Evening Serenity: A Toast to Tranquility at Barks Holiday Cottage

On my return from my pilates class I witnessed a moment that beautifully encapsulates the essence of a stay at Barks Holiday Cottage. It's these snapshots of tranquility and joy that remind us why we cherish this place so much.

This evening at 7:45pm on a breezy Peak District evening after a rainy day, there was a lovely scene unfolding on the terrace of Barks Holiday Cottage. Seated snugly and comfortably, enjoying a quiet moment, were the loving owners of little Lundy, a gorgeous dog who has become something of a regular here. With the children tucked up in bed, it was time for some peace and quiet in the fresh air. And fresh it was, to be honest, but great to be outside on a rain-free evening.

Little Lundy from London - a city dweller with a country heart - has found his second home here, basking on the terrace. His presence adds a special touch to the cottage's atmosphere, embodying the pet-friendly promise that makes Barks Holiday Cottage a favourite with families and their doggos.

Whether it's a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee in the early sun or a quiet evening with a glass of wine as the stars begin to twinkle, these moments of solitude and togetherness are what life at the holiday cottage is all about.

We've come to realise that Barks Holiday Cottage is a place where families come to reconnect and enjoy days of excitement and evenings of calm - and where good dogs like Lundy can walk with joy in their hearts.

So, if you're yearning for a retreat from the hustle and bustle, a place where you can unwind on a terrace on a breezy evening while the children dream peacefully, look no further. Barks Holiday Cottage awaits, ready to welcome you to your home away from home, where peace, quiet, and the making of warm memories.

About the holiday cottage:

Barks holiday sleeps 5 in two bedrooms. Pets welcome. Very rural location. 3 miles from Alton Towers, but in the heart of the countryside. email: BarksHC@gmail.com

Last minute or plan ahead?

I am naturally a last minute sort of person. Essays at uni and report deadlines for work only received the attention they deserved a day or two before the deadline. But some decades on, and last minute travel plans are causing me a bit more stress than they used to. I have been persuaded by dear son to jet off to the Alps before Christmas, leaving other half in charge of dog, Christmas card writing and holiday cottage. Are you thinking it's a lot of effort to go to in a bid to get out of writing Xmas cards? I feel a bit guilty because I am pretty certain that the personal messages won't be included in the cards this year. 

Anyway, for those of you who prefer to plan ahead, we are now taking 2024 bookings for the holiday cottage. We are in the midst of changing booking agents, so it may look like all dates in the summer are blocked off - but rest assured, direct bookings can still be made. Just drop us an email.

Self catering holiday cottage for Peak District and Alton Towers, sleeps 5, available for 2024 summer short breaks (from 3 nights), weekly holidays, and off-season longer lettings. For the latest availability please contact us.

Short self catering breaks

Barks Holiday Cottage is both near Alton Towers theme park and the gorgeous Churnet Valley and Peak District so it is ideal for short breaks. 

Alton Towers  - Families grab some action-packed, thrilling adventure at the Alton Towers theme park just a few minutes drive away (less than 3 miles from us to ST10 4DB) then come back to some peace and quiet to restore their adrenaline levels again.

Walking, dogs and scenery - immerse yourself in the idyllic countryside of the Churnet Valley with gorgeous walks straight from the front door of the holiday cottage. You and the doggo can walk for miles in the local woods and tracks, barely even crossing a road. Barks is also an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Peak District.

Treat yourself - to add a touch of indulgence to your break, there are some fabulous tea rooms, gastro pubs and restaurants. Our guest information folder has loads of information to help you choose the treat to suit your mood. If you want to stay in and put your feet up after a busy day, it's easy to order a takeaway from one of the local providers.  Supermarket deliveries are also an option, and the kitchen is well equipped if you want to create something delicious to enjoy with your favourite tipple. 

Long and short breaks available.  If you can grab a few days away, just message us about self-catering availability at Barks Holiday Cottage.

July short break last minute availability

Arrival Sunday 16th July:

5 nights £575

3 nights £450

3 night weekends

Thursday 20th July - 3 nights £575
Thursday 27th July - 3 nights £610

School summer holidays

School summer holiday short break options available. Please enquire - current availability is marked in green.

Information correct as at 10th July.

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.

Special offers to fill the gaps in holiday cottage bookings

Special offers at Barks Holiday Cottage

Spring 2024:

Last minute discounted short breaks

 Spring 2024 Last minute discounts:

week of June 1st -  last minute booking discounts. Short breaks available from £450. Please message for details.

If you would like more information or to book one of our last minute breaks please email

barkshc@gmail.com

🐕Two dogs welcome 

🎠Really near Alton Towers 

☀️Great for walkers and getting outdoors 

🍰Nearby tea rooms

🌳 Peak District & Churnet Valley await

😃 Family time 

Generally speaking we work on a Friday change over, but we like to try to be flexible about when people can arrive so that sometimes leaves a gap. To encourage our lovely self-catering guests to book these gaps, we make last minute special offers at Barks Holiday Cottage

Please check latest availability and email us at barkshc@gmail.com

Social distance walking

A friend and I went for a walk today. It was lovely weather and we needed to get out. We were meant to be going out to a favourite restaurant, booked months ago to get a good upstairs table. Last night's announcement put paid to that plan. So we arranged a walk instead. Since we did not want to share a vehicle, in the times of strange new rules and etiquette, we set out from her house in Alton.

The wind gusted and my ancient, threadbare map was hard to study. I suppose I could have been on an app and known exactly how far off the footpath we strayed, but that would have been unsatisfactory in today's mood. My friend left the erratic map reading to me, as both of us handling the map doesn't work these days. We could also have walked in the usual favourites, but it is a weekend and the nation seemed to be out walking today, so we headed off the beaten track. And we were rewarded!

