Drive it Day - Two Standards on the Cumbria 200

As many people say time flies when you’re having fun and to that end we find ourselves on the 27th of April 2025 at drive day.

I hope you enjoy this read of Eddie and Albert Go Large. This version is the Standard Motor Clubs website where you’ll be able to see more content primarily, pictures and videos, so we don’t take over the whole magazine for one story.

For us this would also be our first hotel holiday with our new addition to our family which is Mabel. She’s only 4 months old so we didn’t really know how she would cope, doing all the miles in the car, and 3 hotel nights in 3 locations. Needless to say, we needn’t have worried as she was a little star!

It doesn’t seem two minutes since we were driving around the lanes of North Wales but this time we decided to extend our drive it day fun by taking on the Cumbrian Coast 200. A route that has been penned to help the Cumbrian tourism post Covid.

There are a number of pictures below which show the route and various views that we enjoyed during our time away.

Our route would take us north from home to Pooley bridge for the first night, further North on day 2 into Carlisle, out to the west coast and then heading south to St Bees, and even further south through Barrow, and Walney Island onto Cartmel (Yes, the home of Sticky Toffee Pudding), oh and it’s world famous horse racing events.

Due to various reasons one being me renovating a Standard Pennant for the club, meant 8 pot Eddie didn’t really see much work in the workshop of the winter period, so to that end, it all got a little bit frantic up until the 27th ensuring that everything was correct and ready for the 2025 season.

We left home to meet up with Sue and Peter Tinsley in Albert their postwar Standard 12 drophead coupe in Charnock Richard where they had spent the evening having travelled from North Wales, and where we had a fabulous breakfast which set us up nicely for the rest of the day.

Having now attached the NSPCC Drive it Day rally plaques we set about the days journey.

Our journey would take us from Charnock Richard North and East to Settle where a coffee stop was taken, then over to the fantastic Ribblehead Viaduct.

A short stop with the obligatory picture of both cars Sue and Peter with Pixie, myself Sally with both Frankie and Mabel. Onward to Ingleton and from Ingleton onto Pooley Bridge, where we will be spending our first night at the Pooley Bridge Inn.

"Pooley Bridge, a charming village nestled at the northern tip of Ullswater in the Lake District, Cumbria, is a delightful destination for travellers seeking both natural beauty and a touch of local heritage. Named after the bridge that spans the River Eamont, Pooley Bridge has long been a favoured spot due to its picturesque setting and accessibility to one of England’s most stunning lakes.

The village serves as a gateway to Ullswater, offering a range of activities from serene lakeside walks to adventurous water sports. Visitors can hire small boats or take a scenic cruise on one of the Ullswater Steamers, providing an unforgettable way to explore the lake’s tranquil waters and dramatic scenery.

Pooley Bridge itself is home to cosy inns, welcoming cafés, and traditional pubs where hearty Cumbrian fare can be enjoyed. The Pooley Bridge Inn, noted for its comfortable accommodation and excellent food, is a perfect spot to relax after a day of exploration.

For history enthusiasts, the area around Pooley Bridge holds a rich tapestry of stories. The original bridge, which gave the village its name, was built in the 16th century but was sadly destroyed by flooding in 2015. It has since been replaced with a new, elegant structure that honours its historical significance while incorporating modern engineering.

Surrounded by rolling hills and offering easy access to the fells, Pooley Bridge is ideal for walkers and nature lovers. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, enjoying a hearty breakfast before hitting the road north, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Pooley Bridge remains a memorable highlight of any Cumbrian adventure.”

Our rooms were really comfortable and the food and drink excellent.

Having woken from a great nights sleep and following another hearty breakfast we would be heading North today for Carlisle, a passing visits of the stunning Carlisle Castle and out to the West coast to make our way finally South. As he hit the Solway Coast at Silloth-on-Solway travelling through Maryport, Workington, and Whitehaven on to St Bees where we would be staying the evening at the Seacoat Hotel, right on the coast

“St Bees, a charming coastal village in Cumbria, is nestled along the picturesque Irish Sea coastline. Known for its dramatic cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and the historic St Bees Priory, this quaint village offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and rich heritage.

The standout feature of St Bees is its stunning beach, a long stretch of sand and pebbles framed by rugged cliffs. It's a popular spot for beachcombing, leisurely walks, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the sea. The area is also the starting point of the famous Wainwright Coast to Coast Walk, attracting hikers and cyclists eager to embark on this scenic journey across Northern England, a tradition of stepping into the sea or dipping your bike wheels prior to setting off.

St Bees Priory, dating back to the 12th century, is a testament to the village's historical significance. With its impressive Norman architecture and fascinating artefacts, including the St Bees Man—a well-preserved medieval body discovered in a lead coffin—this site offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Also Famous for its 12 century School and producing the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Whether you're exploring its historical sites, enjoying coastal walks, or simply relaxing by the sea, St Bees in Cumbria is a serene destination brimming with charm and character.”

Having been fed and watered the following morning we continue our journey South ultimately heading for Cartmel. Traveling down the coast through the coastal villages to Millom around the Dudden Edsuray and onto Walney Island and all the way south to the South Walney nature reserve, for a picnic.

The last part of the days journey was then past the River Leven and onto the Uplands Hotel in Cartmel.

This was an amazing find, a hotel with only 5 rooms, great hosts and again, food and drinks, however, what made this was the view from the patio as we ate and watched the sun go down.

“Cartmel, nestled near Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, is a picturesque village renowned for its rich history, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Often associated with its world-famous Sticky Toffee Pudding, Cartmel is a gem for those exploring the Cumbrian Coast 200 route.

At the heart of the village lies the 12th-century Cartmel Priory, an architectural marvel with its impressive stained glass windows and ancient stonework, reflecting the village's deep historical roots. The priory grounds offer a serene space for reflection amid the charming village streets lined with quaint shops, cosy cafes, and traditional pubs.

Cartmel is also celebrated for its racecourse, known for hosting thrilling horse racing events that draw visitors from across the country. These events add a vibrant energy to the otherwise tranquil village, making race days particularly festive.

Food enthusiasts will find Cartmel a delight, with its array of gourmet eateries and the famous Cartmel Village Shop where the original Sticky Toffee Pudding can be savoured. The surrounding countryside provides perfect opportunities for leisurely walks, offering breathtaking views of verdant fields and the distant fells.

Staying at places like the Uplands Hotel enhances the experience, with its intimate setting, friendly hosts, and spectacular sunsets that can be enjoyed from the patio, creating memorable moments of relaxation.

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply in search of peaceful landscapes, Cartmel in Grange-over-Sands offers a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate and charm every visitor.”

Having purchased our obligatory pudding and having had a wander around our homeward journey began.

Taking the non motorway route, we decided to try and get some pictures of Eddie outside the famous Midland Hotel in Morecambe.

Some what of a busy Carpark made for some poor pictures, but I got a couple. At this point we bid our fair well to Sue and Peter as we headed back to Warrington and they started their route back to North Wales.

Another great extended ‘Drive it day’

(Ed: More videos follow... and, are you going to try the route yourself?)