Coronavirus Temporary Local Restrictions

Local restrictions introduced on 31st July no longer apply to Ilkley.  National (England) restrictions will continue.

The official guidance is being regularly updated and can be found here

Great news! We're re-opening!

Great news!  We’re reopening in time for the summer! Bookings are getting confirmed and we look forward to everyone - old and new - staying with us.

There will be a few changes due to Government directives, but we’re confident these won't spoil people's stay. Indeed, most of Ilkley is getting back to normal with many shops fully open and pubs, tea-tooms and restaurants re-opening in early July. Trains and buses are running.

Go to:
your log-in page for the latest information (if you have a booking with us)
Ilkley Chat for what's happening locally
What you can do from 4th July for Government guidance

We need to ensure everyone is safe. We will be working to the new official Visit Britain Coronavirus acreditation scheme "Good to Go".  We will be writing to everyone booked but, based on our thorough risk assessments, we know that:-

• We will be Good to Go acredited by Visit Britain before we re-open. This is the official UK mark to signal that a hospitality business has worked hard to follow Government and industry COVID-19 guidelines and has a process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing. To comply means we need more time on changeover days, so check-in time is now slightly later.
• Government guidance about who can stay, and social distancing rules must be followed by guests.
• Shared facilities will be closed to comply with Government guidelines and to reduce risk. This means our hot tub, sauna, workout room and Wendy house and trampoline etc. are, unfortunately, not going to be available.
• If anyone becomes ill with possible COVID-19 symptoms during their stay you must follow NHS guidance and you let us know immediately, so we can discuss the implications and take appropriate action.

• On departure day, we will ask for your help with a few tasks to minimise risk for all. We will need you to strip the beds and place dirty linen and towels safely into our enclosed laundry bags. In the kitchen we ask that all crockery, glassware and cutlery is washed in the dishwasher and put away. We will need all rubbish carried out to the designated area and recycling split into the different bins. 
• Before you leave us, we will ask you a few quick questions about the health of your group, to check for any possible coronavirus risk.

​We're so pleased to be re-opening safely and really look forward to everyone staying with us.


Tim, Paula and the team at
Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor
 

WE'RE RE-OPENING ON 4TH JULY!

The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has confirmed that we can re-open on 4th July. We are studying the details and implications and will post more information as soon as we can.

Westwood Lodge Re-opening

We are constantly getting questions about our re-opening date and asking us to definitely confirm summer stays here. Everyone seems to assume that we have privileged information from the Government!  

In short, we don't yet know which hospitality businesses will be allowed to re-open or when

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, made a statement in early May that hospitality businesses would start to be allowed to re-open from 4th July at the earliest. The date has not been confirmed since, but it's the one that everyone in the hospitality sector is working to.  We have met with our MP and explained how difficult it is to plan without guidance. He has written to the Tourism Minister as well as to the Cabinet Office. Our trade association, The Professional Association of Self-Caterers (PASCUK) has been lobbying several ministers, alongside other trade bodies and tourism groups. We had been told that a statement would be made yesterday (Thursday 18th June) but the day came and went. 

Current thinking suggests that some hospitality businesses will be allowed to reopen in England on Saturday 4th July. This is likely to only include places where there are no shared facilities. So, holiday cottages and apartments plus static caravans and possibly motorhome sites look set to get the go- ahead. Other activities such as camping in tents (including wild camping), camper vans, bed and breakfasts and hotels - anything with shared/ communal facilities - may not be allowed to re-open yet.
In the meantime, we are taking bookings on the basis that we will be allowed to re-open. We know that everyone else needs to plan their summers and we are getting ready behind the scenes ready to re-open.  We have carried out safety risk assessments on our business and have new detailed cleaning protocols and procedures "Good to Go" to ensure guest and staff safety.  If we are not allowed to re-open (because the number of new Covid-19 cases starts to rise) then we will give everyone who has booked a full refund of monies paid, or a transfer of funds to a stay later in the year.  

