Bessacarr Owners Club News
- bessacarr292
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
The Bessacarr Owners Club's Autumn Rally at Longleat
The Bessacarr Owners Club wrapped up their year in spectacular style with the "End of Year Dinner Rally," held amidst the stunning autumnal colours of the Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Site in October 2025.
Rally Marshals Trevor and Pam Thompson, ably assisted by David and Pam Buzza, welcomed a total of nine caravans and motorhomes for a week of camaraderie, sightseeing, and good food. The weather played its part, offering a typical mix of cool, overcast mornings and some beautifully crisp, clear autumnal days.
A Taste of History and Heritage
The rally's main event—the End of Year Dinner—was a memorable affair held at the magnificent Old Bell Inn in Warminster. This venue provided the perfect backdrop, with many ex-members joining the current rally-goers for an enjoyable evening of mixing and reminiscing.
The Old Bell is a historic gem, dating back to the 14th or 15th century and recorded as The Bell in 1483. Guests were dining in a location steeped in history:
Its notable colonnaded front once provided shelter for farmers selling grain during the great Warminster corn market days.
In its time as a major coaching inn, it housed the Royal Mail's horse-drawn mail van.
The central courtyard was even used by the Wiltshire Volunteers for drill practice in the 19th century.
Lions, Leaves, and Labels
The rally's location at the Longleat Caravan and Motorhome Club site proved to be an excellent base for local exploration. The site is truly on the Longleat Estate's doorstep, offering stunning views as the estate's trees turned vibrant orange and red. The proximity is so close that many members reported they could hear the sea lions from the Safari Park right from the comfort of the campsite—a unique feature of the location!
Many members took advantage of this convenience to visit the famous Longleat Safari Park.
For those looking for a different kind of adventure, a popular day trip was made to the nearby town of Street to visit Clarks Village.
Clarks Village proved a hit with those seeking a bargain. Opened in 1993, this outlet village was the first of its kind in the UK, built on the site of the original C&J Clark shoe factories. Rally members enjoyed the outdoor, village-style atmosphere, exploring over 90 stores offering discounts of up to 60% off high street and designer brands.
Closing the Season
The successful week culminated in a second, less formal meal for all the rally participants at the Royal Oak pub, located just a mile from the Longleat campsite.. This final gathering was a chance for everyone to catch up one last time before the season ended, allowing them to say their farewells until the Bessacarr Owners Club reconvenes next season.
The End of Year Dinner Rally at Longleat was a perfect mix of historical interest, autumnal beauty, and friendly company—a fitting end to another great year of The Bessacarr Owners Club.
With Thanks to Trevor and Pam and David and Pam
Chase Away the Chill: Start Planning Your 2026 Adventures!
The days are getting shorter, the nights are drawing in, and that winter chill is already here. While it's tempting to stay cozy indoors, now is the perfect time to shake off the seasonal gloom and focus on the open roads of next year!
We've been hard at work mapping out a fantastic lineup of rallies and meetups for 2026, packed with stunning locations and great company. You don't have to wait until spring to start planning your next great escape.
Ready to get first dibs? Head over to the website and browse the full list of next year’s rallies today!
Secure Your Spot, Stress-Free
To help us gauge interest and plan the best possible events, we're inviting all members to express their interest right now by adding their name to the list for any rally that catches their eye.
It costs nothing to sign up and carries absolutely no obligation! It simply helps us secure the best pitches and facilities. You'll be contacted closer to the event date with all the specific details on costs, booking, and payment.
Don't let the best spots get snapped up! A little planning now means a lot of fun next year. See you on the road!
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