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| Alton Towers relaxation rooms |
Barks Holiday Cottage in September: 3 nights £275, week at £395. Please check our availability for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers for Scarefest and the Fireworks
Showing posts with label ST10 4DB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ST10 4DB. Show all posts
Spa and relaxation at Alton Towers
I have spent all week up and down a ladder painting our window frames. I am completely exhausted by it all. Not only the physical effort but the drain on my nerves from being up a ladder - not keen on heights.
So having saved a fortune on painters and decorators I think it is time to treat myself to a spa session at nearby Alton Towers. Entry to the relaxation rooms is £15. The spa is definitely my favourite part of Alton Towers (as previously mentioned, I don't like heights so Nemesis etc is not for me).
Barks Holiday Cottage in September: 3 nights £275, week at £395. Please check our availability for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers for Scarefest and the Fireworks
Barks Holiday Cottage in September: 3 nights £275, week at £395. Please check our availability for self-catering accommodation near Alton Towers for Scarefest and the Fireworks
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 ;-)
Holiday Cottage New Terrace for 2011
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| 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.
Self catering experts
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.
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.
Accommodation near Alton Towers for concerts
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.
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.
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 August self catering holiday near Alton Towers
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?
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?
Holiday cottage guests set off walking to Alton Towers
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.
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
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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Bluebells in the woods between here and Alton Towers
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.
Self catering accommodation for 5 people. Please visit our information pages for more details or just give us a call.
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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.
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| From Barks: self-catering holiday cottage accommodation near Alton Towers |
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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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