Coniston
This small lake resort and boating center attracts climbers to the steep peak of the Old Man of Coniston (2,635 feet), which towers above the slate-roof houses. It also has sites related to John Ruskin. Quieter than Windermere, Coniston is a good introduction to the pastoral and watery charms of the area, though the small town itself can get crowded in summer.
Recommended Fodor's Video
Elsewhere in The Lake District
Windermere and Bowness-on-Windermere >
Restaurants (5), Things to do (10), Hotels (6)
Keswick >
Restaurants (3), Things to do (10), Hotels (2)
Penrith >
Restaurants (2), Things to do (9), Hotels (3)
Ambleside >
Restaurants (6), Things to do (2), Hotels (5)
Grasmere >
Restaurants (3), Things to do (4), Hotels (4)
Kendal >
Restaurants (3), Things to do (7), Hotels (1)