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Unique English Lake District Cottages for 2 - 30 people
Wigan Evening Post 09 September 2008
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By Tony Gleave
After many a happy treck up the M6 for a relaxing weekend it's hard to imagine that there are still some hidden treasures to be discovered in the Lake District.
But nestled away high on the fells above Coniston with just grazing for sheep and fell walkers for company you will find the gem that is The Coppermines Cottages.
The wonderfully atmospheric accommodation, full of Lakeland character, is actually a converted Victorian sawmill and sits proudly amid the mountain streams and the fantastic scenery the area has to offer with Coniston Water visible at the bottom of the valley.
The building has been restored to actually form four seperate cottages - Carpenters, Pelton Wheel, Sawyers and Mill Race- which are ideal for either a romantic hideaway for two or a family trip away and if you fancy heading up there for a huge get-together then that's OK too as all the cottages can be linked through passageways and doors to accommodate 30 people.
Our family-of-five weekend away saw us stay in the charming Carpenters Cottage which had everything to satisfy our needs and more from a well-equipped kitchen, stylish beamed bedrooms, and ensuite bathrooms - plus those home comforts like Sky TV.
There is so much to explore right outside the cottage with the children captivated by the old mine trucks and mining tools which surround the area and a throw back to the old mining days as well as the waterfalls, streams and caves waiting to be discovered.
Just a couple of words of warning though - the rugged track leading to the cottages can be a bit hairy at the first time of asking and we were certainly relieved to be tackling it in daylight..... it nay have been a more stressful drive in the dark so be advised to take a tourch if you are tackling it later at night.
Also the distance back to the village is quite a way and certainly not in quick walking distance so if you intend to dine inside the cottage then stock up with food beforehand. Coniston was an inspiration for author Arthur Ransome to write Swallows and Amazons and was of course also made famous by Donald Campbell's world water speed record attempt in his speedboat Bluebird who ended in tragedy.
So obviously the main focal point of the area is Coniston Water and there you will find Coniston Boating Centre which occupies a sheltered bay at the northern end of the water.
If your idea of fun is messing about on the water for a couple of hours they have boats to serve all tastes, from electrically powered self drive launches that can carry up to eight people to traditional wooden rowing boats or sailing dinghies and canoes for the more experienced users.
The electric option is wonderful for families and allows a leisurely cruise along the 8km long strtch of water taking in Peel Island made famous by Ransome's classic story - making it all the more special for the younger members of our party during our Saturday morning cruise in the sun.
Eldest son, Thomas, eight, had read the classic story in the run-up to our weekend away so the boat trip eas 'brought to life' in his eyes as he spotted the launch and the island.
The friendly staff at the centre will be more than happy to help in any way and sailing tuition is also available by prior arrangement.
If, of course, you would rather just sit back and admire the views then the popular steam gondola offers regular trips and the waterside cafe and picnic areas are on hand after working up a healthy appetite.
Coniston Village itself is the home of many traditional shops as several cafes and pubs offering a bustling scene on a balmy Saturday evening.
After an early morning Sunday stroll in the fells, the car was packed and a visit was made to the Lakes Aquarium on the southern shore of Lake Windermere close to Newby Bridge before the journey home.
The award-winning attraction is much more than just an aquarium though - there are encounters with otters, come face to face with snakes from the rainforests, see piranhas up close and discover the wildlife that lives on the British beach.
The whole experience is supplemented with a quick trail for children who will pick up the answers from information provided while passimg through each area and there is even the opportunity to feed the marine life on view with helpful staff on hand to answer any question.
The Lake District has something for everyone and we will be heading back sooner rather than later!
Coniston Boating Centre
Aquarium of the Lakes
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The Coppermines & Coniston Lakes Cottages |
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We Sponsor Coniston |
All our Cottages are fully inspected and independently graded for Quality Assurance |
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