I was reading the local Westmorland Gazette recently and came across an interesting article. At midday on New Year’s Day 2015, there will be a wacky pram race through the streets of Windermere. According to the newspaper,

Up until about 15 years ago people in the Lake District town marked the coming of the New Year with a fancy dress pram race around the town’s streets, with the main focus being on taking a “pit-stop” at the pubs and bars along the way. However, next year Windermere and Ambleside Lions Club are planning to resurrect the tradition, but with more of a focus on the timing than imbibing. South Lakeland District councillor Ben Berry, who is the event director, said the race would take the form of a series of time trials around a half mile circuit through the town, before the fastest competitors go head-to-head.

(http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/11592563)

An old photo by Pippa Wilson of a Windermere Pram Race event courtesy of http://www.windermerepramrace.co.uk/library-of-old-photos/.
An old photo by Pippa Wilson of a Windermere Pram Race event courtesy of http://www.windermerepramrace.co.uk/library-of-old-photos/.

Since we did not move to the Lake District until 12 years ago, I had never heard of the Pram Race until now. But what a good idea that this race will no longer be alcohol-based and will instead be used for raising much needed funds for charities. Below is an image of the proposed route for the Windermere Pram Race 2015.

Map of Windermere Pram Race on 1st January 2015. Photo curtesy of http://www.windermerepramrace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/map.png.
Map of Windermere Pram Race on 1st January 2015. Photo curtesy of http://www.windermerepramrace.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/map.png.

Spectators will make the event more festive. Or you could also take part! More details about the Windermere Pram Race is available here: www.windermerepramrace.co.uk.

For guests staying at Blenheim Lodge, our Bed and Breakfast is only a mile from Windermere or 15-20 minutes’ walk. There will be road closures in Windermere because of the event, but these should not affect our guests as Blenheim Lodge is located in Bowness-on-Windermere, a mile north of Windermere town centre. More details about the Windermere Pram Race is available here: www.windermerepramrace.co.uk.

christmas windermere
Christmas lights in Windermere during New Year.

The Lake District National Park will be open as usual to welcome in the New Year, and we still have late availability at Blenheim Lodge B&B. Book direct with us by phone, email or through our own online booking platform either via this blog or on our website, and you will also get a free box of handmade chocolate truffles worth £8.75 free of charge per room.

The Attic, a bedroom at Blenheim Lodge guest house, with Louis XV bed.
The Attic is on the second floor of our guest house and guests staying in this characterful room will enjoy panoramic views of Lake Windermere from the Velux window. The tariff over New Year is £57.50 per person per night for bed and breakfast.

Look forward to seeing you!

Lake and mountain view from Blenheim Lodge B&B
A fabulous Winter landscape showcasing Lake Windermere to the mountains beyond from Blenheim Lodge Guest House in Bowness on Windermere.

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