If you’re looking for a base for your Lake District holiday, a cottage in Coniston takes some beating. The friendly village offers amazing walks, hikes, and treks right from your front door, and friendly pubs and local shops mean there are plenty of amenities to keep you fed, watered, and entertained, despite feeling ‘off-grid’.
The lake is around half a mile down from the village, and the lumbering hillscape of Coniston Old Man hunkers down behind this small cluster of homes and shops.
At five miles long and half a mile wide, the lake itself offers plenty in the way of watersports, and scenic walking – the beautiful tarns offer wild swimming opportunities too, alongside the paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing you can do on the water’s surface. Nearby Grizedale Forest offers amazing walks and cycle routes for a completely different landscape, and if you want to beat a hasty retreat indoors, the Ruskin Museum illustrates the fascinating area’s history. The Eastern shores of the lake are home to Brantwood, John Ruskin’s Victorian home, which is also well worth a visit.
The Shieling
Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms
This traditional 18th-century Lakeland cottage is a traditional, whitewashed terrace. Situated just under the Yewdale Crags, its hill views offer great vistas right from your door. Two bedrooms (one double and one twin) offer beautiful mountain views, so you can watch clouds scud over the awe-inspiring landscape, tempting you to get your boots and coats on, stat! A traditional Lakeland Victorian cast iron range (you might recognise the style from Beatrix Potter illustrations) provides a traditional look – and the warmth of a raging fire to cosy up in front of, on your return. Cosy and well-equipped, this Coniston cottage is full of charm, and ideally located only 5 minute’s walk from Coniston’s pubs, cafes, and shops. A patio means that you can make the most of any clement weather, taking in the spectacular scenery.
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Address: 2 Far End, Coniston, LA21 8DD
The Presbytery
Sleeps 16, 6 bedrooms
This grand Victorian house offers beautiful views over Coniston Water. Perfect for a big family meet-up, many of the the six bedrooms are family rooms, so the house can sleep up to 16 guests. Plenty of space and gardens to boot mean it’s great for families and multi-generational groups. Built in the 1800s, the grand old house is simply furnished, the ideal respite after a day walking or exploring the area. The dedicated bike store makes it great for bringing your own bikes (cycle along the old railway, which is a very pleasant route into the village), and then choose whether to head down lakeside or up into the surrounding fells. Pets are welcome, on prior arrangement.
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Address: Haws Bank, Coniston, LA21 8AW, United Kingdom
Thwaite House
7 bedrooms, sleeps 14
This superb house is ideally located in lovely Coniston – you’ll find a shop half a mile away, and a pub only 0.1 mile away! Stylishly and simply appointed during a recent high-spec renovation, this home provides comfortable respite from the howling gales you might leave behind outside – or views over the azure blue skies and dramatic fells when the weather plays ball!
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The living areas are perfectly equipped for catering to bigger numbers with double ovens, two dishwashers, and seating for 10. The wood burning stove creates a really snug atmosphere to cosy up in as the night draws in, and the snug offers a Smart TV and DVD player to keep everybody happily entertained. A highchair and travel cot are available, making it all the easier to travel with little ones, and the well-appointed bedrooms are well-served, with plenty of bathrooms available.
The house stands proudly in its mature gardens and offers parking for seven cars. Up to two well-behaved dogs are welcome.
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Address: Coniston, LA21 8AJ
Waverley
8 bedrooms, sleeps 16
Situated just minutes walk from the heart of Coniston village, this imposing house of Lakeland stone dating from the mid-1800s is a welcoming spot to return to after a day spent outdoors. A modern refurbishment has created a tasteful and stripped-back interior, with bare board floors and Edison bulbs. Views of the surrounding fells will keep your eyes drawn to the windows, and a spacious dining room with seating for all 16 of you really makes for a convivial dining experience. The games room in the cellar, complete with table tennis, will keep everybody occupied – whether that’s lounging in front of the log burner with a glass of wine, cooking up a storm, or having a game. Two highchairs are available (but bring your own travel cots).
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A Tesla charging point enables you to charge your electric car, and parking for 6 plus bike storage means there are lots of ways to get around.
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Address: Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8EW
Secret Cottage
3 bedrooms, sleeps 6
Just a stone’s throw from the centre of Coniston, Secret Cottage is a fabulous retreat for a family get together, or fun with friends. The ‘secret’, detached cottage is a 19th century former coach house. Located in an idyllic riverside location, it offers a garden with stunning mountain views.Three ensuite bedrooms ensure everybody can enjoy their own bathroom facilities, and the sympathetic recent renovations make sure that you can relax in comfort and simple style in this ‘home-from-home’. Behind the other houses on Lake Road, its tucked away locale will make returning home feel special and exclusive, but when you go out, you’re so conveniently located for all that Coniston affords its visitors. Sit and eat outside beside the babbling brook in good weather, or retreat into the Scandi-style kitchen for a dinner inside.
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Address: Thurston, Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8EW
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Buzzard’s Reach
2 bedroom, sleeps 4
Buzzard’s Reach, formerly Rose Loft, offers fabulous views, with the Old Man of Coniston right on the doorstep. Right in the heart of the village, the self-contained apartment is split over two floors, affording fabulous mountain views. The high quality finish and modern feel of the apartment feels lush, and offers a real ‘wow’ factor. Perfect for two couples or a family wishing to explore Coniston, the 70s feel and extraordinary dining room views give an almost Thunderbirds vibe, and will certainly make your holiday feel special.
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Address: Tilberthwaite Avenue, Coniston, LA21 8ED
Gatesgarth
4 bedrooms, sleeps 8
This exciting, modern and luxurious accommodation offers a fabulous location, with awe-inspiring views. A converted bungalow, the four bedrooms are all well-equipped, and the mezzanine-style first floor sitting room with woodburining stove offers than cosy comfort we all crave after a day spent in the great outdoors, as well as spectacular views. A decking area outside features a hot tub, for a real treat. Two small dogs are allowed at the property. The finish is all of the highest quality, which truly adds up to make such a special and one-off experience.
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Address: Coniston, LA21 8EU, United Kingdom
Hopefully this list of some of our favourite Coniston cottages will be food for thought for your next trip to the Lakes! Whether a holiday away a deux or a family affair, the Lakes has something to offer.
