Mini Adventure to Cambridge

Sunday are potentially my least favourite day.

I mean, they’re okay.

Sundays can get a little boring.

I love spending time with my friends and family but there isn’t usually much to do which is why my friends and I started Sunday Funday. I was going through my camera and had a few photos from a few weeks back which I thought I would share.

Mini were nice enough to lend me a car, the Mini Cooper Clubman 4X4 which lead me and my friends to come up with a few different mini road trip ideas. I must admit I’m a road trip fan (I’d love to do one across Europe!) so have been to most places which are a 2hour drive from London and although I really wanted to go to Bath I was told it was too far and we settled for Cambridge. I say settled but I do love Cambridge and since my friends hadn’t been I was excited for them to explore the city.

Road trips are always a good reminder of just how much we rely on our cars, not just to get us from A to B but to make the journey fun and stress-free. Nothing kills the mood faster than a breakdown on the side of the road when all you wanted was a smooth ride with your friends. That’s why keeping up with maintenance and having a reliable repair shop in your corner makes such a difference.

Shops like G&R Diesel specialize in giving vehicles the care they need, from routine servicing to tackling the bigger issues that pop up when you least expect them. Knowing your car has been looked after by people who really understand how it runs adds a layer of confidence to every trip. It means you can spend more time enjoying the drive, laughing with your friends, and soaking up the adventure—without worrying about what’s happening under the hood.

Of course, even with perfect maintenance, it’s smart to prepare for the unexpected. Accidents, weather damage, or sudden mechanical failures can happen when you least anticipate them, which is why having the right coverage is so important. Drivers looking to protect their investment and avoid major financial setbacks can find out more at SimplyQuote, where comparing policies helps you choose the right level of protection for your needs. Taking that extra step ensures that your adventures stay about the journey itself, not the worries that might come with it, letting every trip feel as carefree and enjoyable as it should be.

 

Since Mini lent me the car and I fell in love with it, let’s talk a little about it.

I had never really wanted a Mini, I liked them but I wasn’t sure if they were for me but boy was I wrong. From the outside, the Mini is a beautiful car, a very classic and loved car but I probably fell more in love once I got inside and drove it around. My first trip in the Mini was actually to Ashford Mc Arthur Glen Shopping centre (average Outlet stores, nice but not worth a whole blog post) and by the end of the drive, I had already called my boyfriend asking if we could trade my car in and get a Mini.

We didn’t have the standard Mini (I think it’s important to note, in case anyone is looking to buy one), we had the Cooper Clubman which is a little bit longer and is very spacious inside. Everyone that got in it this weekend commented on how comfortable and luxurious the inside was. It had burgundy leather seats, you could control the colours on the inside, build in Sat-Nav and other cool tech and drove like a dream. It had a standard, Eco and Sport Mode- I, of course, had to try all of them and they were all amazing. It’s a four wheel drive with decent size engine so it picked up speed quickly but you always felt very in control due to its size. Anyways, I don’t know too much about cars but I loved it and if I were on the market for a new car (sadly, I am not) it would be a big contender.

Driving a car that feels both luxurious and reliable is a great experience, but that feeling only lasts as long as the vehicle is cared for properly. Even the most high-end models benefit from consistent maintenance, whether it’s routine oil changes, brake inspections, or tire rotations to keep performance sharp. Many drivers underestimate how quickly small issues can build into major problems, and staying ahead of them is what keeps that smooth ride going. A well-maintained car not only performs better but also holds its value longer, which is an added bonus if you ever decide to trade up in the future.

With the right attention, everything from engine health to electrical systems can stay in top shape, ensuring you enjoy every drive without worrying about surprise breakdowns. Services offered by Blue Wrench are a perfect example of this approach, focusing on the kind of preventive care and detailed repairs that extend a vehicle’s lifespan. When regular maintenance is paired with expert support, cars don’t just stay on the road longer, they continue to deliver the same comfort and reliability that made you fall in love with them in the first place.

So we drove the Mini to Cambridge and if you haven’t been I would highly recommend it. It’s up there in my top 5 cities in England (should I do a blog post about the rest) and a great place to consider for a day trip. Although it’s quite a traditional city in terms of history and architecture, it’s also a student city meaning there are great cafes, restaurants and bars! They do however get busy and finding somewhere for breakfast was tricky, so do book a few days in advance. We then had a wander around the university and the city before going on a little Punting tour. If you’re in Cambridge I’d highly recommend the Punting, it’s not too expensive (you can haggle for a better price too), the tour guides are knowledgeable (or at least good at pretending they are) and generally quite funny. I think this might be my third Punting tour and would definitely go again.
We then had another little stroll around, grabbed a hot chocolate to keep up warm, jumped back in the Mini and headed home.

I’m hoping to do a few more road trips this year, would love some recommendation! I’m thinking somewhere up north in February!