So, we can only reiterate, that we have active plans and preparations so that we can "go" and we will let you know about our re-opening just as soon as we know!

Kind regards


Tim and Paula

Westwood Lodge - What facilities will be closed when you re-open?

We regret that communal (shared) facilities will need to remain closed for the foreseeable future.  These include:- 

• The Cellars - hot tub, sauna, workout room, sun bed and changing rooms
• The Wee Shop 
• The Wendy House, garden games and trampoline 

We regret that non-residents cannot visit Westwood Lodge at the present time.

Each cottage has its own private garden and the apartments have a shared roof terrace where social distancing will work.

Ilkley Moor is open as are shops and take away services in Ilkley.  Trains and buses are running to a revised timetable.

Coronavirus - Latest update

Following the latest Government advice we plan to reopen "as normal" on Saturday 4th July. We will be writing to all guests about enhanced cleaning, which facilities will be open and precautions affecting your stay.

Many dates are getting reserved and you can book your summer/autumn stay with us with confidence. If Government directives prevented us from being open,  you would be refunded in full.

Until 4th July,  we can only offer accommodation to key workers and anyone else required to stay in Ilkley for essential reasons. Our accommodation is classed as “dwelling houses” which means each cottage/ apartment is completely self-contained (bathroom, kitchen, own washing machine/dryer, hot water system etc). 

Call 07841 697186 to book a stay between now and 4th July.

For the latest UK Government advice click here

For the Ilkley information click here

We will issue updated information here, as and when we have it. 

Tim Edwards

Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor

  

Coronavirus (Covid-19)

This post has since been updated
We can only currently offer accommodation to key workers and anyone else required to stay in Ilkley for essential reasons, but who’s regular home is not here or which is unavailable. Our accommodation is classed as “dwelling houses” which means each cottage/ apartment is completely self-contained (bathroom, kitchen, own washing machine/dryer, hot water system etc). We can offer stays of several weeks. All guests must follow Government “at home” directives. Please email or text 07841 697186 to enquire about staying NOW. 

We cannot offer holidays or other non-essential stays at this time but are taking bookings for all dates on/ after 1st June.

Although the current Government social-distancing is only in place until 10th May, we cannot see it being lifted then. We have therefore contacted all guests who are booked to stay with us in the next few weeks regarding options. All stays arriving before 31st May need to request a refund or a delayed trip.

We are now taking bookings for summer (from 1st June) and autumn 2020.  Many dates are getting reserved. If Coronavirus prevents us from being open, we will defer your stay without charge - so book your UK break with confidence!

For the latest UK Government advice click here

For the latest Coronavirus updates affecting Ilkley click here

We will issue updated information here, as and when we have it. 

Tim Edwards

Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor

     

NHS Key Workers Accommodation Scheme

We're aware that a lot of NHS Key Workers are being accommodated in Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate city centre hotels under the NHS Key Worker Accommodation Scheme. We also know from calls received that, after a couple of weeks, life in such hotels can become very restrictive, especially as there are no communal hotel amenities open.  We are also in the scheme and it is perfectly possible to stay with us under it. A company called CAP Worldwide are the outsourced agent who specifically arrange SERVICED APARTMENTS for the scheme. Your line manager (or other person booking your accommodation), can request a stay with us - through CTM ("Hotel team", option 1) quoting "NHS Support" as the project code. We can supply the number or email on request.

The scheme only covers NHS staff who's family are self-isolating and are unable to return home or who require emergency accommodation due to urgent response or other mitigating factors or are GPs contracted to provide clinical services away from their home area. 

What are we up to?

Like all self-catering businesses, we've been in "lockdown" since 24th March. Only key workers and others requiring to be in Ilkley are currently allowed to stay. As you can imagine, this has had a devastating affect on our business. Normally, we would expect to be just about full throughout March, April, May and the Easter/ May Holidays. Instead, all stays booked to arrive since the lockdown have been refunded in full, or deferred to later in 2020. 

