More information about The Coniston in Skipton, Yorkshire

The Garforth family laid the estate’s first roots, building an impressive Victorian hall. Sadly, its owner passed before seeing his vision complete – leaving a bittersweet mark on The Coniston’s early history.

Michael and Ethne Bannister, along with their four children, became the proud new custodians of The Coniston Estate – beginning a family story woven with Yorkshire grit and hospitality.

Coniston Hall had beauty but little comfort. With heavy hearts, the family made the tough decision to take it down, clearing the way for a new chapter.

A new home rose in the heart of the estate – elegant yet cosy, and perfectly positioned to soak up sweeping Dales views from every window.

Change was in the air! The Bannisters opened a thriving fish farm, which soon evolved into a farm shop run by Ethne and the late Tom Bannister. Locals popped in for fresh produce… and quickly began asking for tea.

The little tearoom became a local favourite, drawing visitors from near and far. But as appetites grew, so did the menu – and soon, guests stayed for dinner too.

The Coniston Hotel was born – a 40-bedroom haven with dining, event spaces and activities to showcase the beauty of the estate. A new era of growth had begun.

From just one employee in the early days, we now welcomed over 100 team members! The hotel expanded with 21 extra bedrooms and our much-loved Lake View Restaurant – a true feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

A dream long in the making: our state-of-the-art spa opened its doors. This landmark addition became a guest favourite and boosted our team to over 150 passionate members.

In challenging times, we doubled down on our commitment to excellence. Our main restaurant was transformed into The View – complete with an alfresco terrace, the perfect spot to drink in those stunning panoramas.

Lockdown brought change and opportunity. Our spa re-emerged as Nàdarra Spa, Macleod’s Bar became a welcoming lounge space, and our luxurious Dales Rooms opened – each with unforgettable lake views.