self-catering holiday cottage, holiday rental near Alton Towers and Peak District

Self-catering near Alton Towers and Peak District - Call Barks Holiday Cottage 01538 703163 email barkshc@gmail.com

October half term and Scarefest



The guests that stay at Barks Holiday Cottage are often parents who were brought up on family fun days at Alton Towers and are keen to start a new tradition with the next generation, their young children. So I am always pleased to see that there are fun things to do at the theme park for all ages. New for 2021 during Scarefest is the Trick or Treating thrill. Should be suitably scary for younger age groups. It is also rather fun for youngsters being at the park in the darkness with the old building all lit up across the lake. My son and his friends used to love the twirling swings (forgotten the name now) that lifted him and his friends high into the drizzly night air. They were meant to hold on, but stretching their arms out was favourite.

But having said all that about Scarefest, I am a fan of fireworks night. That is a spectacular event. I have watched it a number of times from afar as we can actually see it from our hill across the valley, but that is quite honestly just frustrating. You can see how amazing the fireworks are, but we don't get the accompanying music, lights and lasers. So no compromise this year, we're dressing up warm and going to the theme park.  

We currently have self-catering availability at Barks Holiday Cottage for a 4 night break during October half term - 22nd to 26th October. We also have fireworks weekend available. Please message or ring to check availability.




For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Winter cottage rental


In the winter we take longer bookings of 21 to 28 days. The maximum length that any single booking can be is 28 days (so as not to affect our status as holiday accommodation)

The cottage is fully furnished so ideal for a short let for those moving house or working locally. We can be flexible in how the rooms are laid out. We have 3 single beds and a double bed.
  • Gas CH.
  • Open fire.
  • Heating and fuel are not supplied for longer lets.
  • Sheets, duvets and towels are supplied.
  • Hairdryer.
  • TV - large digital TV.
  • Microwave.
  • Dishwasher.
  • Fridge-freezer.
  • Washing machine - available for winter bookings 21 to 28 days only.
  • Wifi - not superfast broadband but good enough to stream TV favourites.
  • Parking for 2 cars.
  • Pets welcome: we accept dogs - please check that the situation regarding Pets is acceptable to you.

hello@barks-holiday-cottage.co.uk
01538 703163

Scarefest at Alton Towers

As we move into the second half of the school summer holidays we start being asked about holiday cottage availability for October half term and Scarefest. Such a great time of year around here. 


Update - Scarefest and October half term 
A cancellation means we have a Scarefest break available for £525 arriving Friday 22nd October and departing Tuesday 26th.  
Dog sitting is available for families wishing to visit Alton Towers.

And looking further ahead into November, the Alton Towers fireworks weekend is available for £375.


For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Self-catering in August 2021 for Alton Towers trips

I just spoke to our holiday guests and offered them flat sheets to keep handy for those hot nights when a duvet is too much. They chuckled at my optimism, given that is was a little bit overcast at the time. But now the sun is out and I am thinking ahead to hot days. 

I have just updated the booking diary and we have some short breaks available that make ideal family fun times around a trip or two to Alton Towers. (Update: August is now fully booked)

The sunny south-facing terrace

Pathway to the woods through our field

Next availability is 13th September for 4 nights at £475 

For the latest availability please check online or email hello@barks-holiday-cottage.co.uk

2021 holiday cottage season opens

It is very exciting that lockdown is easing off a bit and people can get out, go places and see people. Rule of 6 makes things a bit complicated. It caused me some difficulty this week. We have a family of 8 wishing to see my mother on her 95th birthday - but rule of 6. As you can imagine, this has not been easy to resolve. In turn I think each of us offered to stand aside so that we meet the requirements of the Rule of 6. Even my mother offered to stand down, which didn't make a lot of sense really as it's her birthday! We are very grateful that my brother-in-law and my other half are both true gentlemen.

Anyway, family time commences across the nation, albeit a lot easier to manage for smaller families. We are all about family time. As Barks Holiday Cottage sleeps 5, this is not going to cause any issues for our bookings. And if another household wishes to visit, there is a good sized terrace and large parasol for comfortable, compliant outdoor get-togethers.

So, let family time commence.




For the latest availability please check online or contact us - barkshc@gmail.com