We've used the lull to catch up on loads of jobs including repairs, renewals and inventory checks.  We've offered our accommodation to NHS key workers and currently have a recent medical graduate staying who is in training locally before heading off to Liverpool to work in a hospital. 

Paula is a pro with the sewing machine and has been part of Ilkley Scrubs.  This is a group of local women making scrubs for local GP surgeries and care homes in the district.  Paula has used surplus duvet covers and table cloths as material and the end result has been fantastic!  She has been using me as a model (she says she needed an XL person!) but someone younger is really required to show them to best effect! 

For more about Ilkley Scrubs click here

Stay at home.  Stay safe!

Booking.com Traveller Review Awards 2020

 Thank you to everyone who has submitted a review to the Traveller Review Awards 2020.  We are delighted to have further improved our ratings this year.  Last year we were at 9.5 and this has increased to 9.6 for our apartments and 9.8 for our cottages for 2020.  We've also again won a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2020 - an award we've won every year since they were launched in 2010!   

We're not taking our foot of the accelerator though! We've looked at areas we can further improve and have spent the winter renewing and upgrading.  In particular:- 

- Enlarged Orchard Cottage, returning it to it's layout in Edwardian times. It has a new utility room with separate washing machine and tumble dryer.  This enlargement makes Orchard Cottage at least the same size as Applebarn and Coach House.

- Major rewiring in all cottages and apartments. This brings everywhere up to current 2020 EU standards

- New individual hot water tanks in each apartment - no more waiting for hot water if a neighbour has a large bath! 

- New Mira Sports showers is each apartment (replacing slipper baths) 

- Washing machine/ dryer in each apartment in new utility cupboards 

We fully reopen in mid-March and hope to see you again soon!

Tour de Yorkshire returns to Ilkley!

Yet again, the organisers have chosen Ilkley as one of the places that the races will pass through.  This year it's on the all-important final day - STAGE 4 - of the mens' race from Halifax to Leeds. Heading down from Greenhow Hill, the race will cross the River Wharfe before climbing up The Cow and Calf and on to Menston and Leeds. It's a 177.5km epic and Sunday 3rd May 2020 is a day not to be missed!

See https://letour.yorkshire.com for more information

Tilly Pig RIP

Our very first - and longest surviving - kune-kune pig - Tilly - has sadly passed away. She was 12 years old - said to be a very good age for a pig!  She was always a popular lady here at Westwood Lodge. As well as eating lots of food scraps from guests and gorging herself on grass cuttings in summer, she would always sit and take an apple or banana skin without biting or nibbling the hand feeding her. She was always very clean and kept a careful watch on everything happening in the gardens.  She was also covered by Paula's Pig Walking Licence issued by the Council and DEFRA.  She will be sadly missed.  

We still have five hens that lay the free-range eggs for guest cakes and Ronnie dog is always available for walks on Ilkley Moor.   

Ilkley Summer Festival 2019

Continental Market Weekend
9th 10th & 11th August

as usual the Grove will be closed for that period allowing you to enjoy a traffic free experience while you browse and shop.Various Bands will be appearing on all market days at the Bandstand to entertain you while you shop and relax:

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A bit of swing a lot of pizzazzDominic Halpin & the Honey B's

10th August
at the Bandstand

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A Celebration of Barry Manilow

 

Thursday 29th August 7.45 p.m.

Kings Hall Ilkley

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The Greatest Pop & Rock Celebration

Friday 30th August 7.45 p.m.

Kings Hall Ilkley

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Concert on the GroveBandstand Area, The Grove, ILKLEY 

Saturday 31st August 2019

  Marsden Silver Prize Band

The Ilkley Trophy - 17th to 23rd June 2019

"The Ilkley Trophy is a distinguished men’s and women’s tournament where the top tennis stars from around the world come to compete in both singles and doubles.

