Latest Weather..

We're fully open for business. Roads to us are open and trains running normally. Before setting off, click here for the latest Met Office Ilkley/ Skipton weather. Click here for AA advice on winter motoring. Click here for current National Rail service disruption information. Have a safe journey!

First Snowfall of Winter

Like many areas in the north and north east, we've had our first snowfall of the winter. There's been sledging and snowball fights but roads and rail services have been operating normally. For guests arriving on any day during the winter, please check the Met Office website for Skipton. Click here before setting out! We've never been cut off, although we have had to rescue guests in our 4x4 when it's been really bad. But once here, it's great in snowy weather! .Latest - it's still all clear for guests arriving. Take extra care getting up the hill and pack a shovel and boots just in case things get worse during your stay!

Christmas Lights Switched on!

Christmas lights in Ilkley have been switched on by actress Kathryn Apanowicz. The television and radio presenter and partner of the late Richard Whiteley, had a good turnout on The Grove, which was closed to traffic. Born locally, Kathryn Apanowicz is best known for her television appearances in the 1980s, playing nurse Rose Butchins in BBC1 series Angels, and Magda Czajkowski in EastEnders. She has also had minor roles in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, and as a child she was in the film Bugsy Malone. She and Channel 4 Countdown presenter Richard Whiteley, who died in 2005, used to live in nearby Burley Woodhead. Richard was a major supporter of community events, who frequently found time to perform local opening ceremonies and Christmas lights switch-on events. He even became the special guest at an Ilkley art exhibition at very short notice in 2004 after being spotted walking past the venue where Coronation Street stars had failed to show up. There had been plans to ask him to switch on the Ilkley lights in the year he died.

Further Upgrades and Refurbishment Winter 2010-11

As well as the Listed Building Consent application currently lodged with our local council and which will see replacement of all the remaining 1960's windows, new guttering etc. we've got a raft of other work planned over the winter. This includes :-

• All cottages will have eco wooden kitchen floors (the apartments already have them)
• All cottages and apartments will have iPod docking facilities
• All master bedrooms and all apartment bedrooms will have flat screen digital TVs (by late 2011 when we go fully digital)
• All cottages will have an upstairs family bathroom (two bathrooms in The Old Gallery) and a further ensuite
• All cottages and apartments will have iPlayer, 4oD and movies/ music on demand (the latter at extrda cost)
• All cottages and apartments will have a review of lighting taking advantage of the new eco technology
• All cottages and apartments will have environmentally friendly cleaning materials and paperware throughout
• and much more..!

If you're staying with us over the winter months, please email us if you wish to be sure what work will have been completed by the time of your visit.

Philip Catches Cycling Bug!

Philip Richardson, from Essex, is a regular guest here at Westwood Lodge. He's stayed here loads of times and is almost part of the furniture! He courted with his (then) girlfriend Theresa here. They came here for their honeymoon and have visited at least 6 times since (our computer records only go back to 2003!). Now Theresa is expecting their first baby so they'll be needing to try one of our larger cottages perhaps? Do please keep coming!

This year Philip splashed out on a new bike from JD Cycles here in Ilkley. He's putting it to good use as in May & June this year, Phil, together with some of his colleagues, will be raising money for the ‘Children’s Hospices UK’ charity by cycling from John O’Groats to Lands End… some 936.3 miles!

This event is also being supported by a host of fundraising and volunteering events by Barclays Bank colleagues across the UK, in an attempt to raise as much money as possible for the 42 nationwide children’s hospices that support life-limited children in the UK.

A web site has been created – http://www.lifecycle-uk.net/ for further information, including detail on the riders, progress so far and, of course, a Just Giving link. The web site will be constantly updated to maximise interest (see some of the initial photos!) and will ultimately follow the daily journey of the riders.

