HAPPY TO HELP “This Gondola, is it a cable car and does it go all the way up the Old Man?” asked one of Coniston Information Centre’s 2.5 million visitors. Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the centre - one of the Lake District’s busiest information outlets - prides itself on being ready and willing to deliver a wide-range of services. Five members of staff have forged strong links to the community and have become adept at stifling smiles when visitors come up with some howlers. One very polite customer asked: “Sorry to trouble you, but could you tell me where the nearest tourist information centre is, please?” Another wanted an argument settling: “Is a cairn a clump of trees or a small pond?” Sadly, there was no help for the poor soul who called in to report the loss a roller brush in the cemetery. Open seven days a week winter and summer - with extended opening hours in peak seasons - the Lake District National Park Authority centre offers invaluable advice on accommodation, outdoor activities, including walking and cycling routes, visitor attractions to weather, transport to events. Since the centre opened a decade ago, it has attracted 2.5 million visitors, who have benefited not just from the staff’s comprehensive knowledge, but also from the many other services and attractions on offer. A popular display is a large interpretive 3-dimensional model of the Coniston Basin and visitors enjoy browsing through the large selection of books, maps, posters, postcards, gifts and Made in Cumbria treats. Fishing licences and permits can be purchased, along with bus and cruise tickets and tours booked. Enquiries and information are also forwarded to the centre from Coniston’s community website. Summer opening times are 9.30 to 17.30 and in winter, excluding public holidays and Monday and Tuesday in January and February, 10.00 to 15.30. Coniston National Park Information Centre Ruskin Avenue Coniston Cumbria LA21 8EH Tel: 015394 41533 Fax: 015394 41802 For further information and ideas do call in to visit us when in the area or visit the Lake District National Park Authority Web Site at: www.lake-district.gov.uk
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