Barks: self-catering holiday cottage accommodation near Alton Towers

Sounds of spring in the Churnet Valley

2012-01-13T13:34:00.001Z

Walking back from the depths of the valley this morning I heard the unmistakable sound of the woodpecker. I understand that the male woodpecker bashes his head like a pneumatic drill against tree trunks to impress female woodpeckers. Bizarre ritual when you think about it, but lovely to hear echo through a misty valley and a sure sign that spring is on the way. When I reached the top of the hill the sun was shining and the frost was melting and all was right with the world.

Holiday cottage near Alton Towers 2012 availability

2011-11-30T17:33:00.001Z

Some people are super organised. They know the place they like and they commit. I look forward to a change of scene from our lush, hilly countryside and love a few days by the sea - and I am happy that we are booked in at our favourite spot in north Norfolk.

Similarly, we have taken bookings (some of them repeat bookings from this year) from families looking for a change of scene at our pet friendly spot on the doorstep of Alton Towers and Trentham Gardens etc.

Five bookings made so far for 2012 and it is still November, so we are happy about that. 10% of the whole year sorted!

Please check our 2012 availability page if you are looking for a particular week for your self-catering holiday near Alton Towers.

Alton Towers Fireworks - Barks holiday cottage availability

2011-10-07T11:54:00.001+01:00

Have you ever been to the Alton Towers fireworks - absolutely fantastic! We have Barks self-catering holiday cottage accommodation available:

29th, 30th, 31st October is available at £275 for the 3 nights mini break
1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th Nov is available midweek for an Alton Towers firework break for £225 for 4 nights
5th, 6th, 7th Nov is available for an Alton Towers firework break for £225 for up to 3 nights

Thanks to someone else's effort (much better than my own!) here is a YouTube clip to entice you

Holiday Cottage New Terrace for 2011

2011-08-25T14:50:00.001+01:00

Holiday Cottage terrace

The holiday cottage terrace is a lovely south facing spot. On sunny change over days I really enjoy having lunch there, just for a change. In the hot spring sunshine I sat on the bench with my coffee and thought it was more like North Africa than North Staffordshire. Now the new garden beds are flowering (need new picture to show you) there is a more English rose look. And just over those trees, across the Churnet Valley, nestles an enormous theme park, Alton Towers. You wouldn't even know it was there unless you were one of our many guests who'd booked a stay after googling Self catering near Alton Towers or similar.

We have had families staying over the summer and the parents relax on the terrace while the children are larking about on the area we call the playing field.

One of the reasons we put the terrace in is to make the most of the winter sun. I love to take every sunny opportunity to perch in the sun for 10 minutes with a mug of tea, simply to take stock of my day.

Gorgeous autumn walking

2011-08-19T07:33:00.001+01:00

These early autumn mornings should be savoured. They are nourishment for the soul.
The slight crispness in the air, the dew and light mists, and a few heather plants on the moorland make an early walk very uplifting.
A quick pause on the ridge just to share it with you. Good morning everyone!

Comments from our holiday cottage guests

2011-08-15T12:33:00.000+01:00

A huge thank you to all our self catering guests for their lovely comments on our Facebook page.

Angela and her family have just stayed in the cottage for a full week and were kind enough to drop us a line onto the Facebook wall. I am always pleased that people have enjoyed the area, having done more than just visit Alton Towers.

We have two pigs!

2011-08-09T21:02:00.000+01:00

My goodness our two piglets are lovely! We have a male and female of 7 weeks old in an enclosure in the field we call (optimistically) The Orchard. The enclosure took some preparation! We scythed a square route through the nettles and docks, because it was too tough for the strimmer, and erected an electric fence straight from Colditz. Can't risk these lovelies breaking out and heading for the nearest veg patch!

The girls that are self catering guests in the holiday cottage came back from their day at Alton Towers and have been sitting on the fence admiring the piglets. Ahhh!

These piglets are small and quite vulnerable at the moment, but soon they will be enormous. I am a firm believer in happy pork and will do everything we can to make sure these two have a happy life in The Orchard.

photography trip - why not enter your photos?

2011-07-13T17:38:00.000+01:00

We will be busy taking lots of countryside photos, and maybe this year we'll even get round to submitting some for the Country file competition. Not that we have skills in this area, but you never know, keep clicking and we might get lucky.

Self catering availability in this area

2011-07-07T19:16:00.000+01:00

Now that Barks Cottage is pretty much full until the end of the summer holidays (just 2 x 2 night mini breaks left), I have been checking on my fellow accommodation providers in the area to see what they have left. Needless to say we know many of the properties available in easy reach of Alton Towers and nestling within the Churnet Valley.

example of other cottages near Alton Towers that we can recommend

It can be a tiring business finding self-catering or B&B accommodation: as one of our guests commented on our booking form "I was just about losing the will, when I came across your cottage..." So don't drive yourself mad, now that you've found us, let us point you in the right direction so that we can win big brownie points with our nearby cottage owning mates. :-)

Just drop me an email with your requirements (number of people, number of nights, preferred location e.g nr Alton Towers, in Peak District countryside etc) and I will send you back some details of availability. Just promise me that next year you'll check with us if Barks is available first!

Alton Towers - and the rest . . .

2011-06-28T13:54:00.001+01:00

As you will see from the lovely review that was recently posted by a guest on our Facebook page, there is plenty to do around here other than go to Alton Towers. And thanks to Taryn, you don't just have to take our word for it. Her suggestions are great. Consall Hall Gardens is proving very popular and I still haven't made it there, which is shameful. Blackbrook Zoo is a little gem - mostly birds and the entertaining penguins, although I hear that Mrs Meerkat is expecting some offspring any day now.

If you need any help planning your stay in this area, please let me know.

And by the way, please stay in touch with us.... join our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/barks.holiday.cottage or chatter with us on Twitter if that is your thing @ChurnetValley

Where's the heatwave?

2011-06-25T16:25:00.001+01:00

I'm not sure if we are on the wrong side of the east-west or north-south weather line today. That's the trouble with being in the north Midlands. Anyway, it's warming and drying slowly. Getting my walks in before it gets too hot!

Follow Friday #FF @ChurnetValley

2011-06-17T16:51:00.000+01:00

For those that Tweet, you'll know what Follow Friday is all about. If you don't, it's really not important at all but here's a little window on that world. We haven't tweeted much this week, but what little miniature interactions we have enjoyed have been just perfect. Thanks to @SimplyStaffs for the #FF and the other suggestions that we followed up on - new connections have been made. to @LeekArtSpace for helping me spread the word on a local research project. And thanks to @MalvernMeet who was kind enough to tweet to the world that as a previous self catering guest at Barks Holiday Cottage she tried to book again but we were full and defo intends to try again. You see, withTwitter, it might just be a mini message, but it's the quality that counts. Always good for morale to know that customers think you've got something right and it doesn't take more than 140 characters to convey that thought. Thanks, tweeps.

What's the picture about? No reason really, just that I am about to go on my Friday walk .... so please follow me virtually along the paths into the Churnet Valley. In other words, it's the non Twitter alternative to #FF by @ChurnetValley.

@ChurnetValley

last minute June holiday cottage availability - Peak District Alton Towers

2011-06-08T11:16:00.003+01:00

Last minute self-catering holiday cottage availability June 16,17, 18, 19 - NOW BOOKED
ideal for a short break to Alton Towers or Peak District.

We are having a terrific season. Lots of interesting people: the usual mix of walkers and Alton Towers goers. The new terrace is proving popular as well and the garden is springing up prettily around it. July is nearly fully booked, August has a week or so left to book, and we already have bookings in September and October . . . but for some reason we have these 4 nights available in June.

June 16th - 19th - (4 night gap)
For 3 nights it's £295
For all 4 nights it's £345
(If you are a group of 6 or 7 people then the annex is available at £50 per night.)

If you are interested please get in touch or jump straight to our online booking form .

Morning routine: into the Churnet Valley

2011-05-17T09:11:00.000+01:00

It's a lovely daily routine to walk the dogs in lush woodland. And a healthy way to start the school day.

Welcome to our world!

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Self catering experts

2011-05-13T18:45:00.000+01:00

Our guests this year have been lovely.

So far we haven't had the die-hard Alton Towers fans that spend three solid days over at our neighbouring attraction. Some families have dropped the children at Alton Towers and then nipped around some of our nearby National Trust properties.

We are hearing great things about Consall Hall Gardens this year. We had a guest with limited mobility and she enjoyed a fabulous guided tour there on a buggy; guided by the owner.

Trentham Gardens is again proving to be a major highlight and guests are keen that I recommend it to others - so I am! Last week's guests wanted to get a flavour of the area and were discussing Dovedale and in passing asked if Dovedale and the Stepping Stones has nearby retail . . . well, not really! Just the National Trust shop and the ice-cream van. So I directed them to Trentham Gardens and everyone came back happy.

There is something for everyone! It is nearly the concert at Alton Towers so I expect the focus to shift back to good old ST10 4DB.

beauty and the beast

2011-04-29T13:49:00.000+01:00

The bluebells are amazing. Look carefully and you'll spot the barbed wire.

I think I'll have to start some sort of anti barbed wire campaign because I really can't see how landowners can be allowed to leave redundant strands of it just lurking in our woods. This is how my dog nearly lost her life; she was very lucky to recover with no long term damage except to my bank balance.

I am standing on a footpath in a nature reserve. Is this acceptable? What do you think on this subject?

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

New arrivals to holiday cottage fields

2011-04-21T18:44:00.001+01:00

Always lovely when the ewes and their lambs are turned out into the fields. We are having to remember to keep the gate shut now so that these little cuties don't graze the plants I just planted around the new terrace of the holiday cottage.

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Accommodation near Alton Towers for concerts

2011-03-29T15:45:00.001+01:00

Alton Towers is holding two concerts this season.
JLS, McFly, The Saturdays, Eliza Doolittle - all booked to come and play on 19th June
The Black Eyed Peas - 6th July. That's a Wednesday I think.

Just to let you know about accommodation near Alton Towers for these concerts.

19th June Concert:
Barks Holiday Cottage offers a minimum 3 days self catering for 5 or 7 people wanting to plan a trip to see McFly, JLS play Alton Towers.

6th July Concert:
Barks Holiday Cottage is booked already for 6th July, so I will check with other accommodation providers nearby and update what's available.

Sunday walk

2011-03-20T11:08:00.002Z

The horizon had a blue tinge this morning. I've tried to snap it on my phone while walking along, but it hasn't really come out that well. Looks a bit grey, but it is quite spring like really.

Lovely Sunday walking weather, in fact. Birds are singing cheerfully out here this morning. It is very quiet otherwise. Alton Towers hasn't open its gates yet for 2011 season so it is the perfect time for a walk in this section of the beautiful Churnet Valley.

Think I'd better tell my farming neighbours that their wall needs attention!

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

New terrace for the holiday cottage

2011-03-11T11:44:00.001Z

It's very exciting - a new terrace is being built outside the holiday cottage french windows. It is south facing, and will be a great spot for soaking up the rays. The terrace faces in the direction of Alton Towers - although you can't actually see Alton Towers because most of this giant theme park nestles into the beautiful woodlands of the Churnet Valley.

