August 29th - 1st Sept a 4 night break for that last get-away before terms starts for £365.
Showing posts with label Alton Towers self catering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alton Towers self catering. Show all posts
short break accommodation near Alton Towers
Bookings have been tremendous this summer. We are now down to our last mini break during the summer holidays. If you promised the kids that trip to Alton Towers....!
August 29th - 1st Sept a 4 night break for that last get-away before terms starts for £365.
If you would like to book a mini break in the countryside, in the next village from the gates of Alton Towers please contact us directly or use our online holiday cottage booking form.
August 29th - 1st Sept a 4 night break for that last get-away before terms starts for £365.
Alton Towers has opened for 2012
If I had a £1 for everyone that asks how far we are to Alton Towers I'd be quite well off by now ... would've earned my first £1 of the season this morning! (2.6 miles btw). This week we have holiday cottage guests that have come from Scotland with their teenage girls to enjoy some Alton Towers thrills and spills. Lovely folk, have just enjoyed chatting to the parents while they wait for the teens to surface for the day.
It marks the real start to the 2012 season. For us locals there is this lovely spell between the sun coming out and the Alton Towers new season opening when we have the Churnet Valley to ourselves and those that come here to walk. Thanks to the lovely spring weather this year, that magical time was long. Alton Towers has been open for a week so far, but unlike some seasons I haven't noticed the impact yet. Only once, when I was taking my son to cubs at Alton Village Hall, have I been inconvenienced. Cubs coincides with the the park exit rush and the Towers traffic through Alton village is always impatient and unforgiving so we have to wait a while to join the main road turning right. As the season progresses this actually improves because there are so many cars that the traffic slows and is more inclined to let us join the flow. It's just the way it is!
Luckily we are not resident in Alton so we aren't troubled by traffic except on cubs day. And Alton Towers brings us lovely guests too. There is something about benefiting from Alton Towers tourism that makes me a whole lot more forgiving about the inconvenience of having a major UK tourist destination in the neighbourhood. Funny that ;-)
It marks the real start to the 2012 season. For us locals there is this lovely spell between the sun coming out and the Alton Towers new season opening when we have the Churnet Valley to ourselves and those that come here to walk. Thanks to the lovely spring weather this year, that magical time was long. Alton Towers has been open for a week so far, but unlike some seasons I haven't noticed the impact yet. Only once, when I was taking my son to cubs at Alton Village Hall, have I been inconvenienced. Cubs coincides with the the park exit rush and the Towers traffic through Alton village is always impatient and unforgiving so we have to wait a while to join the main road turning right. As the season progresses this actually improves because there are so many cars that the traffic slows and is more inclined to let us join the flow. It's just the way it is!
Luckily we are not resident in Alton so we aren't troubled by traffic except on cubs day. And Alton Towers brings us lovely guests too. There is something about benefiting from Alton Towers tourism that makes me a whole lot more forgiving about the inconvenience of having a major UK tourist destination in the neighbourhood. Funny that ;-)
Alton Towers Spa reopens for 2012
Now I do love a spa evening and it is very spoiling and indulgent for me that Alton Towers is less than 3 miles from here. Even more luxurious is that during the winter season when Alton Towers theme park is closed there a many fewer tourists here and the spa is blissfully quiet of an evening. (Obviously, the fact that Alton Towers is closed has an impact on our holiday cottage bookings because we are having to rely solely on people coming walking in the Churnet Valley.)
Anyway, the Alton Towers spa is re-opening today after a few days closure for a refurb. Yippee!!! It was time for a spruce up! I hope the price remains £12.50 because that is affordable for an occasional treat for me and in the range for the holiday cottage guests who want to pamper their tired walking legs after a day hiking the Churnet Valley hillsides.
If you are looking for a spa break - this might be an option. A short break at Barks Cottage for 3 nights - come back from the spa and put your feet up in front of the log fire. How about it?
Anyway, the Alton Towers spa is re-opening today after a few days closure for a refurb. Yippee!!! It was time for a spruce up! I hope the price remains £12.50 because that is affordable for an occasional treat for me and in the range for the holiday cottage guests who want to pamper their tired walking legs after a day hiking the Churnet Valley hillsides.
If you are looking for a spa break - this might be an option. A short break at Barks Cottage for 3 nights - come back from the spa and put your feet up in front of the log fire. How about it?
Holiday cottage near Alton Towers 2012 availability
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.
last minute June holiday cottage availability - Peak District Alton Towers
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 .
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 .
Sunday walk
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
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!!
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!!
WINTER COUNTRY COTTAGE BREAKS 2011
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
Alton Towers Waterpark - a great winter mini break idea
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)
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
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.
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.
Last minute Alton Towers accommodation
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.
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.
A special July welcome to the holiday cottage
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
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
Last minute breaks to Peak District or Alton Towers
2012 last minute summer availability: Reservations 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com
Barks Holiday Cottage has a few gaps between bookings in July 2012 that we are offering as last minute mini cottage breaks. We are ideally placed for exploring the Peak District. This area is known as the Churnet Valley in the Staffordshire Peak District. Famous landmarks like the Stepping Stones at Dovedale are only a few miles away. Barks Holiday Cottage is ideally located for Alton Towers at just 2.6 miles from the entrance.
Our normal summer self catering rates are £495 for a week or £295 for 3 nights. The holiday cottage sleeps 5 and accepts dogs. There is superb walking in the surrounding Churnet Valley and Peak District.
Barks Holiday Cottage has a few gaps between bookings in July 2012 that we are offering as last minute mini cottage breaks. We are ideally placed for exploring the Peak District. This area is known as the Churnet Valley in the Staffordshire Peak District. Famous landmarks like the Stepping Stones at Dovedale are only a few miles away. Barks Holiday Cottage is ideally located for Alton Towers at just 2.6 miles from the entrance.
Our normal summer self catering rates are £495 for a week or £295 for 3 nights. The holiday cottage sleeps 5 and accepts dogs. There is superb walking in the surrounding Churnet Valley and Peak District.
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| last minute availability accommodation near Alton Towers and Peak District - as at 1st July 2012. |
Churnet Valley next to Alton Towers
Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436
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Spring views at the holiday cottage
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
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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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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Got drenched at Alton Towers
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
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.
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
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.
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