This weekend saw a group of off-roaders staying at our guest house, Blenheim Lodge. Hubby and I like the look and feel of Land Rovers, so it was a wonderful opportunity to see a variety of these parked in our on-site car park. Speaking to the off-roaders, one truly gets a sense of their passion for their vehicles and the community within which they enjoy their sport.

Of course the weather has been mostly kind this weekend, with only short episodes of light rain to contend with. Our off-roaders had an early breakfast and were out of the house before 8:30 am. They met up with some other off-roaders who were staying in and around Bowness, and off they went on their adventure.

A beautiful day to enjoy off-roading in the Lake District National Park. This photo of Lake Windermere and the fells was taken from our lounge window at Blenheim Lodge.
A beautiful day to enjoy off-roading in the Lake District National Park. This photo of Lake Windermere and the fells was taken from our lounge window at Blenheim Lodge.

A few years ago, we enjoyed admiring the glorious lines of some classic cars which were parked in our drive. One of these classic cars had been transported all the way from Japan by a Japanese guest so that he might go trundling along quintessential English countryside in it! Hubby was invited to get into the car with him, but whilst Hubby would have loved to sit in the car, he was at that time suffering from a bad back and did not think he would manage to fold himself small enough to get in and out of the sporty Morgan easily – and so he unfortunately had to decline. What a wasted opportunity!

Hubby and I love the look of classic cars. I think we simply like all that polished wood and quirky detail. There is always character to these cars, and the materials they are made of do not look plasticky, unlike some modern cars, which seem to be encumbered by a good number of plastic facings and no true hand craftsmanship. (Of course, there is computer-generated design, with meticulous attention to detail that add to the safety and velocity of modern cars.) Old cars may be very basic in function and, in old Land Rovers, also very basic in comfort and detail. But, somehow, there is a charm to them that is missing from modern vehicles. I think the word I want is ‘character’.

Classic cars race up Fleetwith Pike, Lake District. I could not resist sharing this quirky photo of two individuals sitting in the boot of this little car! (www.itv.com/news/border/story/2012-11-10/honistor-vintage-rally)
Classic cars race up Fleetwith Pike, Lake District. I could not resist sharing this quirky photo of two individuals sitting in the boot of this little car! (www.itv.com/news)

Hubby and I would love to welcome more motor enthusiasts to stay at Blenheim Lodge. The Land Rover gathering this weekend has reminded us just how much we would like to welcome more Land Rover enthusiasts and has also whetted our appetite for welcoming other motoring groups, notably classic car groups that might like to go rallying in or explore the Lakes. As we have our own car park on site, it makes it rather ideal for enthusiasts who wish to park their cars off road.

Blenheim Lodge is not particularly large by accommodation standards, so a gathering of up to 21 people who wish to take a group break together would find our friendly Bed and Breakfast eminently suitable. Our guest house also has a variety of rooms offering various sleeping configurations for single, double, twin and triple occupancy, so we can cater well to guests travelling singly or with other people. We have a welcoming lounge which guests can use anytime and if there is a group of people who want to have a whole house to themselves, then it is possible to rent the whole of Blenheim Lodge for a few days or weekend.

So, if you would like a place to meet up for your particular group, whether it is a motoring or other activity group, a family group or study group, do contact us at Blenheim Lodge. Or if your group requires assistance in arranging activities whilst visiting the Lakes, do phone us for a chat and we will do our best to help. You will find a warm welcome here.

blenheim lodge, lake district
Stay in one of our B&B rooms at Blenheim Lodge. The Langdale is one of our bedrooms from which guests may enjoy stupendous views of Lake Windermere and the fells from the triple floor to ceiling bay windows.

Blenheim Lodge . . . panoramic Lake views, peace and tranquillity, nestled against acres of beautiful fields and woodlands, in the heart of the English Lake District National Park.’

Visit our website: www.blenheim-lodge.com

Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com

Telephone: 015394 43440