Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has played host to a stylish cavalcade of classic car aficionados, with a visit from the Northern Section of the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club (RREC).
The international organisation, which includes both Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts, utilised the spa resort as a hospitality and staging post for a long weekend rally of driving in the Lake District.
A total of 38 classic Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars were convened by a group of 72 club members from as far afield as Dorset, Essex, the Midlands and Scotland.
The wide-ranging array of vehicles included a 20hp Rolls Royce GH24 open tourer dating back to 1923, another vintage model from 1936 and a contemporary 2024 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost.
The four day classic car rally event also marked the 60th anniversary of the club and included a drive around Windermere to Coniston for a fascinating and moving talk on the history of the Bluebird and Donald Campbell’s water speed records. With Bluebird recently restored and due to return to Coniston Water, this was a poignant and timely event.
There was also a group visit to the Coniston copper mines, including the most challenging drive of the weekend, the demanding ascent to the mines via a steep, narrow gravel track. Both the 1923 and 1936 classic Rolls-Royce models performed admirably in making it to the summit, so all the drivers were rewarded with the spectacular views over Coniston Water.
This was followed by a more leisurely and scenic drive down to Rayrigg Hall, a rarely accessed, privately owned historic home dating back to the 1550s and set in its own extensive grounds. The driving group was treated to a guided tour of the house and gardens, as well as an informative talk about the history of the hall.
Perhaps the centrepiece of the weekend was a Saturday night black tie gala dinner for the club members in one of Low Wood Bay’s private ballrooms.
And a private charter boat cruise from Low Wood Bay’s private jetty on the Sunday was rounded off with a sumptuous afternoon tea in the hotel’s Coniston suite.
All in all, it was a relaxed and sociable gathering where members got to know each other and had the opportunity to admire the classic cars on display.
Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has a history of connections with motor sport, not least in that Norman Buckley, great uncle of Ben Berry, our current Managing Director, was a world water speed record holder and a test driver for the forerunner of the car company that became Jaguar.
The spa resort has hosted a number of vintage and classic car clubs over the years, with part of the appeal being able to accommodate large groups for consecutive night stays. Another benefit of the venue is its secure, enclosed car parking facilities and ample space for vintage car owners to tune up and showcase their vehicles to hotel guests and visitors.
Dave Kerrigan, Vice Chairman & Secretary for the Northern Section of the RREC, said: “The stay at Low Wood Bay was an exceptional, truly five-star experience from start to finish. The hotel team delivered 110% commitment and effort in every area, helping make our event a huge success. Their personal touch made everyone feel genuinely welcomed and valued throughout our stay.
“The event showcased an impressive range of vehicles, representing a full century of engineering excellence. Every car was immaculately presented and a credit to their owner. We are only custodians of these marvellous creations and each car has its own story to tell.
“What impressed us most was the way the staff looked after our cars. The level of care, respect, professionalism and attention to detail shown by the entire hotel team was outstanding - and beyond anything we could have hoped for.
“These vehicles are incredibly special to our members, and the hotel team treated every single Rolls-Royce and Bentley as if they were their own babies.
“From the accommodation and hospitality to the organisation and support for our club, everything was simply first class. We were so impressed that we have already booked to return again in 2028 — which says everything about how highly we regard Low Wood Bay and its fantastic team.
Club member Douglas St George Smith added: “This was a truly memorable first event for us. The combination of stunning scenery, fascinating history, enjoyable driving, and above all, the warmth and camaraderie of fellow members made it an outstanding experience.”
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