Children’s Hospices UK - http://www.childhospice.org.uk/ is a national charity which supports all 42 children's hospices across the UK which in turn, provides a wide range of care to some 25,000 children and their families. Their vision is for every child who is not expected to reach adulthood to have access along with their families to the highest standards of children's hospice care and support close to home.

Phil rides a Scott CR1 Team and is worried that he has more lycra in his bottom drawer than Theresa. Phil says "If I can show half as much grit and determination as the children we are trying to help the ride will be a breeze

Good Luck Philip and do come back here to rest those aching limbs and to carry out any necessary repairs to your bike!

More Restoration Work to Westwood Lodge - Listed Building Consent application submitted

Tim and Paula have submitted an application to further restore Westwood Lodge to her former glory. Out will go all the remaining 1960's and 70's modern softwood windows to be replaced by proper Victorian style mock sashes. Modern Velux windows will go too, to be replaced by conservation style windows or proper slate dormers in the style of the originals that still exist. The courtyard cottages will be re-roofed using the original slates that will be carefully removed and relaid with galvanised nails after insulation has been installed and any rotten timbers replaced. Rusting guttering will be renewed with aluminium retro style in keeping with the originals. The biggest change will see the original double-hipped roof and glazing to the Victorian writing room (now The Moorview) reinstated to replace the ugly, flat roofed modern monstrosity. A separate planning application regarding Tim and Paula's domestic living arrangements will be made later in the year.

We've been here for over 12 years and are as determined as ever to fully restore the Westwood Lodge buildings to their former glory for us, our holiday guests, town residents and future generations to enjoy, without the fear of falling back into disrepair through neglect said Tim

Click here to see how Westwood Lodge will look after completion of the work

LATEST - Listing Building Consent was granted on 19th November 2010. A date has yet to be set for when the work will take place.

Ilkley Literature Festival 2010

Well another Festival over and some great speakers. For such a small town to be able to attract the likes of John Simpson, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Michael Parkinson and Jenny Eclair speaks volumes for the efforts that the Festival organisers go to.

Westwood Lodge is delighted to be a Friend of the Ilkley Literature Festival. Book now to stay with us in early October 2011 and we'll make sure you receive full details of the Festival programme and advance ticketing arrangements.

Ilkley Triathlon 2010

If you've never done a triathlon (sprint or full Olympic) but fancy having a go, then the Ilkley Tri organised by Leeds and Bradford Triathlon Club is a great event! Make a note now for next September (usually around 21st) and another note to sign-up on 1st May 2011 as places go fast! Tim got round for the fifth time. Whilst well down the field he was pleased to cross the finish line without the feeling of an impending seizure!

World Junior Triathlete Champion and local lad Jonathan Brownlee presented prizes. He soon had a gaggle of young ladies wanting a photo - including our Alice!

Ilkley Literature

Ilkley Literature

Ilkley Literature Festival

the 2010 programme is out!

Helping Ben's Wish to Walk

benswishtowalk.co.uk: We are delighted that daughter Annie helped by sister Alice and school friends organised a tea and bun stall at Westwood Lodge yesterday, raising over £200 to pass on to Ben's Wish To Walk Charity. Ben Smithson is a local 9 year old with Cerebral Palsy. Here's the story from his parents: . "Ben decided to come into the world 10 weeks early and sustained some oxygen starvation after birth. . Ben was a very happy baby and loved being with people. We did however notice he was not reaching his developmental milestones, he sat unaided at 11 months & crawled at 18 months. All Bens doctors told us it was delayed development, and we trusted them. . Ben was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was nearly 2 ½ years old, we were shocked but in some ways relieved as he would now receive the help he needed. . So Ben has always been playing catch up on all the early intervention he missed out on. This has however NEVER stopped Ben from achieving all he wants in life. We have a saying in our house if he can’t do it he finds ‘Ben’s way’ of doing it. . A little over a year ago we heard about several children who had gone to a Children’s Hospital in America and has surgery called Selective Dorsal Rizhotomy. After a lot of talking and research we decided as parents we should at least see if Ben was a suitable candidate for the surgery. And so to today - Ben was accepted for surgery on 6th May 2010. Now the fund raising begins.... We have a huge mountain to climb and raise a estimated £45,000 by January 2011."

