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Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
@philhopkinsuk
12:00 AM 9th December 2022
travel
Weekend

When Coniston Lake District Meets Coniston Yorkshire!

 
“Will it be cold? I mean will I need pyjamas?”

“Probably but don’t forget, we’re not in a tent. It’s a cabin….a posh cabin.”

“So no rain will come in?”

“No, not unless we leave the door open!”

Cold and the threat of showers were always of great concern to my Filipino wife, someone used to temperatures in excess of 32 degrees in her native Manila.

However, the prospect of pleasant Lake District skies and temperatures of around 9 degrees – with little chance of a downpour - did nothing to placate her concerns!

We were on our way to Coniston Park Coppice, one of Experience Freedom’s camp sites in the ‘Lakes’ and home to four new glamping cabins, operated by the brand on behalf of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

It was already 9pm but, in line with advice, we had phoned the site office earlier in the day to advise them of our late arrival time and, courtesy of a key box outside the main reception, had already secured a cabin key and fob to activate the electronic security gate.

Minutes later we were inside our home for the next four nights.

“Wow, it’s got central heating…and a microwave…..and a tv…..and wi-fi,” exclaimed my wife before beaming her final comment: “Think I’ll take a shower!”. Camping under canvas this was not!

Experience Freedom has launched the new cabins in response to an increase in demand for such facilities across Europe, where the glamping sector is set to grow by 11% within the next three years according to market research specialist Arizton: Growth in the UK will also reach an all-time high.

And for those keen to get away for less, while maintaining all their creature comforts, the new cabins make for a perfect escape starting at less than £150 (£128 for members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club) for a two-night, midweek break.
Once I had explained the concept of ‘self-catering’ to my wife earlier in the day, she had raided Aldi and brought enough food to entertain the entire campsite for the evening!

A fridge freezer, four ring gas cooker, work tops, superb shower and the prospect of sleeping in an ‘upstairs’ bunk bed brought squeals of delight.

However, despite five bags of shopping, a cuppa and a sandwich quickly sufficed and, minutes later, we were fast asleep in the ‘first floor’ double bunk!

The campsite is perfectly located: you can walk to Coniston village and enjoy stunning Coniston Water on board one of its 1920’s launches...
...scale the summit of The Old Man of Coniston, enjoy local cycling routes, explore Scafell Pike – England’s highest mountain at 978m above sea level – or simply head for the ubiquitous Windermere.
Breakfasted and ready for adventure we did just that, making for Ambleside Pier...
...to board one of Windermere Lake Cruises’ launches, for the scenic sail to Bowness, always a favourite for a look around with its wonderful array of shops, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction and the newer Windermere Jetty Museum as well as a plethora of pubs, coffee shops and eateries.

Equally, you can stay on the boat and sail further south to sample the Lakeland Motor Museum and its fascinating collection of over 30,000 exhibits tracing the development of road transport throughout the twentieth century.

Housed in a converted mill in the heart of the Lake District, the attraction is located adjacent to the Lake District's arterial A590, between Newby Bridge and Haverthwaite and, next to the main building, in its own unique facility, the Campbell Bluebird Exhibition presents a tribute to the racing careers of Sir Malcolm and Donald Campbell.

Highlights include full sized replicas of the 1935 Blue Bird car, 1939 Blue Bird Boat K4 and 1967 jet hydroplane Bluebird K7.
En route back to Ambleside we stopped off at Brockholes, a beautiful interlude with its stunning lakeside Arts and Crafts villa set in extensive grounds close to the lake shore.

“Don’t forget to wave at the next boat when you’re ready for pick up,” one of the launch staff had warned earlier as we'd disembarked. “If you don’t they mightn’t pick up!”

An hour later we were back on board and within the hour, cooking our evening meal back at base!

It was not hard to relax in our cabin which is ideal for families, sleeping up to four adults, two children and the family dog!

The Coniston Park Coppice campsite is set in the heart of the Lake District National Park meaning, weather and season permitting, you can take advantage of water sports activities such as dinghy sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
“I’ve never heard of them,” said Mrs H. I was stunned to near silence.

“Are you serious?” I said after a few moments, “Laurel and Hardy were once the most famous comedy duo in the world and icons of Hollywood.”

I resolved to drive to Ulverston, home to Bill Cubin’s Laurel and Hardy Museum, and fill the gap in my wife’s cultural history.

For the uninitiated Stan Laurel – largely responsible for the impeccable timing and direction in most of the famous comedy duo’s countless black and white movies -was born in the town, now in Cumbria but part of Lancashire when Stan came into the world in 1890.

It was in this working-class area that Bill Cubin set up his museum and shrine to the silent and ‘talkies’ movie legends almost 40 years ago.

Now, it is housed in the Roxy Cinema on Brogden Street where you can while away the hours surrounded by a sea of all things L & H from teapots to salt salvers. A fascinating afternoon awaits.
As quickly as we had arrived it was time to leave and, before long, we had waved our goodbyes to Coniston and the Campbell legacy to head south towards Yorkshire and another Coniston, this time in Coniston Cold, just outside Skipton, where you will locate the Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, recently awarded an AA Rosette rating.

Out In The (Coniston) Cold!
New Head Chef at The View Restaurant, Thomas Robertson, recently launched the winter menu which celebrates the county’s culinary offerings with fresh local produce and seasonal ingredients backed up by roaring fires and a terrace boasting beautiful views of the lake and rolling Yorkshire Dales.

Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows with stylish décor, The View’s dinner menu offers starter dishes such as: Wood Pigeon with Pickled Blackberries, Hazelnut Granola with a Sherry Vinaigrette. There’s Curried Monk Fish Bon Bon served with Cauliflower and micro Coriander or opt for Wild Mushroom on Brioche Toast with Pickled Turnip, Crushed Jerusalem, Shallot rings and Truffle oil Hollandaise.

Mains also include: Braised Ox Cheek with Carrot, Celeriac and Dauphinoise Potatoes and Jus. Or a lighter choice might be; Pan Fried Sea Bass with Tomato, Squash and Buckwheat Broth with Fried Garlic Kale.

To enjoy Thomas Robertson’s dishes at The Coniston, opt for the Set Lunch Menu from £25.00 Served from Wednesday – Saturday, a 2 Course Lunch is priced at £25.00 and a 3 Course Lunch is £30.00 per person. Booking details below:

KEY INFORMATION
Coniston Park Coppice Club Campsite
www.experiencefreedom.co.uk / www.caravanclub.co.uk Tel: 01539 441555. Dependent on season, two nights start at less than £150. Also available to non-Caravan and Motorhome Club members.
Lakeland Motor Museum
www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk. Tel: 015395 30400
Sat Nav, LA12 8TA (Free parking).
Windermere Lake Cruises
www.windermere-lakecruises.co.uk. Tel: 015394 43360
Coniston Cruises
www.conistonlaunch.co.uk Tel: 07377 187077
Laurel & Hardy Museum
www.laurel-and-hardy.co.uk. Tel: 01229 582292
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa
www.theconistonhotel.com

Glamping Market Research

https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/europe-glamping-market