I will post before and after shots, but I can't load a photo of the holiday cottage terrace just at the moment, because it is literally 'under construction' and looks such a mess that it would be impossible to believe that all will be lovely in two weeks time. It will be unveiled to mark the start of our peak season - when Alton Towers opens. Any time now!

And in case you hadn't noticed - the McFly and JLS Alton Towers concert is now open for booking!!

19th June Alton Towers concert

2011-02-14T18:07:00.000Z

I am standing by the phone awaiting a booking enquiry for accommodation for the Alton Towers concert on 19th June. I just noticed that Twitter is trending this concert!

Right now it looks a bit like the younger music fans have yet to badger their parents into making a booking. Perhaps I should wait until the tickets have actually gone on sale (Friday I think) and then listen out.

Right now we have availability for a 3 night break while the concert is on. Give us a call on 01538 703436 for more information or email barks@btconnect.com or of course you could DM tweet me on @ChurnetValley.

“It says Pets Welcome so I'm all ready to go!”

2011-02-06T13:39:00.000Z

Dogs know what they want - they want to go on holiday too. And in case we can't work this out we need to be given clear messages.

Hard to explain that we are, on this occasion, unpacking. Perhaps the message is "Next time I'm coming too, right?!" Answer: "On a walking weekend in the Staffordshire Alps definitely yes, on a week's skiing in the French Alps definitely not."

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Spring at the Holiday Cottage

2011-01-23T13:45:00.000Z

I have to confess that I have egg on my face. Well technically I suppose I actually don't have egg on my face because I made such a fundamental cock up that it isn't possible. Sorry if anyone thinks this is offensive language but you'll see where I'm going with this in a second.

Ashes the hen outside the holiday cottage

Those that follow 'Barks Holiday Cottage nr Alton Towers' on Facebook might remember that some time ago I asked for suggestions for names for our new hens, the offspring of Stewart and Ashes. I can't say that we were overwhelmed by suggestions from our Facebook fans (you miserable lot!) so after much thought I named the two chicks myself. I sought names to do with fire (after Ashes and their aunt Cinders) but also I need to consider their markings because otherwise I don't have a clue which hen is which.

Chicks reach 'point of lay' after so many weeks and I was expecting some egg laying action from these youngsters anytime after November, but probably more like now. One of the ways to tell if a hen is about to lay eggs is to check the fullness of its crown. Recently these plump birds have been filling out in the crown department and as the other hens begin to lay in earnest I thought it was time these ladies joined in.

Yesterday my elderly neighbour and her grand-daughter joined us for lunch prior to our visit to nearby Blackbrook Zoo (only 99p entry right now so those looking for last minute self-catering ideas please take note that it's all go around here even when Alton Towers is closed). My neighbour catches sight of our hens lazily looking for pickings beneath the bird table outside our french windows and casually asks me when we took ownership of a different cockerel. No such thing had happened I reply assuredly, we were retaining Stewart despite his unhealthy intimacy with his sisters. And no, those young birds are Phoenix and Flash, last year's chicks and no, they are most definitely hen birds. How do you know? I just know!

You can see where this is going by now, I bet. That same afternoon I heard a strange croaky sort of cock-a-doodle-do and sent my son to the window to investigate. How much proof does a person need to make her change a firmly held perception? This was not the voice of Stewart; I had accepted that immediately, but when I am told that Phoenix is crowing I needed to check. Suddenly the fullness of the crown and size of the birds couldn't be justified away as an aspect of this breed. The recent spat between Phoenix and Flash couldn't be explained away as establishing a sisterly pecking order. These adolescent birds have reached a level of maturity this week, but I hadn't really seen what was taking place in front of me because I had convinced myself way back that they were hen birds.

So I guess that we have 'chicken' on the menu soon. Stewart was so called because, as our explanation goes, he is nicknamed 'Stew, because he soon will be'. But a year has gone by and he has reverted to his full name, Stewart, because nobody in our household wants to stew such a fine creature, of whom we have become so fond. Phoenix and Flash, however have a more certain fate. Phoenix, it turns out, will not rise from the flames and Flash is now thought of as 'Flash in the pan'.

Meanwhile I wish I hadn't refuted my neighbour's assertion quite so confidently. There is no getting around the fact that I now have egg on my face over such an elementary poulty-keeping cock up.

WINTER COUNTRY COTTAGE BREAKS 2011

2011-01-04T12:32:00.000Z

Off season breaks are available and are perfect for a getaway. If you can't decide between a spa retreat or a country cottage break then I have great news - do both at Barks Holiday Cottage. Seriously! Treat yourself to both the easy, cost effective way:

make full use of the Alton Towers spa which has entry to the sauna and relaxation rooms from just £10 midweek off season.
country retreat, open fire, great views, all mod cons - weekends from £185
enjoy walking the Peak District and Churnet Valley - great pub walks from the doorstep.

Family weekend getaways:

waterpark breaks - midweek special deal for families with pre-school children at Barks Holiday Cottage
cycling along the nearby car-free trails of Churnet Way, Manifold Valley, Tissington Trail

Crunchy hoar frost is sparkling in early sun.

2010-12-06T08:48:00.000Z

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Snowy days, lovely walks, toasty open fire

2010-11-30T09:38:00.002Z

Looks like we are going to get more snowy weather in the run up to Christmas. We had some guests come for the lovely walking, and it sounds like they'll be back for a break to include Alton Towers theme park when it reopens for the 2011 season. Not sure when that is right now, but last year Alton Towers did open for a while during the February half term. In the mean time our appeal to holiday-makers looking for a long weekend break is the fabulous walking in the Churnet Valley and a cosy evening in front of the open fire. Then of course there's my next favourite: the Alton Towers spa - nothing like it after a vigorous hike in our hills and valleys.

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Biddulph Grange Gardens

2010-11-26T16:41:00.001Z

Did you see Alan Titchmarsh on telly the other night? Lovely programme exploring Victorian gardens and clever the way it was all referenced back to a great example of garden design - our local Biddulph Grange gardens (National Trust) in Staffordshire. If you didn't get to see it, you never know, it might be on BBCi.

We had some guests staying back in May 2010 who are keen gardeners and they visited Biddulph Grange and Trentham Gardens. Not only a keen gardener but also a keen blogger . . . so very handy for me that I can send you off to her blog for lots of lovely pictures and a good review from a first time visitor there. http://vegplotting.blogspot.com/2010/11/garden-visit-biddulph-grange.html . Good to note that some people do come here for amusement other than Alton Towers, indeed as I commented on the article, to VegPlotting AT stands for Alan Titchmarsh not Alton Towers. Love it!

For my part, I visit Biddulph Grange a couple of times each year - rhododendron season and dahlia season - and always enjoy the Chinese area with the huge fish in the pond. So even if you are a dedicated Alton Towers fan, maybe Biddulph is somewhere to consider for day 3 of your stay.

Churnet Valley lovely for walking, even in the rain

2010-11-04T08:57:00.001Z

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Walking disaster

2010-10-11T20:48:00.001+01:00

This weekend we went on a lovely walk that is not our normal route - well it started out as lovely, but ended up a nightmare. I persuaded Other Half to keep his phone handy to collect me,my son and and 2 dogs when we phoned. We set off down into the valley towards Froghall to enjoy a different route. We stopped to admire the unusual track that used to be a railway line, used to ferry the lime from Cauldon Lowe to the canal basin at Froghall.

I noticed a single string of barbed wire draped rather pointlessly a few yards away from the path into the woods and said to my son "what's the point of that wire? All it's going to do is injure animals!" I had in mind foxes and deer. Then we heard a frantic yelping.

My poor dog had been busy sniffing out squirrels and, nipping back to the path to find out what was delaying us, she slashed herself on the wire. I'll spare you the details of the blood, the crying 7 year old, my having to run carrying the dog to the nearest road to meet Other Half, who had thankfully picked up our call (for once!), and all the stress at the out of hours vets surgery. She is now recovering thank goodness. Somehow she managed not to sever a major vein, which was lucky.

For those that know my dogs, it is the shy black one who is the sweetest and best behaved dog ever. She doesn't deserve this to happen, no dog does.

Why is there a single strand of barbed wire draped around in the undergrowth? Shall I go out with my wire cutters and get rid of it? Or shall I kick up a fuss with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, whose volunteers I have seen working nearby? I am absolutely not the sort of person to do criminal damage to working fences (this is not a working fence), on the other hand I am thinking that lobbying is pointless simply because I let my dog off the lead.

I will think about this for a while and try and calm down. Meanwhile I need to take another two weeks bookings just to pay for the vets bill. Ho hum.

Accommodation for Alton Towers Scarefest and Fireworks

2010-09-25T19:31:00.001+01:00

I have just posted an update to our availability during the Alton Towers finale season. Alton Towers has a peak season for Scarefest and puts on a splash. Last year I really enjoyed the late opening. Not just the big rides but some of the extra bits - we spent ages after dark watching a guy juggling with fire. He was great.

Our guests have been very organised and half term was booked up quite a while ago - it really is a peak season around here! Scottish half term is earlier and calls from north of the border are starting to come in.

Fireworks nights are firmly in my diary, but at this point we still have two mini break self-catering options available to make the most of the season finale.

Please check our availability and contact us directly by phone (01538 703436) or by email

Autumn colour appearing in Churnet Valley woodland

2010-09-20T09:52:00.001+01:00

It's gorgeous walking weather this morning. I was tempted to wear layers of warm clothing but thank goodness I haven't as it is so mild again. A walk is such a great way to start the week. A walking weekend is even better.
We have mini breaks available during the autumn which should be ideal to stretch your legs in glorious countryside (and maybe even improve fitness before Christm... - stop too early for that word yet!). Autumn walking weekends - perfect!
Please check our Availability page for latest dates.
Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Alton Towers Waterpark - a great winter mini break idea

2010-09-10T15:17:00.001+01:00

Alton Towers used to describe the Waterpark as the beach holiday without the British weather, or something similar anyway. I took my son there the other day and was reminded of this. It was in fact a gloriously sunny day so we made the most of the outside areas. I sat in the hot pool with my face turned towards the sun, and we spent many an hour sliding down the outside shoots. Not sure I would have laid out on a beach towel though. Needless to say, I have spent many a session there when it has been too horrible to do anything outdoors (and you have to trust me when I say the weather has to be really bad to drive me inside). So with the approach of winter, Alton Towers Waterpark comes into its own as a family weekend break, staying at Barks self-catering cottage. When you've had enough of the poolside fun, come back to the holiday cottage warm your toes on the underfloor heating, the radiators and even the open fire!

Now here's a thought for families with pre-school children. Alton Towers Waterpark has a midweek deal for children aged 6 and under. It is just £5 for the morning session for you and your toddler. Two parents, two children: it is £10 for an excellent morning of fun. I am very familiar with this session and used to take full advantage of it when my son was of qualifying age.

