Early morning – and the high winds containing gigantic fistfuls of rain slash across our windows. I awoke to a world of grey and the whistling sound of snaking gusts taking corners at speed as they whizzed between and past building after building in Bowness-on-Windermere. As I contemplated the combination of crazed winds and what sounded like drumming rain from within the warmth and cosiness of our Bowness family home and guest house, Blenheim Lodge, I wondered whether the weather would ease up before the afternoon.

2 p.m.: time to run some errands. The wind had lost some of its power and the sun was making a bid – although not entirely successfully – to show its face. As I stepped outside, a warm wind kissed my cheek. I could hardly believe it! I had expected the outdoors to feel cold and damp, but the winds had quite blown away the rain – and, there was no bite in the wind at all. In fact, it felt rather pleasant wandering about Windermere and Ambleside town centres whilst enjoying today’s higher than average November temperature.

It is almost 5 pm now and dark outside – possibly because of still cloudy skies. But there is NO RAIN. There is hope yet that our Lake District weather will be bright and balmy tomorrow! I seldom if ever consult weather forecasts as quite often the reality we experience in the Lake District National Park is quite different from the forecasters’ predictions. It was only last week when stormy skies were predicted for the area; instead, we enjoyed balmy weather under bright blue skies.

Far reaching views of Lake Windermere and the fells as seen from The Attic bedroom at Blenheim Lodge. (2 November 2015)
Far reaching views of Lake Windermere and the fells as seen from The Attic bedroom at Blenheim Lodge. (2 November 2015)

Visitors to the Lake District need not be put off by wet or cold weather. All one needs to do is to dress accordingly and take it all in one’s stride. Besides, there is so much to see and do under cover anyway, from historic houses to tourist attractions, from lake cruises to riding steam trains, from indulging in sumptuous afternoon teas to working those calories off on indoor climbing walls.

Climbing an ice wall indoors. (Photo courtesy of http://www.kingkongclimbingcentre.co.uk/facilities-2/ice-wall/#prettyPhoto.)
Climbing an ice wall indoors. (Photo courtesy of http://www.kingkongclimbingcentre.co.uk.)

We can offer late availability rooms at our guest house should you feel like braving the unknown – well, the weather can be an unknown. We offer warm, cosy, home-from-home accommodation, and there is also a comfortable lounge to spread out in. Make yourselves at home at Blenheim Lodge. Curl up with hot drinks and biscuits as you relax in our guest lounge, absorb the tranquility, and take those 40 winks that you can ill afford when you are bustling about in your busy lives. We would be delighted to welcome you!

The view of Lake Windermere and fells over Old Bowness taken from The Fairfield room at Blenheim Lodge, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District National Park, taken on 22 November 2013.
The view of Lake Windermere and fells over Old Bowness taken from The Fairfield room at Blenheim Lodge, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District National Park. The Fairfield has a large 7-8 foot bay window, and this photograph is being taken through one of the glass panes.

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: http://www.blenheim-lodge.com

Email: enquiries@blenheim-lodge.com

Telephone: 015394 43440