Village guide · Southern Lake District · LA21
Coniston
Quieter than Windermere, less well-known than Grasmere, and one of the more rewarding places in the southern Lakes. The Old Man rises directly above the village. The lake is long and beautiful. Brantwood is worth half a day. The Black Bull brews its own beer.
Postcode
LA21 8EH
Coniston Water length
5 miles
Coniston Old Man
803m
From Ambleside
8 miles
About Coniston
Coniston is a small village in the southern Lake District, sitting at the foot of Coniston Old Man with the lake, Coniston Water, stretching south. It is a working village as much as a tourist one — there was copper mining here for centuries, and the Old Man is covered in the remains of the industry.
The three figures who define Coniston’s cultural identity are John Ruskin, Arthur Ransome, and Donald Campbell. Ruskin lived at Brantwood on the eastern shore from 1872 until his death in 1900. Ransome set key parts of his Swallows and Amazons books here. Campbell died in 1967, attempting the world water speed record on Bluebird K7. His body and the remains of the boat were recovered from the lake in 2001.
803 metres
Coniston Old Man
The Old Man rises directly above the village. The main ascent via the quarry path climbs through the working history of the fell, copper ore spoil tips, slate quarry remains, an old reservoir. At 600 metres it passes Low Water, a dark tarn below the summit. Views east to Coniston Water and south to Morecambe Bay.
Main quarry route
5.5 miles return · 750m ascent · 4-5 hrs
Clear and well-maintained. The standard ascent. Good views from the summit plateau with a triangulation pillar.
Dow Crag circuit
7 miles · 900m ascent · 5-6 hrs
A significantly better day. Via Goat’s Water under the east face of Dow Crag, one of the great cliff faces in the southern Lakes, then over the ridge to the Old Man.
Brantwood
Brantwood (LA21 8AD, entrance charged) is on the eastern shore of Coniston Water, accessible by road via the B5285 from Coniston village or by boat on the Coniston Launch. John Ruskin bought the house in 1871 and spent the last 28 years of his life here, extending the house, creating the gardens, and producing some of his later writing on economics, art criticism, and social reform.
The house contains original furniture and artworks, including Ruskin’s own drawings and paintings. The gardens, which Ruskin designed with an unconventional approach that included terraced bog gardens and a wild fell garden above the house, are excellent in spring and summer.
Practical notes
Allow 2 to 3 hours for the house, garden, and lake shore walk from the jetty. The Coniston Launch runs from Coniston pier to Brantwood regularly. The cafe at Brantwood is reasonable. Combining the boat trip with the Brantwood visit removes the need to drive the eastern shore road.
Tarn Hows
Tarn Hows (LA21 8DP, National Trust, charged parking) is 3 miles north-east of Coniston and is one of the most visited National Trust locations in England. The tarn is artificial — created in the Victorian era by damming a series of small tarns — but the setting is outstanding. The circuit path around the tarn is about 3 miles on mostly flat, good-quality paths. Suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs on the main circuit.
When to visit
Busy in summer. Arrive before 10am or visit in late afternoon. The autumn colours around the tarn are exceptional and October is the best time for the combination of colour, light, and manageable crowds.
Coniston Water
Coniston Water is 5 miles long and one of the quieter major lakes. There is no road along most of the western shore, giving it a more remote feel than Windermere. The Coniston Launch runs regular cruises from the pier at Coniston village (LA21 8AJ) to Brantwood and other points. A circuit cruise takes about 90 minutes.
The steam yacht Gondola, operated by the National Trust, runs from May to October. One of the most comfortable ways to see the lake. The lake is good for wildlife in winter: goldeneye and goosander both occur, and red squirrels are present in the woodland above the western shore.
Where to Eat and Drink
The Black Bull Inn
Best pubYewdale Road, LA21 8DU
The most important pub in Coniston. Brewed its own beer since 2003, starting with Bluebird Bitter and expanding to a range of Coniston ales. Honest pub food done consistently well.
Yew Tree Farm
Most characterfulNear Tarn Hows, LA21 8DP
One of the most characterful farm cafe settings in the southern Lakes. Serves teas and does accommodation. The right stop after Tarn Hows.
Bluebird Cafe
Before a boat tripNear the pier, LA21 8AJ
Lake views and a reasonable option for lunch before boarding the Coniston Launch or Gondola.
Getting There
The 505 bus runs from Ambleside and Windermere to Coniston roughly every 90 minutes to 2 hours. By car, Coniston is on the A593 from Ambleside or via the B5285 from Hawkshead.
Main car parking is in the village car park on Yewdale Road (LA21 8EH, pay and display). It fills on summer weekends — arrive early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coniston famous for?+
Three things mainly: John Ruskin, who lived at Brantwood on the lake's eastern shore; Arthur Ransome, who set the Swallows and Amazons books partly here; and Donald Campbell, who died on Coniston Water in 1967 attempting the world water speed record. Also the Coniston Old Man, one of the most-walked fells in the southern Lakes.
What is the best walk near Coniston?+
Coniston Old Man from the village is the most popular — around 5.5 miles return with 750 metres of ascent. The circuit via Dow Crag and Goat's Water is a better day. For a shorter walk, the circuit of Tarn Hows (3 miles, flat) is one of the most scenic easy walks in the Lake District.
Is Brantwood worth visiting?+
Yes. Brantwood (LA21 8AD, entrance charged) is John Ruskin's house on the eastern shore of Coniston Water. The house has a significant art collection and the gardens, designed by Ruskin, are excellent. The setting above the lake is exceptional. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
How do I get to Coniston without a car?+
The 505 bus runs from Ambleside and Windermere to Coniston. The Coniston Launch boat service runs from Coniston pier to Brantwood and other stopping points on the lake. The combination of bus and boat gives access to Coniston and the lake without a car.
Where should I eat in Coniston?+
The Black Bull on Yewdale Road is the main pub — it brews its own beer and does solid food. The Sun Hotel also serves food. For a quick lunch, the Bluebird Cafe near the pier gives views over the lake and is a reasonable option.