I remembered these Waterpark 'toddler sessions' very fondly, when I was there last week. My son is not a natural swimmer and it has taken time and patience to build his water confidence. We haven't been to formal lessons for a while because he was starting to complain about them, so I stopped them for a while before it became an outright refusal. So last week I was keen to assess his abilities. There is no swimming pool as such, just an abundance of water in the form of shallows, slides, landing pools, hot pools, waterfalls, moving rivers. The actual swimming took place after he landed in a pool off a slides or tunnel. Big splash, swim to the side and out again to go back to the top. Adults can just about keep a dry face, but children will get wet all over and strangely they don't really notice. Fantastic for water confidence. My son even asked me for a diving lesson - sitting dive from a step.

If you want a midweek change of scene and you have toddlers then please enquire about our midweek winter rates. Tell the office that you are 'working from home' and hook your laptop onto our WiFi - we won't tell on you! email barks@btconnect.com

(and don't forget the off season spa deals . . . entry to the relaxation rooms for £10 midweek - no kids allowed there though)

Alton Towers Fireworks season finale 2010

2010-08-30T10:18:00.001+01:00

The fireworks are back with a bang for 2010.

We have self-catering accommodation available with three night holiday cottage mini breaks designed to meet the demand for the Alton Towers Fireworks spectacular in November.

3 nights self-catering allows 2 full days at Alton Towers including a night or two at the fireworks. Of course you could spend one day at Alton Towers and the other enjoying something quieter, like the spectacular autumn walking or a visit to the Trentham Gardens or our local National Trust properties . I am always trying to stress that there is a lot more to do around here than visit Alton Towers. I am starting to realise that Alton Towers lovers only truly clock the holiday potential in the Churnet Valley after their first visit. So if you haven't been before, the season finale is nearly upon us and it is time to book and sample the delights the Staffordshire Moorlands has to offer at all times of year.

I am not a fan of roller coasters, but I do like the fireworks. In previous years we have watched the display from across the valley, but this year we will be flexing our Merlin passes.

A Churnet Valley gem - Dimmingsdale

2010-08-22T18:00:00.001+01:00

It has been change over day at the holiday cottage today. Our last guests were two couples and Millie the dog, who were all keen walkers.
Our new arrivals are three generations of one family with Oscar. I have yet to meet them because I am enjoying an evening walk in the heart of the Churnet Valley.
I love to nip down the hill to Dimmingsdale and enjoy having this beauty spot all to myself after the weekend visitors have gone. I just thought I'd pause during my walk and share this lovely view of the lake.
Glorious!

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Holiday cottage guests sent us this photo

2010-08-12T12:38:00.002+01:00

This is what the hens get up to when you go out! Cheeky or what? I think they are just reclaiming 'their' space while the holiday cottage guests go off to Alton Towers or Trentham Gardens or wherever . . .

Thanks very much Phil for sending us this snap.

for latest self-catering holiday availability - visit our availability page

Last minute Alton Towers accommodation

2010-07-20T22:39:00.001+01:00

AUGUST availability

We have only two self catering mini breaks available during the school summer holidays. The perfect way for a family of five to enjoy a couple of days at Alton Towers and some lovely Staffordshire countryside. Tidy rural cottage just a couple of miles to Alton Towers.

7 - 9 August: Weekend 3 night mini-break: arriving Saturday 7th and departing Tuesday 10th is £295.

10 - 13 August: DISCOUNT OFFER: Mid week 3 night mini-break arriving Tuesday 10th and departing Fri 13th is 15% off - now £240.

For more availability later in the season please check the Availability page.

Rural Holiday Cottage - nature update

2010-07-15T15:56:00.002+01:00

A near tragic event became a very moving experience yesterday. I heard a thump at the front of the house and recognised the sound immediately. A young bird had flown into the front window, the third to do so this season.

Previously a finch went crash, gave itself a headache and flew away, somewhat wiser I hope. Later a recently fledged woodpecker did the same, but it didn't make it. I felt its little heart beat its last beat, and my own heart break just a little. I kept one of its feathers for sentimental reasons.

So yesterday I wandered round to the front of the house to check what had misjudged its flightpath and was horrified to see it was another of the woodpecker brood. Without letting it see me I quietly picked it up and felt its heart was beating. Beak open and eyes closed, I didn't really fancy its chances and wasn't surprised when its heart starting beating less vigorously. I sat still and kept it warm to give it some recovery time. I was there for quite a long time and worried when it didn't react to the chirp of another passing woodpecker. I felt hopeful when it started shaking its head. Its heart beat firmly again. Then it sneezed. Clawed feet suddenly gripped my finger firmly, although there was no sign of it wanting to fly away. On the contrary it twisted its head round and hid it under its wing. Ah, the restoring powers of sleep!

I wanted to summon assistance for the camera, but couldn't call out. I needed to search online for what to do when you have a sleeping woodpecker in your hands - Chris Packham must have mentioned it somewhere - but my hands were full. I needed to go on the school run . . .

Little woodpecker stayed sleeping when I transferred him to the covered birdtable. I was away on the school run for half an hour and by the time I was back the little woodpecker had gone from the bird table. Clinging to the birdfeeder outside the holiday cottage bedroom window, however, was a young woodpecker. Normally so keen to fly away at the slightest movement this bird hid around the pole and bravely took its time. I like to think it was the same woodpecker having a peanut breakfast after a restoring snooze.

Meanwhile, Ashes, one of last years chicks, has become broody and has been given an enormous new and expensive hen house all to herself. She is now sitting comfortably and is recovered from her initial separation anxiety. If I remember correctly eggs take 19 - 21 days to hatch so expect a blog update on this subject in about 3 weeks if she stays the distance.

Last minute August self catering holiday near Alton Towers

2010-07-13T13:08:00.002+01:00

My goodness what has happened this week to make everyone pick up the phone and make enquiries? World cup over, sun went in for moment so people were forced to come inside maybe. Who know?! Trouble is that we don't have very much availability left for our self catering cottage in August so it is first come, first served.

7 - 12 August: We now have 6 nights available for £405 in Barks Holiday Cottage to sleep up to 5 people
Plus the Annex suite is perfect for another couple to join you on your holiday if required for 3 nights at £150 or £225 for all 6 nights.

28 - 31 August Bank Holiday: £295 for 3 nights plus £50 for extra night.
September is quiet for now, as always. When the children have gone back to school I expect we will see some exhausted parents recharging their batteries. I recommend some good country air and scenery, then maybe an evening session in the spa followed by a lovely meal out. Doesn't that sound relaxing?

A special July welcome to the holiday cottage

2010-07-03T13:44:00.001+01:00

I just feel like showing off a little bit! I hope that is allowed. We have a family of five arriving shortly for a week's self catering holiday and I have just put the finishing touches to the holiday cottage ready for their arrival. They are coming from Sussex which is a fair old trek. I just had to take a photo because the seasonal touch for July included some strawberries from our garden. Love July!

I had a Nigella moment and thought I'd pick some strawberries to go with the choc chip muffins I made using eggs from our free range hens. Fresh coffee and a cafetiere, a tea pot with some Earl Grey, a jug of milk in the fridge and some fragrant flowers from the garden; what could be lovelier on a sunny July day? Well . . . they can take their afternoon tea into the garden if they so choose.

We still have a July weekend available - 10, 11, 12th July.
And there is another July gap that I'd love to fill with a short or long break anytime between 20th - 26th. Can't promise strawberries though!

01538 703436

Barn owl hunts around the holiday cottage

2010-06-28T21:40:00.001+01:00

Not the best ever photo but a quick snap with the camera phone just to share the beauty of our resident barn owl. I'll keep trying with the photography. It is on the hunt right now, but it is too dark for my camera.

Insiders Guide to Alton Towers

2010-06-22T11:05:00.002+01:00

Keep an eye out for the Unofficial Guide to Alton Towers that has been published by another Staffordshire local. It has lots of discounts and offers. It is sold locally and on Amazon. Check on this website for some top tips when visiting Alton Towers and other famous attractions - worth adding to your favourites!

I was having a tidy up and came across a way to get reduced price Alton Towers tickets. 2 for 1 with your AA membership card. You have to sort it all out online, of course, via tha AA website but definitely worth checking. I have put the details of the offer into our Holiday Cottage welcome pack. Our self-catering guests can then get booking, using the cottage WiFi no less.

A lot of our holiday cottage guests have Merlin annual passes and stay at Barks because it combines the best of both worlds: really near Alton Towers and also a lovely tranquil countryside location. A couple of days of high adrenalin, a couple of days of completely chilling out.

Holiday Cottage Rental:
3 nights: £295
7 nights: £450
sleeps 4 or family of 5 on a self-catering basis
for accommodation reservations please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com

For summer availability - follow the navigation above or click here

From Barks Holiday Cottage, ideal for Alton Towers and Peak District, sleeps 4 or family of 5

Walking . . . pottering . . . pondering

2010-06-17T13:25:00.000+01:00

As a holiday cottage owner I have to mention the holiday cottage at every opportunity because in truth most of our enquiries and bookings are made via this blog. And on top of that every article needs to mention Alton Towers a million times too. Not because my readers are in any way missing the point about this being a holiday cottage just a jot away from the nation's favourite theme park . . . yes you guessed it . . . aka Alton Towers!. (Gosh that was a lot of mentions in one sentence, maybe now I'm free . . . ) It's all driven by that search engine thing and in truth I am grateful to the world's favourite search engine for bringing us so many interesting cottage guests.

If this morning I am sounding a little weary of these subjects (I'll pass this opportunity to repeat my keywords) it is because in the last couple of days I have read some lovely blogs. Blogs with no agenda, no constraints, just words emerging from the mood of the writer. Envy has overtaken me. So I thought what the heck, we are almost solidly booked this month and have a gap or two in July and August so I am going to just write, for the sake of it. And see how it has ended up so far - almost perfect keyword density!

I'll try and photograph the barn owl and blog about him/her another time. Baby birds are fledging all around and our family of bluetits have done well. Two fledgelings have hit our windows. The nuthatch learned from its ordeal but sadly the woodpecker expired from either a broken neck or shock. I left it on the wall and something else came along and has left me some fluff and the odd feather. I feel sentimental and will keep the feather for a while. The forage harvesters are busy across the Peak District and the lush swishing June fields will be a shocked light green bareness for a while. The last few weeks have been wonderful for walking, pottering and pondering - my favourite activities.

The picture is the view from the holiday cottage so you can see that this is a good destination for walking, pottering and pondering (as well as Alton Towers!).

Last minute breaks to Peak District or Alton Towers

2010-06-11T19:27:00.002+01:00

Reservations 01538 703436
Barks Holiday Cottage has a few gaps between bookings in July that we are offering as last minute mini cottage breaks. Our normal summer self catering rates are £450 for a week or £295 for 3 nights. The holiday cottage sleeps 5.
Barks Holiday Cottage is ideally located for Alton Towers at just 2.6 miles from the entrance. There is also superb walking in the surrounding Churnet Valley and Peak District.

Our last minute availability is:
July:
10 - 12 weekend 3 night mini break: 10% off now £265
20 - 22 midweek 3 night mini break: 20% off now £235

Holiday cottage guests set off walking to Alton Towers

2010-06-02T12:13:00.000+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage, self catering accommodation is 2.6 miles near Alton Towers and sleeps 4/5.

