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Coniston (England)
by redhead78
Being both lucky enough to live only a few miles from Coniston and outdoor enthusiasts we spend a lot of time in and around Coniston doing one of the three things we love best; walking, cycling and canoeing. And I can honestly say that, for me, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Coniston village itself is a ... lovely little place to walk around, but don't go there if you're all about the shopping! Whilst there are some nice little shops to have a mooch around, the focus here definitely isn't retail therapy. What you will find, however, is lovely little cafes and traditional pubs to get a decent meal and a pint.
Much more appealing to us, though, is the surrounding area. If you like the outdoors you really are spoilt for choice here with walks and cycling routes galore. There is a great one from the carpark opposite the land rover garage just outside town, which takes iin felltops with fantastic views, then drops down to finish along the lake edge...just beautiful.
One of the most popular walks in this area is the climb to the top of Coniston Old Man (or The Old Man of Coniston, to some people). It's not an easy climb, but nor is it out of the capability of most able-bodied people and when you get to the top you're rewarded with spectacular panoramic views and a huge sense of achievement that you've climbed a Lake District mountain!
My absolute favourite thing to do in Coniston, however, is to go canoeing around the beautiful lake. On a sunny day, there is nothing better than taking in the peace and quiet of the stunning surroundings and making your way to Peel Island (better known as Wild Cat Island in Swallows and Amazons) and climbing up onto it to enjoy a picnic lunch.
If you're after peace, tranquility and absolutely amazing scenery, you can't beat Coniston...and every time I stand on the shore and look up the lake I have to pinch myself and remind myself how lucky I am to live here.
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Stockport (England)
by sarah1423
This is where I live, thankfully in one of the nicer parts.
There are some nice parts of stockport but to be honest there are a lot nicer places to visit.
Town center shops- There are a large selection of shops and supermarkets and you will probably be able to find everything you need. Theres a tesco, Sainsburys and ... Asda aswel as smaller names like farm foods and small newsagents. There are some good clothes shops but if you want to go a on spending spree I would go to manchester. One aspect of Stockport that makes it stand out is the market which has benn going for years and is one of a small selection left in the country, it sells pretty much everything you would expect and part of it is covered, I would recommend buying food from the butchers there as its great, however beware of knock-off brands.
Food/entertainment- Theres plenty of cafes such as starbucks and carfe nero, there are also privatley run cafes. The restraunts arent great if you want a burger from mcdonalds then you are in the right place but look elsewhere for fine dinning. There are a few pubs, I would reccomend the magnet which is on wellington road/A6 as you approach Stockport from Manchester. There is also the odd club which I would highley reccomend you avoid unless you want to be in a club full of 15year olds scrapping with each other.
Other places of interest- Stockport is famous for maiing hats and there is a hat museum on the A6, if your interested in stockports history then have a look around here, it doesnt look like much from the outside but its quite big when you get in. There is also the town hall and Stockport art gallery, I hevent been in these places so I cant really comment on them.
Community- This is the main let down in stockport I dont wish to sound snobby but if you ever wondered where all the peopel on jeremy kyle come from then you have found your answer!
If you are around the area then pay Stockport a visit but I wouldnt expect big things.
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Telford in general
by Schultzee123
I have been living in Telford since 1997, having moved to England from Cananda.
Although Telford does lack culture, it makes up for it in having everything else you need in shops and services. You won't get anything much in restaurants apart from the chain ones, but if that suits you then Telford is the place to be - if ... not, then Shrewsbury is on 20 mins by car down the road, where the restaurant scene is totally different!
So, living in Telford gives you the best of both worlds - you can get all the run of the mill shops you are used to - Debenhams, B&Q, Primark, Marks & Spencer, etc, but if you fancy something different, then Ironbridge and Shrewsbury are only down the road.
Lots of charity shops in Wellington and Oakengates too, if that is your scene!
The town centre is the main indoor shopping mall, flanked by a few well stocked retail parks. The town centre is going to change a lot in the next few years though, with a new hotel, cinema and leisure complex, plus new housing, to be put in place - check out "The heart of Telford" on the internet if you want to find out more! Parking for shopping is ample, but you do have to pay, but the rates are the same as anywhere else.
Lots of cycleways to use as well.
People find it confusing to drive round if they are not from Telford, as there are lots and lots of roundabouts!
Still a town to find its feet, but give it 20 more years and I think it will be just right!
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