Lake District village: Coniston Tourist Information

Another one of the bustling Lake District villages, Coniston boasts many noteworthy hotels, bed and breakfast accommodation, restaurants and beautiful countryside. It lies south of Grasmere and close to another beauty spot, Tarn Hows, and within easy reach of Hawkshead where you can visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery.

Two miles south of (Ambleside) Hawkshead is Near Sawrey where Beatrix Potter lived in the 17th century farmhouse, Hill Top. It is a very small house, popular with visitors who go to see her personal treasures and the pretty garden.

A mention of Donald Campbell and his power boat, Bluebird, puts one in mind of Coniston. It was on Coniston Water that Campbell died, trying to beat his own world water speed record.

In 2001 the wreckage of Bluebird was raised from the bottom of the lake where it had lain for over thirty years. The Ruskin Museum in Coniston has hopes of restoring Bluebird and displaying it to the public, as a tribute to engineering excellence rather than an interesting wreck.

The steam yacht Gondola cruises on Coniston Water, the original Gondola, in the 1800s was very popular with the Victorians, who enjoyed cruising in such an elegant steamboat. Today the upholstery in the saloon is equally opulent, giving all who sail in her an unrivalled experience. Coniston Water runs parrallel to Lake Windermere the other side of Claiffe Heights

From the lake you have a wonderful view of Brantwood, the home of John Ruskin, and across the lake towards the village towers Coniston Old Man, a favourite fell with walkers and climbers. Naturally, there are also many shops catering for the walker and tourist, and tearooms and coffee shops to keep you well refreshed, not to mention a few pubs!

A very interesting walk takes you through Coppermines Valley, giving a taste of the mining heritage of the Lakes. The terraced cottages that were the homes of the miners are now holiday homes. A wonderfully placed Youth Hostel was once the mine office, you will pass ruins of old engine shafts and see other evidence of mining history. Although the landscape is quite severe the route is moderately easy and the views magnificent.

Nestling beneath the impressive fells, Coniston and it’s Lake has all that is needed to ensure a relaxing – or exhilarating – time is enjoyed by everyone who visits the Lake District.