Walking to Alton Towers might not seem notable if you're unfamiliar with the area around here. It is worth knowing that there are only a handful of places you could possibly stay that are easy walking distance - all in Farley. People searching for accommodation near Alton Towers are under a false impression of convenience if they opt for Alton. As I say, the entrance to Alton Towers is in Farley, midway between Oakamoor and Alton. And we are just outside Oakamoor. Travelling to Alton Towers by public transport, wherever you are staying, should be regarded as the start of a full day of adventure.

Our holiday cottage guests have just set off. I offered them a lift (it would have taken two cars) and gave them the local taxi number, but no, they fancy a walk and public transport. Good for them, I definitely approve. I drew them a map so that they could walk through the fields and woods, but they showed me the children's buggy, fully loaded for the day. Ah!

There are three children and three adults and a buggy straggling down the hill to Oakamoor to catch the 32A bus up the hill the other side to Alton Towers. I asked if they had checked the bus times and our guests thought maybe the bus came every 10 minutes towards Alton Towers, rather than every 2 hours which is the reality. They are are now goal oriented, the 12.10pm is their mission. Welcome to the countryside!

They also have the idea that taxis queue up outside the exit of Alton Towers like they do at city train stations. I can't recall this scene at Alton Towers, but hopefully they do. I insisted they take our telephone number because we will fetch them, no problem. Essential I suspect.

Meanwhile some readers of Ethical Traveller have contacted us for Alton Towers accommodation. I must remind them to bring stout shoes. Ethical travellers will relish the challenge that awaits them.

Alton Towers 80s concert

2010-05-23T20:47:00.002+01:00

Alton Towers cheesy 30th birthday was actually a good day out. The park was really quiet so we snuck in some rides before the concert started and then soaked up the sun while listening to the music of my heyday. All the acts were great and didn't take themselves too seriously. Midge Ure doing Vienna was a highlight.
There were loads of other parents who were, like me, proving to their kids that we had real, fun lives before we grew up and became responsible.
So now here we are running our holiday cottage near Alton Towers and the Peak District, as well as doing the day job. Great when festivals in the sun arrive on your doorstep. Happy days.

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

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Accommodation for the concerts at Alton Towers - or a walking weekend?

2010-05-17T20:13:00.004+01:00

The concerts at Alton Towers are proving very popular with visitors. We could have taken bookings for the 2010 Pink Concert several times over. The cottage and the Annex were both booked by an extended family. The 80's concert was another matter. We had no enquiries. Not one. Zip. I went to the concert and rather enjoyed it!

More concerts are planned for 2011, kicking off with McFly, JLS, Eliza Doolittle and The Saturdays. Then in July The Black Eyed Peas are booked to play.

The holiday cottage is self-catering and handily near Alton Towers. Being in the next village, the holiday cottage is just 2.6 miles away from Alton Towers and takes just a few minutes.

I hope for 2011 concerts the parking nightmare is sorted out. Surely they can't make the same mistake twice.

Barks Holiday Cottage sleeps 4 or 5 in the main cottage and another couple in the Annex. Book for 3 nights or more.
Check our availability online or drop us an email barks@btconnect.com or ring 01538 703436.

Bluebells in the woods between here and Alton Towers

2010-05-14T09:18:00.003+01:00

Holiday cottage enquiries - 01538 703436
Alton Towers in the next village only 2.6 miles away.
Great walking country here in the Churnet Valley and Peak District - as you can see the bluebells are heavenly just now.

From Barks: self-catering holiday cottage accommodation near Alton Towers

Self catering accommodation for 5 people. Please visit our information pages for more details or just give us a call.

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Churnet Valley next to Alton Towers

2010-04-30T19:29:00.001+01:00

I took my car to the garage in Alton and walked back with the dogs. A stream of traffic was leaving Alton Towers across the valley from us; I hope they noticed the beautiful views, but I know they missed the birdsong. I really enjoyed a peaceful walk through the lovely Churnet Valley.

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436
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First bluebells appearing in the woods around the holiday cottage

2010-04-26T09:05:00.001+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436
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Spring views at the holiday cottage

2010-04-24T12:56:00.001+01:00

Daffodils in the sunshine outside the holiday cottage bedroom windows.

If you are heading to Alton Towers and want to add some romance, privacy and peace and quiet, then this is the place to stay. We have midweek and weekend Spring special offer until 20 May:
Weekends: £222 for family of 4/5.
Midweek: double room £50
Call 01538 703436 to book
Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

May deals to Alton Towers

2010-04-20T12:50:00.006+01:00

There are great deals floating around for entry to Alton Towers.
If you are prepared to wait and save up then Tesco Clubcard is useful - and brilliant for getting your hands on a reduced price Merlin Annual Pass.

If you find you can escape to Alton Towers at the last minute then I have two money saving tips to offer:
1. Join the Alton Towers Facebook Fan Page and print off your own 2 for 1 vouchers. As many as you need. While you are on Facebook please join the Barks Holiday Cottage page and keep up with our special offers and updates.
2. The couple that were here at the weekend said they got a 2 for 1 voucher at WH Smith. Check it out.

If you can grab a deal and escape to Alton Towers at the last minute then check out our May mid-season special accommodation offer, available from now until 20th May:

Weekends - £222. That's 25% off our usual price for a 3 night stay.
Add some romance to your Alton Towers visit and stay over in a lovely country cottage in the next village to your favourite theme park at ST10 4DB.
May Midweek Facebook special room rate*: - double room £50 per night.
*This offer is for Fans of our Facebook page, but you could join our Facebook page now and get this mid-season deal and maybe more like it during the season ahead. Midweek is Monday - Thursday. Payment is cash on arrival. Telephone for availability or post your dates on our Facebook wall.
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Rural holiday cottage - the lambs are so cute now

2010-04-15T09:26:00.000+01:00

Barks is a lovely, rural holiday cottage even though it is less than 3 miles from Alton Towers. I suppose those that know Alton Towers well will have walked the Woodland Walk and seen the great views over the Churnet Valley and therefore appreciate the loveliness of our surroundings.

Well our holiday just took on an even more rural and lovelier quality because the ewes and lambs are now in the fields. They are jumping about for no particular reason other than the sun is shining over the Staffordshire Moorlands. It is such a lovely scene, you must come.

3 nights £295
7 nights £450

email us or call 01538 703436
Join our Facebook Fan Page and receive a discount on midweek visits before 20th May - just scribble the dates you would like on the 'wall' and we'll get back to you asap.

Got drenched at Alton Towers

2010-04-11T12:59:00.000+01:00

We went to Alton Towers again and got completely drenched. Not by the weather, by the log flume. The sun shone gloriously, it was 18C. Too early to herald the arrival of summer, but a reminder of the Alton Towers fun and sunshine that we are holding out for.

Good Friday Fun at Alton Towers

2010-04-02T15:36:00.002+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage - 01538 703436 barks@btconnect.com

We finally made it to Alton Towers with our passes. We thought we would nip in early and avoid any holiday queues but that didn't work when we hit the rush hour for the monorail, which promptly broke down. Took ages to get in. Once in, however, Alton Towers was really quiet. No further waiting required.

I was expecting Alton Towers to have a relatively quiet day and was discussing this with one of the ride handlers, another local Alton resident. Apparently it is always relatively quiet on bank holidays (even though Good Friday isn't a bank holiday). The weekend should be quiet too, so we may go to Alton Towers again. Lots of the local Alton Towers accommodation providers of self-catering and B&B have told me the same story: vacancies now, fully booked accommodation from Sunday.

BARKS HOLIDAY COTTAGE - SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION NEAR ALTON TOWERS April availability:
self-catering from 3 nights 11th April - 18th April
short break and weekend self catering for Alton Towers visits available from 21st April

While at Alton Towers we made use of our Merlin Annual passes and said hi to the fishes in Sharkbait Reef aquarium, pottered around on some of the old favourites at Old MacDonalds Farm and gave ourselves a mini adrenalin kick on the Dragon junior rollercoaster. Really I am quite relieved that my six and a half year old can still be amused by these tame rides because I am not going to manage Thirteen, Air, Nemesis etc Next time we go I think we will just nip to Cloud Cuckoo Land. Handy to be only a couple of miles away in the next village.

Easter holidays near Alton Towers

2010-04-01T08:24:00.000+01:00

What a gorgeous morning. We are about to set off on the school hike and I bet it is going to be beautiful across the fields and through the woods. Last day of term here. Then a chocolate fest no doubt.

We have last minute self-catering availability for Alton towers tonight until Monday. Then another gap between 11th - 18th. Please give us a ring on 01538 703436 if you would like to book in for some country air. I doubt the snow will still be here but it is lovely walking around here at the moment. And of course Alton Towers is only a couple of miles away in the next village.

Alton Towers first weekend open

2010-03-21T17:42:00.000Z

Alton Towers opens this weekend (unless of course you are Calum Best who tweeted that he was here on Friday). Well, the big day came and it was raining, so we wimped out of going to Alton Towers and didn't make use of our Merlin pass. Then today was glorious and sunny, so much so that we didn't make it to Alton Towers because we were too busy in the garden. Oh dear . . . I hope our investment in an Alton Towers pass pays the expected entertainment dividend.

For those with more commitment to coming to Alton Towers, and looking for some family-friendly self-catering accommodation near to Alton Towers - it is just 2.8 miles to ST10 4DB aka Alton Towers Resort - please take a look at the pictures and prices etc and give us a call or email with your preferred dates. We look forward to hearing from you and offering you a warm welcome at Barks Holiday Cottage.

Easter weekend availability

2010-03-18T13:25:00.002Z

Anyone fancy an Easter break?

How about a couple of days fun at Alton Towers?
Tempted by an indoor beach holiday at the Waterpark?
Need some pampering at the Alton Towers spa?
Is your spirit crying out for some peace and quiet and country air?
Need to entertain the family with days out?

April Availability (as at 28th March)

Barks Holiday Cottage has last minute availability for short breaks over Easter

3+ nights availability between now to 5th April departure

11th April - 17th April (7 nights Sunday to Sunday or for 3+ night breaks)

Barks is fully booked between 5th - 11th April and 18th - 21st April

Barks is child and pet friendly.

Call me now on 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com .

Easter Eggs

2010-03-16T10:33:00.001Z

Our remaining hens are in a flap following the loss of Speckedly Brown. Our neighbour slammed his shed door and Cinders flew onto the roof.

They are still happily laying eggs so we should have plenty for Easter. Might have to work on them being chocolate ones.

EASTER AVAILABILITY
We still have some availability during the Easter school holidays for self-catering breaks of 3+ days starting at £295. I need to update our Google Calendar, but in the meantime please drop us an email with your preferred dates or give us a call on 01538 703436

Speckedly Brown and the fox

2010-03-11T12:04:00.001Z

The foxes have been busy, with their minds on the matter of spring. A big golden dog fox has been seen quite frequently and we have been worrying for our free range hens. He is a handsome, countryside fox, who looks you in the eye, unafraid.

Yesterday, as we set off on the hike to school, we heard a squeal from the woods and identified it as the fox. We nipped back and put the hens into their run. We let them out on our return, and they fluffed up their feathers, shook indignantly and set off purposefully up the track towards the cottages; on a mission to raid bird tables I rather suspect.

