsagents – Convenience items, snacks, newspapers, and postcards.

Places to stay in Coniston

Looking for a stay that blends home-from-home comfort with the bonus of stunning views and direct access to the fells? Coniston holiday cottages offer the perfect base for exploring the Lake District, and The Coppermines have some of the best. 

Our collection of Coniston cottages includes everything from luxurious and cosy farmhouses like Dixon Ground Farm, to magnificent retreats like Tanglewood, with its private lake frontage. Whether you’re after a romantic shepherd hut for two, a family oasis, or space for a group adventure, we have the right place for you. Plus, many of our homes are dog-friendly, so your four-legged friends can join in the fun.

With over 80 cottages to choose from, including options with hot tubs and pet-friendly policies, The Coppermines Lakes Cottages cover all bases. Our friendly local team is always on hand to help you find the perfect spot for your next Lake District adventure. Get in touch!