The lake is about half a mile down from the village, where you can hire boats and bikes from Coniston Boating Centre. There are shops, pubs and places to eat in the village, and a range of guest houses, B and Bs and holiday cottages in Coniston and nearby.

For the best view of Coniston Water lake, you need to climb a little. The green state village of Coniston, once a center for copper mining, now caters for walkers. An enjoyable excursions is the summer lake trip from Coniston Pier on the National Trust steam yacht, Gondola, calling a Brantwood.

The 19^th century art critic, writer and philosopher John Ruskin had a fine view from his house, Brantwood, where his paintings can be seen today. Contemporary art exhibitions and events take place throughout the year.

Dotted around Coniston Water are Hawkshead, a quaint village with timber-framed houses, and Grizedale Forest, scattered with woodland sculptures and popular with mountain bikers. Tarn Hows is a landscaped turn surrounded by woods. Walkers can enjoy a pleasant climb up the 803-m Old Man of Coniston.