Dear Speckedly Brown, my trusty broody hen, seemed to be the one leading them away. Stuart, the cockerel, considered coming back to my call, but his duty was to stay with his girls and he followed them away. I watched them leave. I felt at the time their journey was high risk and intended to find some treats to tempt them back home but once indoors I was distracted by other matters.

Poor Speckedly Brown did not return. We hunted for her at dusk, but there was no sign. We looked for evidence of her demise, but there is not even a stray feather.

Cinders, Ashes, Fenny and Suart .... stay close please.

Snowdrops

2010-03-03T17:33:00.002Z

Snowdrops are looking lovely in the sun. Spring is here!

Alton Towers opens 20th March

2010-02-19T16:41:00.000Z

Many of our holiday cottage guests are families 4 of 5 who are looking to wrap a holiday around a couple of days of fun at Alton Towers.

Others are small groups of friends who want nothing more than a couple of packed days at Alton Towers.

To all you Alton Towers lovers . . . prepare for the season to start in earnest on 20th March. There was a taste of the action over half term.

We are ready! The cottage is ready!

We have bought our Merlin Entertainments annual pass and have already been onto the London Eye. If you have your Merlin pass, all you need now is some comfortable accommodation just a short nip from your favourite theme park. Look no further . . . please check out our 3 night and 7 night self-catering breaks.

Give us a call on 01538 703436 or email us to check availability on your preferred dates.

Nearly Feb half term already

2010-02-01T18:02:00.000Z

Feb half term - Alton Towers is open on reduced hours and ticket prices. We have availability please enquire on 01538 703436 for dates and prices

March 20th - Theme Park opens in earnest. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers please do drop us an email to check availability at our holiday cottage on your preferred dates. 3 nights or 7 nights self catering lets available.

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Walking the Moorlands seasonal update

I can't believe it is nearly half term. The school hike is going well. We set off at 8.25am in a bit of a rush. It takes about 10 minutes to get ready. A 6yr old needs to be constantly hurried along and questioned about progress - teeth cleaned? wellies on? school shoes in rucksack? coat? waterproof trousers? bookbag? Then I need to check my layers are warm enough for the downhill start and adjustable for the upward return - woolly hat, necker, ski jacket seems to be working at the moment. Dog leads? rucksack? phone?

Whatever the time of year there is something marvellous about walking around the Churnet Valley. The sunrise and cloud formations over Beelow Hill, on the other side of the valley, have been wonderful the last week or so.

The wildlife is preparing for spring. I have noticed that the birds are singing more. This morning the woodpeckers were in action, clattering against some trees. Yesterday there were foxes everywhere. We shut the hens into their run even though the foxes had other seasonal matters on their minds.

The extra daylight is welcome. And to add to our sparkling sunny morning was a sprinkling of fresh snow.

We only do the school hike going to school. It is one thing for a 6yr old to kick a tennis ball along a downhill track for 20 minutes, but too much after a hard day at school to walk 40 minutes up a steep hill. And sadly we have to fit some real work into our day.

Fancy an Alton Towers self-catering Spa weekend?

2010-01-29T13:14:00.002Z

Banish the cold - how about an Alton Towers self-catering Spa Break to warm you up?
At Barks holiday cottage you'll lots and lots of warmth and comfort during the winter season: Open fires, underfloor heating, central heating, electric blankets and freshly baked cakes as part of your warm welcome. Add in the Alton Towers Spa - sauna, steam room, pool, footbaths, relaxation rooms (I love the heated tile recliners) and lots of extra treatment options to add to the indulgence.

With this idea there is no chilly pinch in your toes or your wallet:
2 night winter break at Barks Holiday Cottage £185
entry to the spa from £10 for 4 hours - £18 weekend and £10 midweek
Bring your own champagne for some fireside indulgence . . .

It might be cold outside and the Alton Towers theme park is closed until Feb half term week but there is warmth & comfort in abundance.

Is Barks self catering holiday accommodation near Alton Towers ? Yes - just 2.6 miles away! I checked on my way back from the Spa this week.

Enquire now about taking Barks holiday cottage for your summer Alton Towers and Peak District family holiday. 01538 703436
3 nights £295 - perfect for 2 whole days at Alton Towers
7 nights £450 - max out at Alton Towers and have time to take in the scenery, the local shopping, the zoo, the Opera House. . .

Winter self catering

2010-01-19T11:11:00.001Z

Winter view.

The snow has been fantastic here. Yesterday it was 6C but on the north side of the stone walls there was still a line of white snow giving the countryside a quilted effect.

The forecast is for more snow tomorrow. Maybe another school closure and day's sledging.

Meanwhile summer bookings are coming in from families looking for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers for their summer holidays.

Please email us regarding availability on your preferred dates of 3 nights or 7 nights or just give us a ring on 01538 703436

Churnet Valley Walks

2010-01-12T11:41:00.000Z

Barks Holiday Cottage accommodation near Alton Towers is also perfect as a cosy base for a weekend of walking in the Churnet Valley.

I walk down into the Churnet Valley everyday taking my son to school, and then the dogs and I walk back up the steep valley sides through the most magnificent woodland and open countryside. The exercise is good for the heart, the views are good for the soul.

This week there has been enough snow that we have sledged to school, which is handy because even the 4x4s were slipping on the untreated road.

Booking a self-catering holiday cottage Tip 7: Dates

2010-01-08T10:17:00.017Z

Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com

Tip 7. Dates

Finally, think about the date of your holiday. The school holidays obviously book up the quickest so be prepared to book in advance to get the accommodation and holiday you want - the best cottages often book up a year in advance by repeat holiday makers. Alternatively, be prepared to be flexible and change your dates.

Barks - this is good advice. We have already had bookings for the summer 2010 school holidays. Alton Towers is a very popular destination for families. Families that holiday at Barks often spend 2 days at the Alton Towers Theme Park and another day at the Alton Towers waterpark (Cariba Creek). Leaving barely enough time for the mulitude of other activities that abound in the area.

Confirmed bookings are only taken on receipt of a completed Booking Form and require 50% payment on booking (please see our Terms & Conditions & Booking Form)

Booking a self-catering holiday cottage tip 6: Duration

2010-01-07T15:22:00.001Z

Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com

Tip 6. Duration

Some holiday cottages have specific days of the week for check in and check out (usually a Saturday) so ensure this fits in with your plans - if you're looking for a 10 day break at a property that only allows 7 or 14 day bookings, you won't be able to do this. The same goes for weekend breaks - during peak holiday periods these may not be permitted unless it's a last minute booking or a cancellation.

At Barks we keep it simple. You book 3 nights, 7 nights or longer according to what suits you and our availability. We have, quite honestly, given up trying to work to a Friday change-over day. Just book the dates you need - first come, first served! Please note: Bookings can only be confirmed on receipt of the paperwork and the deposit. To enquire about availability please email us or give us a call.

Tips on booking a self-catering holiday cottage as provided by Travelsupermarket.

Alton Towers Annual Pass - special offer

2010-01-06T16:51:00.000Z

For a limited period Merlin is offering its Annual Pass at a huge discount. Book online on the Alton Towers website before 10th Jan. The good thing about the Merlin Pass is that you get enty to all the other places as well as Alton Towers. You can buy a pass just for Alton Towers, and also one just for the Waterpark at Splash Landings. The Merlin pass appears not to allow entry to the Waterpark, which for those of us a couple of miles away is a bit of a blow.

Book now for family self-catering accommodation for the Alton Towers season. Please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for availability.

Self-catering holiday cottages - Tip 5: Cooking

2010-01-06T16:43:00.000Z

Tip 5. Cooking

Cottage holidays are generally self-catering. Some cottages are supplied with large, well equipped kitchens while others will have a kitchen corner or kitchenette. You should always have enough pots, pans etc for the maximum amount of people that can occupy the property, but if you are planning on a lot of cooking it is best to enquire about the facilities. The larger the property, the greater your chances of a well-equipped kitchen. Remember to take some basic supplies with you so you don't have to go in search of a supermarket as soon as you arrive.

Barks - we are self-catering and make available a litre of milk, tea bags, instant coffee, soap. We have a farm shop that will deliver on a Friday, a Morrisons 3 miles away in Cheadle, and recommend those from the south to either come via Ashbourne where you have the choice of Sainsbury's and M&S Food, or stop at the services for M&S on M1 at junction 23A. The Kitchen at Barks is modern and well-equipped. We are next door if you need a particular utensil or pan.

Booking a holiday cottage. Tip 4: Transport

2010-01-06T16:34:00.005Z

Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com

Tips on booking a self-catering holiday cottage as provided by Travelsupermarket.

Tip 4. Transport
Be prepared for traffic jams if you're travelling in peak season, get directions to the cottage and don't forget your breakdown cover.

Barks - It can be busy getting in and out of Alton Towers at peak times. Normally the queues are from the Uttoxeter side (south) and through Alton so staying at Barks means you avoid the busiest roads. I make no claims in favour of the M1 or M6, but at least they are not as bad as going south on the M5 on change-over day.

Directions are provided with confirmation of booking and Sat nav can be relied upon to get you pretty close.

Booking a holiday cottage. Tip 3: Choose the right-sized property

2010-01-06T16:34:00.004Z

Barks self-catering holiday accommodation in the Churnet Valley - ideally situated for Alton Towers fun and Peak District countryside. 01538 703436. barks@btconnect.com

3. Choose the right sized property
Think about the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you'll need and check whether any of the beds are sofa beds. Is it practical for a member of your party to sleep in the lounge?

Barks - we sleep up to 5 all in proper beds. We have a double bed and 3 singles. There are 2 bedrooms with flexibility as to how the beds are arranged. There is also a cot if required.

NB There is also a separately accessed double room with en-suite that can be made available if you need extra stand-alone space e.g for a couple of nights visit from grandparents. Additional fees applicable, please enquire.

If your party is very large, we know other people in the area with holiday cottages that can accommodate large groups and would suit several families holidaying together.

Booking a self-catering holiday cottage - tip 1 set a budget

2010-01-06T16:33:00.004Z

I came across these tips for booking a self-catering Holiday Cottage (prepared by Travelsupermarket) and have pleasure sharing them with you, with a few explanatory notes relating to Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers. All 7 tips will be blogged over the course of the next few days.

1. Set a budget
Taking a break in the UK is often thought of as the cheaper option, but with more and more luxury cottages entering the rental market, it's easy to overspend. Also, think about the petrol costs for the journey getting to your destination.

Barks adds - and consider the drive time if you have children on board! To get to Alton Towers takes:

· 3 hours from London

· 4.5 from Glasgow. (So if you were thinking of travelling to Scotland save yourself that extra 4.5 hours driving and holiday here instead! Countryside is similarly idyllic and easily accessible and you can get that ‘away from it all feeling.)

· 3.5 hours from Newcastle

· 3 hours from Cardiff

Trains can be taken to Stoke-on-Trent or Derby and connecting trains to Uttoxeter where you'll find buses to Alton Towers. There are buses from Stoke to Cheadle or Alton Towers, local taxis, and as we live nearby we'll endeavour not to leave you stranded if we are around!

To help you with your budget we offer 3 nights at £295 and 7 nights for £450. We are told it is fair to describe Barks as very smart self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers, but at very reasonable prices.

Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage in the Churnet Valley

Holiday accommodation in the Staffordshire Moorlands, ideally situated for Peak District walks and Alton Towers fun.

