It's difficult not to wax lyrical about Coniston. The Lake District is one of England's most popular tourist destinations, yet despite its beauty, Coniston never feels crowded or hurried. Maybe it's the position beside the lake, or possibly it's the magnificence of the surrounding peaks (including The Old Man of Coniston), but life feels more relaxed the moment you cross the border. The Lake District is loved by ramblers who can't get enough of the hundreds of miles of paths going up mountains, around lakes, across fells, and through some of the prettiest villages you'll ever see, but even if you've never owned a pair of walking shoes in your life, you'll find plenty to happily occupy your time in Coniston. Read more
A delightful Lakeland holiday cottage converted from a former Watermill with a cottage garden that provides an ideal place to relax and unwind. Located on the outskirts of a small village close to Grizebeck, The Watermill is ideally situated for exploring the Southern Lakes and its popular attractions.
Tarn Hows is one of two delightful holiday apartments furnished in a traditional cottage-style, each with its own secluded garden patio, ideally located in a quiet spot on the edge of Coniston. Just a short walk from the shops and inns in the village centre, and only a 5 minute walk to the lake, Tarn Hows is an ideal centre for walking and touring the stunning Lakeland countryside. Tourist board rating: 4 Star AA
Located at the edge of the tiny peaceful Cumbrian hamlet of Nibthwaite Grange close to Coniston Water, this delightful 17th Century holiday cottage with pretty garden not only provides the ideal place to relax and unwind but is also close to all the popular attractions of the Lake District.
Located within the Lake District National Park, this holiday cottage is less than five miles from Coniston Water and six miles from Windermere. On the fringes of a pretty village, Hill Top Farm enjoys a peaceful secluded location from which to explore the area and enjoy everything it has to offer including its many attractions and fabulous walks.
Sleeping six, Beckside Cottage provides welcoming holiday accommodation in an enviable position in the quiet hamlet of Lowick Green in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Just one mile from the southern edge of Coniston Water, Beckside Cottage is an ideal base for exploring the many attractions and surrounding mountains, fells and lakes. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
The Lake District is renowned for the staggering beauty of its natural landscape, with none more so than Coniston Water and the surrounding area. Located on the edge of Coniston village just a few minutes walk from five pubs and excellent cafes and shops, Mountain Cottage enjoys an elevated position with fantastic views. The peak of the Old Man of Coniston is around two and a half miles from the doorstep, and you can quickly reach the Cumbrian Way, Tarn Hows and the Wrynose Pass. The mature gardens feature a gorgeous reading room with some of the best views in the region, and with space for up to five people, Mountain Cottage is the ideal self-catering holiday home for families and friends.
A stylish self-catering holiday cottage less than five miles from Coniston Water and six miles from Windermere in the Lake District National Park. Perfect for relaxing or exploring the many attractions of both the coast and Lakes.
Even for somewhere as beautiful as the Lake District National Park, the Coniston Fells and Coniston Water stand-out as particularly breathtaking. Beechgrove Cottage is a flat two-minute walk from the centre of Coniston, close to shops, cafes and excellent pubs including the Yewdale Inn and Black Bull. This single-level holiday cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms and is as popular with couples as it is for families and friends travelling together. If your perfect Lake District holiday involves climbing the Old Man of Coniston, sailing on glassy waters, or discovering the charm of places like Grasmere, Bowness-on-Windermere, Tarn Howe, Blea Tarn and Hawkshead, you will find Beechgrove Cottage a comfortable and convenient place to stay. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A luxurious contemporary holiday cottage sitting in a stunning position within the Lake District. Sleeping two guests, it is an ideal romantic getaway for couples who want to explore the area.
Chester's Lodge is a stunning contemporary holiday home in a wonderful location. With space for eight guests in four bedrooms, it enjoys an enviable location just 300 metres from the southern shore of Lake Coniston, surrounded by six acres of private land. It's a fantastic place to get away from it all with family or friends yet is close enough to places like Hawkshead, Ambleside and Ulverstone, so you don't feel too remote from attractions and amenities. Spend your days exploring the Lake District National Park, walking and cycling around lakes and mountains, admiring stately homes and charming towns and villages, and your nights sitting around the outdoor fire pit with a glass of local beer while you count the stars, or relaxing in the luxurious living room where your every comfort is catered for.
The views over Coniston Water and the fells from Lake House are truly spectacular. The charming period holiday home is about a mile and a half from the village centre, with a private garden and lots of space for up to six people to sleep in three bedrooms. The layout is particularly suited to families, including those with dogs, but also suits couples and friends. In addition to fantastic walks and bike rides, local sights and attractions include Grizedale Forest, Old Man Coniston, and the National Trust Steam Yacht Gondola. Windermere and Grasmere are both within half an hour's drive, so there is lots to see and do at any time of the year.
Popular towns in and around The Lake District:
AmblesideApplebyBowness-on-WindermereCartmelCockermouthConistonGrange-over-SandsGrasmereGrizebeckHawksheadKeswickKirkby StephenPenrithUllswaterUlverstonWasdaleWindermereSome local suggestions:
Dog friendly Lake District cottagesLake District cottages with a hot tubRomantic Lake District cottagesOr search further afield:
Search within North West England
One of the best ways to explore the area is by boat, either on a scheduled cruise, hiring a canoe or day boat, or with a hop-on-hop-off ticket that lets you plan your itinerary.
Numerous historical houses and places of interest dot Coniston and the neighbouring villages. Brantwood House, once home to John Ruskin, is now an art centre and museum with a fine collection of paintings and breathtaking gardens. As well as Beatrix Potter World, fans of this well-loved British author should go to Hill Top, the 17th Century farmhouse and gardens maintained by the National Trust to look as they would have when she lived there. Coniston is also the final resting place of Donald Campbell; The Ruskin Museum in Coniston plays host to his memory and that of the famous Bluebird K7.
Coniston is liberally sprinkled with cosy pubs dishing up tasty fare made from top quality local produce. Just what you need after you have scaled 'The Old Man'. Pike, and to a lesser extent, trout and perch, live in the lake, so if you prefer a self-catering Coniston holiday, you could always spend the day catching your dinner!
The once rural community of Coniston has lost none of its copious charm. It has successfully avoided over-commercialisation and development to remain as attractive to visitors today as it was in the Victorian era.
