When is the best time to visit Coniston?
Coniston is a beautiful place to visit all year round, however there are pros and cons depending on which season you visit.
Spring (March- June)
Spring is a beautiful season in the Lake District; lambs are jumping around the fields and fells, daffodils are blooming and tourists are returning following the quieter winter months. Coniston has a range of activities to enjoy in the spring for a solo trip or a family getaway.
Vibrantly coloured spring walks…
Hikes around Coniston’s gardens and woodlands will showcase springs blooms including new daffodils, bluebells and purple orchids. The gardens at Brantwood house will be at their best during the springtime as well as the woodland trails and banks around Coniston Water.
Spring events
In the nearby picturesque Duddon Valley, the climbing and outdoor festival Lakes Fest runs from 22nd-24th April hosting hiking and adventure activities for families and both novice and experienced climbers. The event is a small festival organised by a group of local volunteers with support from the BMC and Kendal Wall.
Summer (June- September)
Summer is the most popular time for visitors to the Lake District with warmer weather, longer days and public holidays encouraging tourists. Coniston is often packed with people and families during the summertime making it a lively, exciting place to be!
Outdoor activities
Anything outdoors is best enjoyed when the weather is warm and dry, and lots of outdoor activity organisations only host events in the summer. Boat trips from Coniston Boating Centre run more frequently in the summer alongside the re-opening of the centres outdoor activity days and hire.
Camping
Campsites in Coniston reopen for the summer season following winter closures including
Summer Events
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn is a beautiful time in the Lake District, with summer crowds disappearing and autumn leaves falling, its time for wild, wrapped up walks, cosy pubs, hot chocolates and Halloween activities…
Autumn coloured hikes…
Hiking around Coniston during autumn is a beautiful time, with woodland walks being a great option to display the leaves changing colours alongside some of the grassier fells which showcase stunning purple heather and orange bracken. Autumn colours reflecting on Coniston Water make for scenic lakeside hikes also! Some nearby vibrant woodland walks to explore include Grizedale Forest and Tarn Hows.
Winter (November- February)
Winter is likely the quietest time of year in the Lake District with closed amenities and cold weather keeping many tourists away. This doesn’t mean Coniston is off limits; it’s a great way to explore and enjoy the village without the crowds. Winter in Coniston can mean stunning snowy hikes, cosy pubs with a roaring fire and festive Christmas days…
Winter walks…
Although short, dark days are common in winter, local walks can still be enjoyable with an early start, the right kit and skills. Nearby mountains that are particularly beautiful in winter and snow include The Old Man of Coniston, Dow Crag and Wetherlam. There’s no need to feel like you’re rushing home after a winter hike, accommodation in Coniston is at its lowest price during the winter months, so staying at a cosy hotel for a winters night is more affordable this time of year. Nearby hotels often offering winter deals include the Coniston Inn and the Black Bull Inn.
Cosy pubs
Finding a cosy pub with a fire is a great way to end a winter’s day in Coniston. Local pubs including the Black Bull Inn and The Sun have cosy, roaring fires to warm up next to with a pint of locally brewed ale!
Christmas activities
Coniston is a beautiful, festive town around Christmas time, with plenty of local businesses and shops ideal for Christmas shopping, with a variety of cosy, small cafes and pubs for a mid-shopping coffee or pint.
Brantwood is even more beautiful at Christmas time, with the house often hosting festive activities including a winter craft fair and the opportunity to enjoy a tasty Christmas lunch! As well as the historic houses craft fair, other shops in Coniston village provide specialist Christmas gifts including gift festive gift hampers from Coniston Fudge, gifts and gallery and Coniston Brewery.