Holiday Cottage sustainability

We are absolutely thrilled to that our cottage has received its Environmental Quality Mark award! It is a wonderful recognition of the efforts we make to tread lightly on this beautiful earth. 

As part of our commitment to sustainability, I think a lot about what it truly means to live a "green" life, especially when I'm managing the change over between guests. 

While we often look for big solutions, sometimes the most sustainable choice is right under our noses: simply keeping what we already have in good working order.

Today's Small Project: The Plate Rack Revival.

I caught myself eyeing our kitchen drying rack this morning. There was a little spot of rust starting to peek through, and the immediate, modern temptation was to jump online, click 'buy,' and have a shiny, brand-new one delivered by tomorrow. But then I stopped.

Why replace something that still functions perfectly? A bit of elbow grease, some gentle cleaning, and a little care transformed that rack from "looking tired" to "sparkling clean." It’s still sturdy, it does its job perfectly, and most importantly, it isn't heading to a landfill. It may still be less shiny than a brand new one, but hopefully our guests will understand.

Maintaining the things we own is an act of defiance against the "throwaway culture" that has become so common. It saves money, reduces waste, and helps us appreciate the tools we use in our daily lives.

So, here is my challenge to you this week: take a look around your home. Is there something you’ve been thinking of replacing? Could a little bit of maintenance—a polish, a screw tightened, or a good scrub—give it a new lease on life instead?

Small actions, when added up, truly do make a difference. We're proud to be on this journey with you.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Alton Towers Scarefest accommodation

Alton Towers Scarefest and Fireworks display will soon be upon us. We are taking self catering accommodation bookings for family of 5, including pet dog.

If you would like to bring your dog please take a look at our 'dog sitting' unattended pets arrangements because if you are going to spend a long day at Alton Towers you may need us to look after the dog. Give us a call on 01538 703436 if that is of interest.

Please take a look at the latest bookings on the Availability page.

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.

Booking a self-catering holiday cottage tip 6: Duration

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.

Planning your visit to Staffordshire and Alton Towers?

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/

Dogs and Barks

Pets welcome at Barks holiday cottage. Dogs especially . . .

It is great dog-walking country and we are dog owners who know the joy of taking your pet dog with you on your well-earned break. Barks holiday cottage has a lot of merits as a dog-friendly destination: plenty of off-the-lead walking in the woods for well-behaved dogs, and lovely safe tracks that avoid lambs/sheep and ground-nesting birds etc. 

If you want dog-sitting or dog-walking services, while you are out at Alton Towers with the children or loading up with fine china in Stoke-on-Trent, then we can try to help out if we can.

Dogs to Alton Towers? Please, please do not be tempted to leave your dog in your car while you go to Alton Towers, because there is no shade and the car parks and rides are miles apart. Barks guests can book in advance for a 'dog sitting' session. 

 We'd like to point out that Barks does not have a fenced-in garden. There is a field opposite for late night walkies - and spades to clear up field and garden as required.

If you are looking for a destination that is equally child and dog-friendly, this has to be it! If you are interested in bringing other pets, please contact us to discuss suitability.

Please email Catherine and James barkshc@gmail.com to discuss arrangements for bringing your dog to our rural pet-friendly holiday cottage.