01538 703436

Booking a self-catering holiday cottage - tip 2: choosing where you want to go

2010-01-06T16:33:00.003Z

Barks self-catering holiday cottage in the Churnet Valley. Holiday accommodation ideally situated for Peak District walks and Alton Towers fun. Sleeps 4/5. 01538 703436

I came across these tips for booking a self-catering Holiday Cottage (prepared by Travelsupermarket) and have added a few explanatory notes relating to Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers.

Top Tip 2. Deciding where you want to go
Holiday cottages are available to rent in most parts of the UK, the most popular being Devon, Cornwall, the Lake District and The Cotswolds (what about Alton Towers and the Peak District??? Barks). Once you have decided on your location start looking at other details such as do you want to be by the sea, in the countryside or near a city (or a theme park)? An isolated retreat may seem ideal when you're booking it, but think about the practicalities too - especially if you're with children or a large group - is there a supermarket nearby or a good pub/restaurant?

Barks adds - we are lovely and rural and off-road, but rest assured there is a supermarket 3 miles away, a take-away that delivers, plenty of pubs and restaurants which are child-friendly and lots of family-oriented entertainments, including Alton Towers a mere 3 miles away. We are not well-placed for the sea though!

If your group is larger than the 4/5 that we can accommodate please do drop us a line as we know other reputable self-catering cottages in the area to suit various sizes of groups.

I will post all 7 tips over the course of the next few days.

Christmas holidays self-catering cottage in superb countryside

2009-12-06T21:16:00.001Z

We can't guarantee snow I'm afraid. On the practical side that is a good thing as we are in a little hamlet on the top of a hill and I'd hate our self-catering holiday cottage guests to struggle to reach us. When it comes to that touch of magic, however, nothing beats being in the 'Staffordshire Alps' when there has been overnight snowfall. My favourite is when the trees and paths in the woods are dusted with fresh snow, the sun sparkles off the ice crystals on the twigs and you can follow the animal tracks in the fresh powder.

Whilst we can't guarantee snow, we can tempt you with a cosy country cottage with open fires (and reassure you about the proper modern kitchen and a decent shower in the bathroom) and don't foget the lovely views, peace and quiet and fresh air. There is open countryside to go for walks, and pubs and tea rooms to complete your rambling mission.

Come to the countryside and relax!
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Winter off peak weekends are £185 for self-catering with all linen and log fires included (and central heating too). Self-catering country cottage sleeps 4/5.
High season holiday times, which includes when Alton Towers is open, we offer 3 night breaks for £295 and 7 nights self catering accommodation for £450.

Bookings for the Alton Towers 2010 season are coming in now, so to reserve the dates that you want please email us on barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436 for futher information.

Planning your visit to Staffordshire and Alton Towers?

2009-11-10T13:36:00.002Z

Our holiday cottage is 3 miles to Alton Towers and 3 miles in the other direction to some of the nations favourite beauty spots in the Peak District.

For a family of 4/5 we offer 3 nights for £295 and 7 nights for £450. All linen included.

Alton Towers is open for February half term, (13^th -21st February 2010) and the main season begins on 20 March 2010. We currently have availability! 01538 703436.

Nb During the winter months we accommodate walkers for weekend breaks. Cosy log fire, underfloor heating, full central heating, frosty views, wooded walks etc. Please email or ring 01538 703436 for prices and availability.

If you are planning a family break in this area then why not check out the deals on offer locally. A friend of mine has been seriously busy researching what’s on locally and the best way to save your pennies on fun days out. She is keeping her ear to the ground on Alton Towers and other attractions that would be of interest to our holiday guests. If you are planning your visit to Staffordshire and Alton Towers then I suggest you don’t pay for a thing until you’ve checked out her site http://blog.topdogdays.com/

Children to Alton Towers

2009-11-01T16:55:00.000Z

Barks Holiday Cottage self catering accommodation 3 miles from Alton Towers, sleeps 4/5. 3 nights £295 and 7 nights £450. Winter walking weekends available for £185 until Alton Towers opens again for 2010 season. Call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com
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We went to Alton Towers on Friday afternoon for the final visit of the 2009 season. It was so busy. We had to queue everywhere. Don't ask me why, but we waited for 30 minutes to go on Squirrel Nutty. When he was three my son thought this was a lovely ride, but now he is six I knew that he and his friend were wasting time. We moved onto the Dragon which was much more thrilling, but still a horrendous queue. Then I sent them off on their own into the queue for the swings at Cloud Cuckoo Land, and they waited patiently for a really long time to get one short ride.

I consulted other local mothers with similar age children about their tolerance for adrenalin rides and most agreed that Runaway Mine is the turning point. While your children are the age when this ride is still a thrill, a relatively cautious mother is still within her comfort zone to accompany her offspring. Beyone this age, these mothers have cannily roped in friends or dads to do the accompanying. After all, someone has to carry bags and sound impressed by all the bravado.

I have made it clear to my son that I shall not be accompanying him onto Oblivion and Rita etc. He said he thought next time he would be brave enough to go on Submission. Is there seriously a ride called Submission? Surely he means Oblivion. Thank goodness for the height restrictions.

On our way out, soaking wet as a result of an ill-judged ride on a galleon that was being fired on by water cannons, we stopped to enjoy the flame-throwing, juggling entertainer. I enjoyed his act better than all the rides and, despite the fact that we were shivering with cold, we cheered and clapped as he threw flaming batons into the night sky.

Day out at Alton Towers

2009-10-29T13:14:00.006Z

Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage:

Winter weekend in the country £185 for 2 nights for a family of 4/5 with all bed linen and a real log fire included. Please email barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436. Winter weekends and short breaks are on offer from 1st November to 17th December so put your walking boots on and enjoy some fresh air in the Peak District.

Alton Towers 2010 season

Barks is 3 miles to Alton Towers and offers self-catering accommodation for family of 4/5.

3 nights for £295 and 7 nights for £450. Bookings require 50% deposit and remainder 4 weeks before arrival.

01538 703436 barks@btconnect.com.

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I am planning our last day at Alton Towers for this season. I have 3 tickets and my 6 year old has had to make some tough choices about who to accompany him. Parents - one, other, both, none - or friends. The friends option is top priority, so much so that finding a friend with a more daring parent is in fact the favourite option. Currently racking my brains to think which parent of my son's friends would enjoy this offer the most!

Adrenalin Week at Alton Towers Nov 2009

2009-10-20T16:35:00.004+01:00

Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage info: We have availability from 1st November at our winter discount rate of £185 for 2 nights for a family of 4/5 with linen and log fire included. email barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436.

Half term: Fully booked for half term from now until 1st November, sorry!

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ADRENALIN WEEK!

Just discovered that the Alton Towers season goes on until 7th November. They've added Adrenalin Week from 2nd - 7th November!

This really has to be the last chance of the year to get your heart racing and escape to the UK's favourite theme park resort. I checked the website and tickets are £10 for 10 rides when booked online or £15 on the day.
These classic Alton Towers pure adrenalin-pumping rides are yours from 10-4pm everyday - Oblivion, Nemesis, Air and seven more.

http://www.altontowers.com/events/adrenalin-week/

Not only that, but we have started a winter offer and have availability during that time! Please call us on 01538 703436 or email us.

Railway Walks and ... Trains to Alton Towers

2009-10-15T11:19:00.014+01:00

Barks Self Catering Holiday Cottage info:

Winter rates for cosy fireside weekend breaks in the country - £169 for a couple, £185 for a family for 2 night weekend.

Alton Towers 2010 season - £295 for 3 nights, £450 for a week self catering . . . Alton Towers only 3 miles down the road! Book now to reserve the dates you want.

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Railway Walks and the idea of taking the train to Alton Towers . . .

I quite fancy Julia Bradbury's job. I watched Railway Walks, and as I watched her walking along a disused railway track in Scotland I thought of our local Beeching-closed railways in Staffordshire. It was a strange coincidence because during the day I'd noticed that Staffordshire County Council have published information on the stretch of former railway from Oakamoor to Denstone and given it a name: the 'Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway'.

The rail theme continued this morning. I picked up the local paper and the lead article is about a stretch of local railway that might be reopened. Cauldon Lowe through Froghall and off to Leek and Stoke has been acquired and may re-open for freight and passenger services. Wow! I've blogged before that the only traffic on the A52 (a dangerous road with some serious hills and bends) is mostly used by tractors and quarry lorries. It was a crazy decision to move the Lafarge lime and WBB (now Sibelco) silica sand onto lorries along the A52 when it used to be transported more cleanly and safely by rail, and canal. Today's article suggests that Lafarge is seriously engaged in trying to use rail transportation again, which should be encouraged, and the result may be just 18 months away.

The newspaper article also raised the idea of being able to take the train to Alton Towers. Oh really . . .! Further sections of the railway from Froghall to Oakamoor and Oakamoor to Alton Towers might, apparently, one day be re-opened to ease Alton Towers traffic. Surely this is our great local paper getting a bit sensationalist, or is it?

Rail access to Alton Towers logically needs to connect with existing rail links and probably add park and ride facilities. My mind always turned south to Uttoxeter for possible solutions. This story presents a northern option, which changes the possibilites dramatically. This option potentially opens the tracks to rail traffic from Stoke via Froghall . Interesting; I just don't believe this is even close to being seriously negotiated, let alone imminent.

The current state of affairs as far as I'm aware. . . There is good condition track in place from Froghall to Oakamoor (don't tell anyone, but I have walked it). It ends in Oakamoor blocked by a private residence, at the river where there's no longer a rail bridge right where the Churnet is currently being problematic by causing subsidence along the bank and road. Plus there is a long-closed tunnel.

But things are changing round here by the day. Our gorgeous rural backwater has become the Churnet Valley Leisure Corridor. Oakamoor, a hidden gem and not currently a leisure destination in its own right, could find its status changed. Managed correctly, it could become the jewel in the crown of the Churnet Valley Leisure Corridor. Move over Alton!

Moneystone Quarry (WBB/Sibelco), along this stretch of track, is due to cease operations very soon, the site is being restored to nature and the new owners are currently putting the final touches to their leisure development plan. The choice of use for that stretch of railway must surely tie into that plan: rail traffic or walking traffic? And if rail usage, would it be a commercial passenger service or an extension of the charming Churnet Valley Steam Railway that currently attracts tourists to Froghall? We await sight of the plan, meanwhile there are rumours of eco lodges.

I predict that the deal-breaker or deal-maker for any serious commercial rail development along the Churnet Valley will be the section from Oakamoor to Denstone, alongside Alton Towers (to the left of the picture); the stretch recently named the 'Greenway'. Let's see what happens . . .

There is no denying the negative impact of Alton Towers traffic for miles around. Sadly, however, no obvious solution has yet been proposed. New roads through ancient woodland and private estates have not proved feasible for many reasons, despite a financial commitment from Alton Towers.

It will be interesting to keep tabs on the seriousness of this rail proposal. If anyone hears anything please email me.

Alton Towers in the Dark - Scarefest

2009-09-28T12:38:00.003+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage availability:

HALF TERM ALTON TOWERS - Sorry, we are fully booked from 20th – 31^st October.