YouTube - WestwoodLodge's Channel

YouTube - WestwoodLodge's Channel

Summer Short Breaks now available

With the increasing popularity of short breaks - even during peak weeks - we've released all remaining dates including the Scottish and English/ Welsh August Bank Holiday weekends, for short stays. With Ilkley Lido open for the summer season why not book today?

NEW! Roof Gardens with Glorious Views

We're delighted to have completed work on the restoration of the Roof Gardens. The sunny and private terrace has fabulous views in all directions - including over Ilkley town, Wharfedale, Addingham, Ilkley Moor, across to Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is an absolute sun-trap. It's the place to relax and unwind with a good book and a glass of your favourite long drink....

What's on over the Summer?

If you're not sure what to do, here are a few events to whet your appetite... Broughton Game Show, Sunday 27th June Broughton Hall (on A59 west of Skipton; Grid Ref: SD 9450) RAF Dakota flypast, dog display, motorcycle stunt display, heavy horses, miniature Shetland ponies, Birdman Challenge, falconry, sheep shearing and many other displays, stands and sideshows. Adults £8, Concessions £6, Children £4 http://www.broughtongameshow.co.uk/ or see local tourist information for details . Great Yorkshire Show, Tuesday 13th – Thursday 15th July, Harrogate The North’s leading agricultural event. Livestock shows, equestrian events, Black Dyke Band, The Great Show Wheel, Hot Air Balloons. Demonstrations, stalls and sideshows too numerous to mention. A fabulous, fully-packed day out. Please note: to avoid the jams, aim to arrive either very early or towards lunchtime. Adults £20, Concessions £16, Children £9 http://www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/ Tel: 01423 541000 . Ilkley Summer Festival, 1st- 30th August Many events including Ken Dodd's Happiness Show on Wedneday 4th, the Flower and Vegetable Show on Saturday 7th, the big weekend on 14th/15th of music, picnics and partying under the big top at the Riverside Gardens. Exhibitions, walks and continental market. http://www.ilkleysummerfestival.com/ or local tourist information . Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival, 14th-22nd August Kettlewell (on B6265 then B6160 north of Skipton; Grid Ref: SD9772) Walk the ‘Scarecrow Trail’ and discover scarecrows hiding in unexpected nooks and crannies in this idyllic Dales village of calendar girl’s fame. Various pubs and tearooms will sustain you. . Burnsall Feast Sports, Saturday 21st August Burnsall (on B6160 from Bolton Abbey; Grid Ref: SE031610) Fell race (the oldest in Britain), children’s races, pet show, guess the weight of the sheep, side shows. A great local country event. Always held the first Saturday after the Sunday after August the 12th! http://www.burnsallsports.co.uk/ or local tourist information . Malham Show, Saturday 28th August Malham (Grid Ref: SD 900627) Under the shadow of Malham Cove, this traditional agricultural and family country show has been taking place for over 100 years. Farmers’ Market, falconry displays, fell race, equestrian and livestock shows, tug o’ war, dry-stone walling and plenty of sideshows. Adults £6, children under 16 free http://www.malhamdale.com/ or local tourist information . Kilnsey Show, Tuesday 31st August Kilnsey (on B6265 then B6160 north of Skipton; Grid Ref: SD 970677) The Dales’ foremost agricultural show set against the magnificent backdrop of Kilnsey Crag. Dry-stone walling, producer and handicraft stalls, livestock, equestrian events, fell races and harness racing. Adults £8, accompanied children under 16 £1, under 5s free http://www.kilnseyshow.co.uk/ or local tourist information . Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, 17th – 19th September Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate Around 90 of the country's leading horticultural nurseries exhibiting and selling plants, special interest groups’ exhibits, gardening accessories, arts and crafts and local food. Entry £14 (£7 after 2 pm on Sunday) http://www.flowershow.org.uk/ . Ilkley Literature Festival, 1st – 17th October A prestigious national event with 20000 tickets sold last year covering 190 events. This year’s contributors will be announced on the Festival website. Previous years have included Alan Bennett, Alan Titchmarsh, Melvyn Bragg, Paddy Ashdown, Sarah Dunant, Margaret Drabble, Michael Mansfield QC and James Cracknell (double Olympic gold medallist). Children’s weekend always popular. Tickets on sale from Tuesday 31st August. http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/ 01943 601210 (general) 816714 (booking enquiries) . Information offered in good faith and may change ESPECIALLY PRICES that may be taken from last year. We have no arrangement - commercial or otherwise - with any of these events.