Ilkley has been chosen again for the Ilkley Trophy because of its superb facilities coupled with its friendly and ambitious members and staff, and after a long and successful track record of hosting LTA British Tour, ITF, and ATP Challenger events.

The 2016 Ilkley Trophy saw the opening of a stunning new club house and fitness suite, which was part of a £2.5 million investment in the club’s facilities.

Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club (ILTSC) is Yorkshire's leading tennis club. Established in 1880 the Club occupies a unique location by the River Wharfe in very picturesque surroundings looking up to the panoramic backdrop of the world-famous Ilkley Moor and The Cow & Calf Rocks"

For more information visit the ILTSC website

For more information on The Ilkley Trophy visit the Lawn Tennis Association website

Photo and text courtesy LTA

Tour de Yorkshire Returns!

Mens Race coming near Ilkley - 3 chances to watch Stage 2 and 4

Women's Race coming near Ilkley - chance to watch Stage 1

The Tour de Yorkshire returns locally next week. Whilst not coming through Ilkley itself this year, there are several places nearby to watch both the mens and women races. Click here for full details:
https://letour.yorkshire.com/tour-de-yorkshire-2019/

Last year's Stage finish in Ilkley - Welcome to Yorkshire

Ilkley Civic Society Award for Conservation

We're delighted to have won another award for our conservation work to the Grade II Listed Historic Westwood Lodge.  This was for our cottage re-roofing last year which was "handled sympathetically with a view to meeting modern insulation standards whilst keeping the historic cottages as an important Ilkley asset". Nick Phillips was our lead contractor.

Ilkley Business Award Winners 2019

The Ilkley Business Awards 2019 took place last week and we were delighted that Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor was announced outright winner as The Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year.

The awards took place at a gala dinner and dance at The King's Hall Ilkley, organised by Ilkley Business Forum and attended by over 200 businesses owners and local celebrities. Dignitaries included the Leader of the Council, MP John Grogan and the Mayor of Ilkley, Cllr Stephen Butler.

A panel of independent judges had based their decision on our track record of customer satisfaction and high standards over 21 years. 

We don't claim to be extra-special and recognise that we've got plenty of things to improve upon.  However, this award is down to the hard work of our small, dedicated team, some of whom were able to join us on stage for this very special night.  Thank you too to our many guests who keep returning and make it all worthwhile!

Justine and Lel celebrate on the grand staircase

Agency bookers score us 9.5 out of 10 - "Exceptional"!

We're delighted that guests staying with us in 2018 have - on average - given us 9.5 out of 10 for ALL aspects of their stay.  This is the HIGHEST RATING OF ANY MAIN ACCOMMODATION PROVIDER in Ilkley or Addingham, beating all the main hotels and other cottage complexes in the area.  

James Waters -Vice-President of Parter and Customer Services at booking.com in Amsterdam wrote:

"Delivering such an incredible experience to our guests is the result of dedication, passion and a lot of hard work"

Kind words, but we know we can't rest on our laurels.  We're currently busy on refurbishment work during the quieter winter months, to be even better in 2019!   

 

  

Tickets go on sale 10:00 Tuesday 28th August

Ilkley Literature Festival tickets go ON SALE at 10am PROMPT on Tuesday 28th.  Don't delay! Some headline events get sold out WITHIN MINUTES! 

The festival runs from Friday 28th September (with the odd earlier event) until Sunday 14th October 2018.

If you want to book accommodation with us but are not sure you'll get tickets quickly enough, we will bend our rules!  Book your apartment or cottage at Westwood Lodge and, if you find on Tuesday 28th ONLY that you need to change dates - or even cancel - we'll arrange things without any administration or cancellation charge.  Note - this ONLY applies if you've booked directly with us between 23rd and 28th August for a stay arriving between 28th September and 14th October. Its not valid if you choose to book through a third-party booking agency (as they have different rules) and is only valid if you subsequently email us on Tuesday 28th August 2018, requesting a change or cancellation.