SCAREFEST - We have a few short breaks available during the remaining Alton Towers season, Scarefest starts 17^th October. Please ring 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com to check.

WINTER BREAKS - Alton Towers closes 1^st November but we remain open for cosy weekends by the open fire, countryside walking weekends and as a base for various outdoor activities – including pub walks!

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Alton Towers in the Dark

On Friday night I went to Cloud Cuckoo Land – and yes I have come back, but there was a moment when I started to wonder if I was going to live in Cloud Cuckoo Land forever. My son and I went because we were invited to a local fundraiser.

All my sons mates were there and they had the run-around of this one section, Cloud Cuckoo Land. It was really great fun for the under 7s and adults-in-charge. There was the Alton Towers Driving Challenge, Froghopper, the Carousel, soft play bouncy castle area, Cuckoo Tree swings and Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. Everything at Alton Towers has height restrictions and there were no exceptions granted, even for a private party. Parents were dragged onto rides where an accompanying adult was required. Nine year olds burst into tears because they were too tall to go driving. Little ones sobbed that they weren’t allowed to be propelled into the night sky on the Cuckoo Tree swings. Fair enough.

My son started quietly on the Driving Challenge – serious look of concentration and unnecessary stopping at red lights. “it’s the law mummy”, one little girl was heard saying. We moved on to the Carousel –“it’s for the little ones”, announced my son as he carefully checked his safety harness. He graduated to the Froghopper and his grin rivalled that of any wide mouth frog. “Again”, they all shouted and ran to the entrance gate and boarded straight away. There were no queues because we were all VIPs on this occasion. Half an hour from closing, pitch dark and we thought we’d exhausted available options, being too tall for Soft Play. It was at this point that a brave decision was made to try the Cuckoo Tree swings.

“Flap your arms, it will make you go faster” advised the voice in charge of the ride. My palms were sweating just watching my 6 year old flying through the air, high up in the night sky, in a chair on the end of chain. Why was I concerned? He flapped all the way round, even when others had decided holding on was sensible. My friend said “it would be better if he sat back a bit.” I flapped, in a mother hen way. He stayed on this ride continuously for half an hour.

It was well past the published close time and you’d think that the Alton Towers staff would be keen to get away but they called to children to have a last, long turn at the Driving School. Parents were wanting to leave. It became slightly surreal as the voice over the Tannoy directed the children where to go and what to do and I began to suspect that we had entered a world from which we would never be allowed to return. I imagined them saying, “And now children, you belong to us, here at Alton Towers Cloud Cuckoo Land.”

I can see why Alton Towers is staying open until 9pm during Scarefest. We all made ghost noises while we passed beneath the haunted castle and crossed the dark park next to the lake.

Alton Towers Scarefest until 1st November

2009-09-18T11:08:00.002+01:00

17th Oct to 1 Nov is Alton Towers Scarefest

Barks holiday cottage is only 3 miles to Alton Towers

Availability in October for 3 night (for £295) and for a weeks self catering holiday (£450) for family of 4/5

9th October - for 3 nights self catering £295

16th October - for 3 nights self catering £295 or full week for £450

Fully booked 23rd October - 1st November, sorry.

After 1st November we will be taking bookings for walking weekends - please call 01538 703436 or email to check availability and prices.

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Scarefest season

Alton Towers is quite tempting at this time of year, even for me who wimps out of any kind of scary ride. The children are back at school so there are no queues, the weather is sunny and warm and the gardens look amazing.

It is nearly Alton Towers Scarefest time! At aged 3 my son was terrified by the painted faces and witches hats, now a few years on he'd probably love it!

We still prefer Splash Landings and the thrills of the waterpark, which reminds me that I am on a promise to take him there after school one day.

Tour of Britain cycles the moorlands

2009-09-16T13:37:00.001+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage, self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers and Peak District

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Tour of Britain cycles the Moorlands

James made a deliberate visit to King of the Mountain – Wootton Hill and was given a flag to wave encouragingly at these keen cyclists as they powered up the hill to the ‘finish line’ (although there was no finish in the sense of them stopping). Three riders were clearly leading the pack, as announced by a van with loud speaker courtesy of ITV, heavily escorted by motorbikes. A few minutes later the peloton arrived, whizzed through en masse and that was it.

I caught the Tour of Britain inadvertently as I returned from a meeting in Matlock along the A52 between Ashbourne and Stoke. At the highest point of the ridge, with a grand view of most of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, I became stuck in a traffic jam. A traffic jam that is not causally linked to Alton Towers is such a rare occurrence it is almost worth blogging in its own right. I figured out it was the Tour of Britain when the motorbikes, 40 or more, roared past with lights flashing. Meanwhile the A52 in both directions gently filled with quarry lorries, the main traffic on this stretch of road. Then the pack of riders, tightly packed together and seemingly not in a rush to my inexperienced eye, breezed over the ridge and off in the direction of Blackbrook Zoo. The view and zoo would not have registered with the riders who were head down and intent on their mission. Before the quarry lorries and I could resume our journeys, there was the amusing spectacle of the 50 or so support vehicles with the cycles on the top. More cycles were visible on the top of 4x4s than in the peloton.

It’s quiet in these rural parts, can you tell?

Walking routine

2009-09-08T11:09:00.000+01:00

Holiday Cottage - £295 for 3 nights and £450 for a week

Alton Towers 3 miles; walking in the moorlands, woods and valleys is on the doorstep

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I hadn’t walked through Carr Wood since the last day of term when we picked the raspberries. Seven weeks of summer holiday have passed and we have had a lovely time and met some interesting people and lovely families who stayed in our cottage, Barks, for a self-catering holiday. All but one group of guests went to Alton Towers, and some stayed longer and took in some extra local attractions.

During this time I didn’t do much walking. My old dog Echo was pleased about this but the young dogs wanted more. So the young ones were pleased by the resumption of our school routine this morning, and I am sure Echo joined us in spirit. Raspberries have been replaced by blackberries but we didn’t stop this morning. It is time to shed some calories and get marching up that hill again.

The walking is so wonderful around here that I am disappointed that more guests don’t pack their walking boots. Having said that, with Alton Towers Skyride out of action I would recommend walking boots for the miles you need to walk when you go for the day.

August Bank Holiday

2009-08-27T16:37:00.005+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage
3 nights for £295
7 nights for £450
For booking enquiries please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com

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How time flies; August Bank Holiday already and although it's warm weather and the sun is shining there are hints of autumn in the air. Our self catering guests are on their way from London.

We have had a flurry of booking activity for the holiday cottage. Other families must be sharing my feeling that the summer holidays are nearly over and it is time to spring into action before you miss the moment. A couple of bookings are from families organising some last minute fun with a 3 night break for a trip to Alton Towers. Others are getting organised now and are planning half term breaks and . . . . Christmas.

Surely not time to be thinking of Christmas . . . .!? Well actually, we have received our first booking enquiry from a family wanting a cosy holiday cottage with open fire and Christmas tree etc. We can't promise snow, but we have had a few romantic flakes fall on us at Christmas in the last few years.

In the mean time, let's keep fingers crossed that we all enjoy a sunny and warm August Bank Holiday.

Family Holidays

2009-08-17T11:47:00.003+01:00

Barks Holiday Cottage: - for booking enquiries please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com

3 nights £295

7 nights £450

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We've had a couple of lovely families come to stay at the holiday cottage last week. A family with two young children took in Cariba Creek water park one day and a day at Alton Towers theme park the next. I am pleased that the sun shone on their stay because they had a couple of days exploring the local area after that and took in Blackbrook Zoo (pictured), Trentham Gardens and Waterworld. We enjoyed a lovely game of cricket with them in the garden, which particularly pleased my son. Their children enjoyed feeding the hens and playing with our dogs. The hens mobbed me this morning, clearly disappointed that this family and all their treats had finished their family holiday and returned home to Cardiff.

The next family had teenage children who energetically pumped up the tyres on our old bicycles. I warned them that cycling from the holiday cottage is either freewheeling downhill or pushing uphill, without much pedalling required. They still seemed to have energy for a good day out at Alton Towers followed by a vigorous game of giant frisbee.

It is great that families enjoy their holidays here, but now my son wants a giant frisbee and the hens won't be satisfied with layers pellets.

Total peace and quiet

2009-08-06T14:56:00.002+01:00

We have had a planned power outage today. We had a letter reminding us to fill thermos flasks if we have a coffee addiction, find alternative power sources for vital health-related equipment, and find somewhere else to get online to get on with work. Helpful letter, if any of us could retain such information in our minds or had included it in the diary. I remembered too late when there was a final-sounding click as equipment powered down. Coffee-less and unable to get on with my day job I sat in the garden and enjoyed the sunshine in total peace and quiet.

The hens clucked cheerfully, the birds fluttered past and I even wondered if I could hear butterfly wings against the warm air. Possibly lack of coffee was starting to make me fanciful. After a while I thought I ought to get on with some domestic chores and personal jobs. There is a pile of holiday cottage sheets that need ironing, there are booking enquiries that need an email response and I've been meaning to transfer photos onto a memory stick for printing. I remembered I was powerless.

Eventually the postman broke the peace and my brain returned to normality. My addiction needed to be fed. Coffee or no coffee, I simply had to get online.

Alton Towers in the rain

2009-07-29T12:57:00.003+01:00

It is truly lashing down with rain right now. Our last holiday cottage guests told me that the Skyride is still closed following a fire. It is quite a hike from one ride to the next. Everyone at Alton Towers must be drenched. British summers . . .

Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers - we are in the next village just 2.6 miles to the gate.
We offer 3 night and 7 night self catering breaks, sleeps 4 or family of 5.
Enquiries and reservations 01538 703436
barks@btconnect.com

Wild raspberries in the woods

2009-07-20T15:01:00.004+01:00

I love to forage and wild raspberries are one of my favourites. We have just picked a good pot full from the woods. All year during our hikes to school I have been keeping an eye on these fruit stems, wondering if they would produce any wild raspberries. On literally the last day of term we went picking.

Picking pots can be provided to all our holiday cottage guests, although they are not much use to those that limit their pleasure to Alton Towers.

Country Walking Magazine recommends Churnet Valley walks

2009-06-17T11:30:00.001+01:00

I have just placed an advert in Country Walking Magazine and while chatting to Natasha about the booking was simultaneously checking their website for information on our area. There I was trying to persuade them to think about some editorial to raise the profile of the Churnet Valley, a hidden gem for walkers, and to my surprise walks available from our doorstep are featured in their ‘recommended routes’. So Natasha is hopefully going to speak to the editor about planning a Churnet Valley feature for the printed magazine. It’s time!

Check what they say online about the Churnet Valley at http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Destinations/Search-Results/UK/England/Heart-of-England/Staffordshire/.

The Yew Tree, Cauldon

2009-06-16T19:32:00.005+01:00

As featured in The Guardian's guide to pubs this weekend, The Yew Tree is one of our locals. I mentioned in another blog about 'interesting' pubs near to our self-catering holiday cottage; it was this establishment to which I referred. Chain pubs try really hard to create character, but The Yew Tree in Cauldon proves that only years of neglect and a passion for collecting really odd stuff can achieve the right feel. Gotta love it!

