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Coniston can be found at the northern end of Coniston Water and overlooked by the Old Man of Coniston 2,627ft [801m]. The village is in a wonderful setting and is a popular centre for exploring this area of the Lake District, although it is slightly off the beaten track.

Coniston grew from the mineral wealth of copper which was found in the mountains and mined especially during the 18th & 19th Century's with the village expanding. The workings from these mines can be seen in the area, especially in Coppermines Valley. Slate quarries can be also found in the area and a few are still worked.

Within the village you will see dark local stone which mingles with other whitewashed buildings. One popular feature in Coniston is The Terrace [The Forge] which is a whitewashed seven doorway terrace and is over 150yrs old. It can be found beneath the Old Man and overlooks Church Beck [leading from Levers Water Beck].

One of the beauties of Coniston is Coniston Water, with its wooded banks and little islands and is 5 miles [8km] long. Boats can be launched [no powered craft], sailing dinkies and windsurfers can also be hired around the slipway.

On Coniston Water you can take a trip along the lake on a Coniston Launch which can be inter-linked with walks if you wish. Sail pass Peel Island, known as "Wild Cat Island" from Arthur Ransome's "Swallows & Amazons" at the southern end of the lake. One of the crafts you will see operating on Coniston Water is the Steam Yacht Gondola operated by the National Trust.

Coniston Water was also used for water-speed records attempts in the past. Donald Campbell lost his life in 1967 attempting to break the record when his craft (the Bluebird) somersaulted at over 300mph. His body was never found. You can see a memorial plaque at the village green which commemorates Donald Campbell.

Grasmere had William Wordsworth, Coniston has John Ruskin who lived at Brantwood across Coniston Water on the eastern shore. Brantwood is said to have some of the finest views in the Lake District and to be the most beautifully situated house. Within the house you will discover a large collection of Ruskin's paintings, furniture and memorabilia. Also there is an excellent eatery here.

John Ruskin was an artist, poet, social reformer and an art critic. He is buried in Coniston and lies underneath a carved cross in the northeast corner of the churchyard. Within Coniston you will also find the John Ruskin Museum.

Coniston is a popular place for walkers who want to tackle the Coniston Round which has some fine views on clear days. Climbers also come here for Dow Crag, close to the Old Man Of Coniston. You can visit Tarn Hows from here, which is a beauty spot with a gentle stroll around the man-made tarn.

Clicking on the various Level Maps below will show different map views of Coniston and District. Maps Courtesy of Multi Map.
County Level Map
Town Level Map
Street Level Map