Greener Stays in the Lake District

Here at the Coppermines Lakes Cottages we understand that environment concerns and the need to reduce our carbon footprints are at the forefront of all our minds. That’s why we’re taking steps to help create a greener, cleaner Lake District for everyone’s future. From planting 4,000 trees across our Coniston Conservation Area and switching to eco-friendly cleaning produce and from car-sharing initiatives amongst our staff to the installation of EV charging points, we are making changes driven by the need to a create positive environmental impact.

So what, as a visitor to the Lakes can you do to help? We’ve put together some considerations, tips on advice on staying greener here in the glorious Lake District National Park.

Choose your cottage location carefully

Location, Location, Location. Yes location really is everything! By opting to stay outside the National Park boundary you may find yourself jumping in the car every day to get where you want to be. Think carefully about what you want from your Lake District holiday and selection a location accordingly. That way you can minimise travel in and around the Lakes, benefiting from activities and walks on your cottage doorstep with little or no need to use your car.

All Coppermines Cottages are located within the National Park boundary with different areas providing different Lake District experiences. Looking for a forest based, cycling holiday? Low Bowkerstead Cottage in Grizedale is situated within the Forestry Commission’s’ Grizedale Forest. Looking for a village holiday with pubs and shops on your doorstep? Our Coniston village cottages all offer easy, walking access to the charming village centre. Walking your thing? Staying in Coppermines Valley gives you direct access to spectacular fell walks from your doorstep. Want to spend the week on the water, Grange Cottage and Beech Tree Cottage enjoy private, direct Lake Access! Whatever you’re looking for in a Lake District holiday we have the cottage, and the location to suit.

Chose a cottage with dedicated EV charging

The Five Star Gold rated Mill Pool Barn in Torver was our first cottage to install a dedicated EV charging point. Since then, Thwaite Cottage in Coniston has now installed 2 EV charging points. With more charging points in other cottages planned for the near future, a petrol/diesel free holiday is becoming much more achievable and stress-free.

Longer stays – reduce the impact of your journey by choosing a longer stay here in the Lakes. Consider extending your short break to a full week or even longer. There’s so much to discover here in the Lake District National Park, as well as the wider Cumbria area, that even during a full week, fortnight or longer stay you’ll never be short of incredible things to see, amazing things to do and wonderful places to go. Plus new for 2022 we are now offering special discounts on your second week should you choose a longer break in the Lakes.

Holiday together – join up with another couple, friends or family and travel together – reducing the carbon footprint of travelling by turning 2 separate holidays in to one “the more the merrier” celebration. We have a collection of larger cottages, big enough for 2 or more families to holiday together with plenty of space for getting together – and for spreading out. Holidaying as a couple? Many of our sleep 4 cottages come with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms – so why not join up with friends and holiday together whilst still enjoying your own private, en suite accommodation.  

Utilise Public Transport

You’re on holiday so why not give your trusty family car a break too! It’s possible to park up at your cottage and enjoy a short break or full week without the need for your car to leave the driveway. Buses in Coniston run to Hawkshead, Windermere and Ambleside where connecting services go on to Grasmere, Keswick, Langdale and other key Lake District destinations. Jumping on and off a bus also gives great flexibility in terms of walking – instead of a circular walk to and from wherever you’ve parked your car, combining a walk with a bus ride allows you to take in even more of the fabulous scenery. It’s not just buses either – Coniston Gondola offers a laid back cruise of the lake which can be teamed with a scenic lakeside walk – all without the expense or worry of finding suitable parking and it’s better for the environment too!

Cycle don’t drive

The ultimate in green transport, cycling is a wonderful way to take in the Lakes. Plus all those Cumbrian hills means you earn extra points at the pub afterwards – extra chips – yes please! Many of our cottages include cycle storage, and whether you prefer mountain biking or road cycling there are some unrivalled routes available straight from your Coppermines Cottage. Into Mountain Biking? Our Grizedale Forest cottages offer mile upon mile of forest track cycling straight from the door – the only fuel you’ll burn is that croissant you had for breakfast.

Choose a cottage without a hot tub

If you’re conscious of the need to conserve energy, prefer your bubbles in a champagne flute or simply prefer to enjoy a relaxing soak in a traditional indoor bath, then opting for a cottage without a hot tub could be your greener option. Cottages such as Gate House, Smithy Cottage and Waingarth Cottage have picturesque, peaceful outside spaces for relaxing and dining but without an energy hungry hot tub. Can someone please pass the prosecco?

Local carbon off-setting: Find a way to Give Back

Volunteer while you’re here perhaps, engage in a plant a tree program. Coppermines is now part of the Queen’s Green Canopy – Plant a Tree for the Jubliee scheme. So far we have planted 4,000 saplings within our Conservation Area. Follow our social media pages to find out our next volunteering opportunity.

You can also support the Lakes with a Fix The Fells Donation – you can choose to donate a little as £2 when booking your Coppermines Cottage online.

There are lots of other opportunities for volunteering while you are visiting the Lake District. Visit the official Lake District website lakedistrict.gov.uk for further information.