Dimmingsdale and the Ramblers Retreat

2009-06-05T11:44:00.003+01:00

I wanted a place to walk on flat ground today. I met Clare by chance in Oakamoor and together we walked along the disused railway track from Oakamoor to Dimmingsdale. The rhododendrons are beautiful around the lake at the moment. We resisted the temptation to stop for coffee on this occasion. There is a lot to do today to get ready for weekend holiday cottage guests.

Walking weekends

2009-06-01T13:44:00.005+01:00

Book a 3 night weekend at Barks self catering and enjoy a relaxing walking holiday.

Barks is a rural self-catering holiday cottage with fantastic unspoilt, varied countryside where you can walk for miles.

Our 2009 holiday cottage self-catering rates are:

3 nights for £295

7 nights for £450

Barks is a self catering holiday let with 2 bedrooms: one double, one twin. It is very comfortable and well equipped, making it perfect to put your feet up after a hard day in the countryside.

The Staffordshire Moorlands is renowned as an excellent area for walking. Situated on the southern fringes of the Peak District you'll find everything from gentle strolls to energetic hill walks. Some demanding footpaths can be found among the rugged crags of The Roaches or along ancient packhorse trails. Long distance walkers can enjoy the scenic pleasures of the Staffordshire Way, Gritstone Trail and Limestone Way. If you prefer short circular walks there are plenty locally around the Churnet Valley, some accessed from the front door of this holiday cottage.

This link takes you to the council's pdf download of one of our lovely local walks called Woods and Ways. It is accessible from the doorstep of Barks. More local walks can be selected and downloaded from their useful map.

Please email barks@btconnect.com for availability, a booking form and our terms and conditions. The countryside here is looking magnificent, book your stay today!

Alton Towers encourages families

2009-05-06T11:16:00.003+01:00

Alton Towers has just issued a press release about its expansion plans. There is much talk of the employment opportunities and spin off to local accommodation providers. Good, good, we like that. The detail of the many statistics, however, didn’t mention how many of the employees at the hotels and theme park are actually from Staffordshire, I suspect considerably more are from seasonal workers from places like eastern europe. Stop me now! I am trying to stick to the the good news . . .

In the report in our local paper, The Sentinal,( http://ow.ly/5mQ7 for full report) Liz Greenwood, Alton Towers communications manager is quoted as saying that they are wanting to move from a teen attraction to a family-friendly destination. Let’s hope they are successful at that. Ms Greenwood said:

"We are trying to reposition ourselves from a teenage market to cater for families. In trying to encourage families to stay for longer, there is a need to provide further accommodation of some kind."

Ms Greenwood said the resort would seek to do more than just erect "world class" roller-coasters – such as the Corkscrew's replacement for 2010, "Secret Weapon Six" – to entice thrill-seekers from all over the UK. She said: "In 2008, we worked extremely hard to attract families and we were very successful – growing in this sector from 35 per cent to 50 per cent of our total volume.

"Now, 75 per cent of our rides and attractions are suitable for children under 10."

Trouble is, that it’s impossible just to stick to this glimmer of good news when there is detail buried in these statistics. Ms Greenwood added that only 10% of the visitors stay at the on site hotels. I shall add to that my guestimate that another 10% stay locally. That means that 80% of the 2.5m visitors are travelling to and from the resort as day trippers (although that isn’t the thrust of the story). That’s a lot of traffic on our country roads, but let’s not start the bypass debate right now! This is another reason why I am focussing on the positive of marketing to families coming for more than one day. I shan’t miss the scary driving habits of the day-tripping twenty-somethings playing hooky off work who, in their eagerness, are pumping their accelerators. Nor shall I rue encountering those enormous coaches of day-trippers that I now associate with the possibility of having dodgy brakes. I shall herald their replacements – I am imagining a stream of well driven family Prius-type cars . . .

So to end on a positive. . . .! I am delighted that more families are being encouraged to come to Alton Towers because many will stay over longer and discover that there is so much more to this area than a theme park. I am confident these families will have a holiday to remember. We will make you welcome. Families of 4 or 5 report that they love it at our holiday cottage, Barks.

Alton Towers Weekend?

2009-04-28T18:59:00.007+01:00

Accommodation 3 miles from Alton Towers. 3 nights self catering - £295 for family of 4/5.

or full week - £450

Alton Towers is just minutes away by car.

Enjoy yourselves at Alton Towers for a long weekend. But after a busy day of screaming and icecreams, get away from the crowds and have a civilised time in your own space. Put your feet up and enjoy the fine views.

There is plenty for children to do in the area besides going to Alton Towers. There are children-friendly places to visit such as a zoo, a steam railway and canal trips only 5 mins away. Enjoy freedom in the countryside and get some fresh air - see the lambs, collect the eggs from our hens, climb trees in the woods, go for a picnic or a cycle. There are tea rooms galore, really unusual country pubs, farm shops, and award-winning restaurants. Do Alton Towers for a day or two and stay on longer to explore.

All enquiries to 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com. 50% payable on booking, remainder 4 weeks before arrival - please ask for our full Terms & Conditions.

Seaworld at Alton Towers

2009-04-08T17:17:00.004+01:00

It's really lovely!

I thought the Sharkbait Reef Sea Life section at Alton Towers was going to be just one room with a token shark, but then we went round a corner, and another and it goes on for ages.

I felt rather seasick looking through the magnified and curved glass tanks, but became used to it eventually. I was suprised how much I enjoyed spending a bit of time watching the Sea Life creatures and talking to the Alton Towers staff about the Sharkbait Reef exhibits. It's great that the staff are so knowledgeable and keen on what they are doing. They keep the place pristine clean, which is perfect.

Beware the Cleaner Shrimps! You are invited to stick your hand into the tank so that these shrimps can clean off any dead skin. With kids they make for the finger nails but with adults they seemed to love a knuckle or rough thumb. I had a tiny gardening cut on my finger and they very quickly 'cleaned' the wound and left it open again - not great for the following weekend's gardening.

I enjoyed our special visit to Sharkbait Reef Sea Life at Alton Towers and anyone planning a trip should definitely navigate their way to it.

http://www.altontowers.com/theme-park/attractions/sharkbait-reef/

Les Oakes on Gardeners' World

2009-04-04T15:12:00.002+01:00

Staffordshire rarely makes it onto TV so I was pretty stunned to see our local Cheadle ‘architectural reclamation’ yard Les Oakes featured on Gardeners’ World. I loved David Oakes’ wheeler dealer TV appearance. Les Oakes have some great stuff lurking in heaps around the yard. We have bought all sorts from there.

I have to say I preferred the original colour scheme of the reclaimed doors and wouldn’t be able to live with the giant wendy house look that the Gardeners’ World team created. I need a shed though!

Alton Towers opens

2009-03-30T11:27:00.003+01:00

An increase in enquiries and the hawthorn leaves appearing are both proof of the arrival of spring. Alton Towers opened this weekend, which possibly explains the surge of booking enquiries that we received. Either that or the improvement in the weather. In the last week alone people have contacted us from UK and Ireland with a variety of requirements - with/without children, with/without dogs, weekend walking breaks, accommodation near Alton Towers, and a business stay that requires WiFi. All are welcome at Barks.

Perfect walking weather

2009-03-30T11:05:00.001+01:00

I walked for miles this weekend. Our friends Lucy & Paul were staying with their wire-haired vizsla so we went out as a pack. First we had to do a short 20 minute circuit for the benefit of my 17 year old lurcher Echo. It served as a hearty appetiser because it is uphill through the woods, has a fresh wind on the ridge and then a couple of fields coming back down where the younger members of the pack can really stretch their legs. The old girl senses we are past the half way mark and trots ahead a little bit until I need to carry her over the stile.

Echo went reluctantly to her basket and we carried on for the main event; down into Oakamoor’s Carr Wood and then back up past Orchard Farm and into the woods. We were out for a couple of hours and enjoyed the best of the weather. I had put too many layers on and ended up with sweater and heavy coat tied around my waist for all serious uphill stretches. Paul had a hip replacement only nine months ago and I was somewhat alarmed when there was a plaintive cry for help at the back and he was lying in the rut of the path. It is soft peaty ground, so luckily he was enjoying the drama of it.

On Sunday the plan was to meet Karen and Megan the spaniel and go for a 1 ½ hour walk in Cotton Dell, but the clock change meant that it was just Lucy and me and the dogs. My whippety-lurcher races up the track likes she’s been let out of a trap, my terrier checks all rabbit holes and the vizsla jumps straight into the river and all further muddy pools of water. This is a fluffy vizsla and a muck magnet, who must have wondered why we were so keen to throw sticks for her into the deeper parts of the brook. The sun shone, the birds were singing and the temperature was perfect for a long walk up hill and down vale.

Later, while I was gardening, a man walked past with his dog and checked directions with me. His wife had dropped him in Alton and he was hiking back to Ipstones – approx 8 miles. We agreed it is perfect walking weather.

Following the walking and gardening, my legs feel quite stiff this morning, so instead of the hour long return walk down to school I confess we went by car, taking all of 3 mins each way. Not the same at all!

Book self catering accommodation near Alton Towers and the Peak District

2009-03-06T12:59:00.003Z

I just drove past the gates of Alton Towers, some 3 miles away, and all was quiet. It felt strange because normally on a bright, sunny day I see a stream of oncoming traffic going into Alton Towers theme park. But Alton Towers is not open yet . . .

Now is a great time to walk in the Churnet Valley and really appreciate the peace and uninterrupted birdsong. The paths and woodland around Alton Towers, Alton Castle (pictured) and Dimmingsdale are a treat right now.

Now is also a great time to start booking your summer visit to Barks self catering holiday accommodation near Alton Towers and the Peak District. Ring 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for 2009 rates and availability.

Children and pets welcome at Barks holiday cottage.

In praise of the Staffordshire Oatcake

2009-02-09T11:56:00.004Z

Guardian article on Staffordshire Oatcakes that appeared in Saturday's leader columns: http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/feb/07/editorial-staffordshire-oatcakes

Our area was described in the article as 'the beautiful surrounding "lost land" of North Staffordshire'. Fair description, I'd say.

On the hunt for Staffordshire Oatcakes? Simple answer, come and stay in our holiday cottage and order our breakfast hamper. We always include them, and we almost always receive queries about how to deal with them.

My neighbour makes his own Staffordshire Oatcakes. I would like to give the impression that I go to the famous, soon to be demolished, hole-in-the-wall outlet in the Potteries but I buy them at the local supermarket or village shop.

As a follow up to the earlier piece on the local butchers, the one in Alton has in fact recently closed. Ian, the butcher, suggested that he'd had enough of working on his own and was off to join his wife's business in Leek. She makes Staffordshire Oatcakes. The ones of hers that I used to buy from Ian were tastier than the supermarket ones, that is for sure. I wish them well.

On the hunt online for Staffordshire Oatcakes? Try Facebook, there are hordes of people seperated from their native "lost land", pining for the tastes of their childhood and musing on whether its preferable to have with melted cheese, beans and bacon, or sweet with syrup . . . ? Don't tell my neighbours, but as an evening snack we like them blini-style with pretend caviar, chopped onion and sour cream. Breakfast has to be cheese, beans and bacon though.