Red Open Top Buses in LEEDS?

Distinctive open top double-decker bus will offer a ‘hop on, hop off’ sightseeing service across a five mile route through Leeds fro today. The route will take in such sights as Millennium Square, the Corn Exchange and the Victoria Quarter. The Leeds City Cruises will take visitors along Leeds’ waterways historical route from Clarence Dock to Brewery Wharf and onto Granary Wharf. The bus stops at twelve sightseeing stops across the city. Visitors can “hop-on and hop-off” at each stop to explore throughout the whole day. The bus will run six times each day from 22nd May until 26th September and the Leeds City Cruises will run every weekend from 22nd May to 26th September, and every day throughout August. Tickets for Leeds City Sightseeing Bus will be £7.50 for an adult, £3.75 for children, concessions for students and seniors will be £5.50 and a family ticket will be £17.00. Tickets for Leeds City Cruises will be £3.00 for an adult, £1.50 for children, concessions for students and seniors will be £2.00 and a family ticket will be £6.50. Visitors can find out more about the services at www.yorkshire.com It is hoped the new tourism initiative will attract more visitors to the city and help grow the region’s visitor economy.

Puppy Reunion!

Regular guests will know that Pudding had a litter of puppies last year (top photo). We always wanted to get all the puppies back together and here they are! So, which is which? There's mum (Perfect Pudding), three boys (Bread and Butter Pudding - now Pippin, Chocolate Pudding - now Merlin and Sticky Toffee Pudding - still called Toffee) and two girls (Summer Pudding - Summer and Rice Pudding - now Misty). Photo by Stuart Green.

Facebook | Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Country House Apartments and Cottages

Facebook Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Country House Apartments and Cottages: "! The snow may have gone but the Ice Cube is back in Leeds City Centre. We're getting our skates on for outdoor ice skating. It's great fun for all ages and abilities. 1200 sq. m of real ice with a nursery rink and 'Penguin' aids. When you've had enough there's a fully heated rink-side café. If you've got young children, go for the early sessions. Weekend sessions from mid morning are wilder! See you there!"

Arriving Friday 15th January 2010

For guests arriving, please be aware that cars are still struggling to reach us due to ice and black ice. However, this is an improvement on last week when none of our guests were able to drive to us. HOWEVER DON'T WORRY, we have a 4x4 Land Rover and have been ferrying guests to and from Ilkley Town Centre and the station, in particular. Trains are largely running to schedule and the airport is open. Don't forget to pack snacks, water, warm clothes, fully charged mobile phone, shovel, blankets and a full tank of fuel just in case you have problems en route. Please make sure you have our 'phone number to hand. Keep us posted if you get delayed. Have a safe journey! Tim

More snow coming!

(Westwood Lodge on Christmas Day. Photo: Patrick Hagan) There's more snow forecast so, if you're coming in the next few days (and it really is fab with all the snow!) do check the Met Office website for the latest position. The road here is kept clear for the shuttle bus so you should have few problems reaching Westwood Lodge