Ilkley Literature Festival - What's On?

http://www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk/whats-on/festival
Dan Snow, Susan Calman, Alan Bennett, John Simpson, Nadita Hussain and many more all coming to the Ilkley Literature Festival.  Tickets go on sale later this month.

Ilkley Summer Festival 2018 - now on!

The fantastic Ilkley Summer Festival 2018 is now under way! There is a great programme of (mainly) free events throughout August! See http://summerfestival.ilkley.org

Cycle the Tour de Yorkshire 2018!

What a fantastic stage finish we had here on Ilkley Moor!  Thousands lined the route to cheer the cyclists up to The Cow and Calf Rocks and the finish line of this challenging stage.  This was the scene more than an hour before the stage finish!

The caravan procession of sponsors was greeting with big cheers as goodies were handed out!

The famous Cow and Calf Rocks were adorned with Yorkshire flags 

Finally, the riders came storming up the gradient for the first ever climb finish of the Tour de Yorkshire.  The women's event had followed the same route for most of the day and was equally as exciting! 

Find out more and watch the highlights at https://letour.yorkshire.com

Why not book your stay with us and cycle part (or all!) of the stage?

Tour de Yorkshire Information - 4th May 2018

The Tour de Yorkshire returns to Ilkley for an exciting stage finish on Friday 4th May 2018.  Whilst it will be a great day, all departing and arriving guests, plus visitors, deliveries and staff need to be aware of ROAD CLOSURES that will affect getting to/from Westwood Lodge on the Friday. The following information is from the Council official website and offered in good faith. In brief: access to us is likely to only be possible (5am to 10pm) from the A65 and then via any of the "back roads" such as Victoria Avenue or Westville Road/Eaton Road, Parish Ghyll Drive, Princess Road and Queens Road round to us. Even then, the junction of the A65 and Brook Street will be closed as each race comes through. 

From 5am to 10pm the following roads will be closed:

• The Grove
• Cowpasture Road
• Brook Street
• Springs Lane (from Tesco to Station Road)
• Station Road
• Keighley Road (green lane over the moor)

Ilkley Lido will be closed throughout the event 

The women's race has an estimated arrival time (on Denton Road) of 12.15pm with an estimated latest finish time of 12.45pm. We expect that the A65 junction with New Brook Street and Brook Street will be closed between 11.45am and 1.15pm. 

The men's race has an estimated arrival time (on Denton Road) of 5.40pm with an estimated latest finish time of 6.10pm. We expect that the A65 junction with New Brook Street and Brook Street will be closed between 5.10pm and 6.40pm. 

Race publicity caravan

The Tour de Yorkshire publicity caravan will pass along the race route on the day of the event. Confirmed location and approximate timing for the caravan to get to the finish line is 4.57pm.

Race timing

An interactive map detailing the race routes can be found on the official Tour de Yorkshire website as follows:

• Women's race
• Men's race

2018 Winter/Spring Refurbishment Complete!

We've had a hectic time since New Year!  Our major project has been the complete stripping of the roofs of Coach House, Applebarn and part of Orchard Cottages.  These were built in 1890 and have NEVER had any insulation or major work.  The original slates were all taken down row-by-row, timbers treated (little was needed) and new Gold Insulation installed.  The original slates were then all relaid using modern rust-proof nails to replicate exactly how it was before.  However, at the same time, the leaning Victorian chimney was taken down and rebuilt using modern mortar and without the lean!

 The leadwork is very impressive

The finished dormers are very much late-Victorian

 The fretwork at the gable ends has all been restored including the finials

 The chimney has been rebuilt to how it was in about 1901

Various modern windows had been inserted over the years and these were all removed.  Handbuilt, hardwood double glazed windows have been used, replicating the original style and finish, by local craftsmen.  The lead finish on the dormers is particularly commendable.  A full redecoration, new boilers etc completed the work just in time for Easter.