Without realising, we had ambled to a high point where there were spectacular views all around of the Churnet Valley, and further to the horizon in neighbouring counties. It was extra gusty at the top, and my friend doesn't like walking through fields grazed by horses, so we diverted from the planned route to a clear path, following the hedge, back towards Alton. It was a treat, with magnificent views over the village and Alton Castle. We were also very conveniently returned near to her house.

Walking is the new social. Plus, our little trek was precisely 10k steps. Perfect in every way.

Getting organised last minute for Christmas 2019

As yet we don't have a Christmas booking. I have just checked back on last year and the booking then was last minute too.  We have a change over to do today when our current guests depart, so once we've finished coffee we'll start rootling about for the box of decorations.

The cottage is available for 4 nights from 23rd December for £470. There is some flexibility in those dates (however we are already booked for New Year).

We can also be very flexible as to how much we decorate the cottage for our Christmas guests. We'll put a tree on the terrace and we generally do some indoor decorations, unless asked not to, and give our Christmas guests a box of chocolates.

Please email or ring us to check Christmas 2019 self catering availability

Summer holiday mini breaks for Alton Towers

The summer holidays are nearly over for 2019.
Please contact us for autumn breaks and Scarefest at Alton Towers.

Make your stay action-packed with Alton Towers, Splash Landings, country walks, animal park, pub meals, tea rooms, ice cream parlour and loads more....

Barks Cottage ST10 3DX to Alton Towers ST10 4DB
the recommended route is 9 mins and 3.4 miles

Barks Cottage is near enough to Alton Towers that if you want to drop the children off and do something different for a while, or come back and chill out, it is easy to do. But if you want to go with the kids for a bit of theme park fun, we can look after the dog for you.

Make the most of family times this summer!

Last minute holiday cottage Peak District and Alton Towers

When we have last minute gaps between bookings we often put them on our Facebook page /barks.holiday.cottage so please check there or email us 

Mini break offers include a chilled bottle of Prosecco on arrival.

Cottage sleeps 5 in two bedrooms, pet dog welcome.

And don't forget, if you want us to look after your dog while you and the family go to Alton Towers please book that in straight away 🐶

Barks self-catering holiday cottage - last minute deals
self catering, sleeps 5 in two bedrooms

Suitable for short holidays in the Peak District and to Alton Towers. Ideal for a couple for a walking holiday, possibly with their dog. Perfect for a family to spend a day or two at Alton Towers, maybe flexing your Merlin pass. Alton Towers is only 3 miles away, hidden out of the way in the valley and woodland.

Holiday Cottage feedback June 2019

It is always nice when people take the trouble to send in feedback. Our booking agents are very good at prompting guests for their comments and this is this the latest that has been sent in. Short and sweet - and lovely for us to read.

Feedback June 2019 on Barks Holiday Cottage

For the latest self-catering availability please check online or contact us.
For last minute availability check our latest offer

Last minute weekend break in the countryside

AUGUST - SPARKLING SPECIAL OFFER ... 

How about a last minute break in the countryside? What would work for you - a romantic break for two or a family escape to Alton Towers? Email or ring us to check availability and reserve your break.

There are lots of things to do. Alton Towers is the most obvious, but there are gorgeous walks, tea rooms and pubs. Our local towns have much to offer, with lots of shops specialising in antiques and collectibles.

And in the evening, you could cook something, better still you could order in or go out to one of the local eateries. See how you feel after a busy day...

Special offer

If you book a short break directly with us as a result of seeing this post we will put a bottle of fizz in the fridge for you. Email us on barks@btconnect.com to book this special offer.

  

July opening times at Alton Towers

If you are planning a trip to Alton Towers and need to juggle opening times, travelling times and booking accommodation, I hope you find this information useful.

July opening times at Alton Towers

And here is a tip - The theme park is enjoying peak season in July, particularly with traffic approaching from Uttoxeter and A50 in the mornings. Midweek there are school and uni trips, with lots of coaches. Weekends the roads are noticeably busy with cars queuing through the villages at arrival and departure times.

Beat the queues when you stay at Barks holiday cottage which is 2.6 miles away and enables you to approach from the quieter direction,

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Summer holidays begin

I have set the auto-response message on my phone to 'Summer Holidays 😊'

I want to make the most of my son's summer hols and don't intent to chain myself to my desk 9 til 5 over the next few weeks. However, the reality is that we will simply be a parent taxi service unless we make an effort. Or worse than that, we will walk past his human form slumped on the sofa with a mobile device obscuring the view of his face. I suggest a walk with the dog or a cycle ride and generally get a negative response. Been there, seen it, done it! I need to book in some family time and plan some activities that we will all enjoy!

Once upon a time a trip to Splash Landings was a brilliant family activity, but now he is a teenager he is more likely to go with a couple of school friends ... and we are the taxi service! But this is only because Splash Landings and Alton Towers are on our doorstep. If we were travelling it would be a suitable family activity.

I've discussed this with some other mums staying at Barks to visit Alton Towers. We reckon the key is to get everyone away from home. Grown ups stop thinking about work and chores, teenagers seem to switch on and engage with the rest of the family and younger ones just love everyone doing something all together.

School holidays take some planning! I hope the smiley face emoji on my auto reply turns out to be the right choice 😕

(at the time of writing we have one mini break left in the school holidays - 3 or 4 nights from 21st August please check availability).

Last minute self catering availability August

18th August: - 
7 nights is £495
3 nights is £375
3 nights breaks available from Fri 18th or Mon 21st

We don't very often get cancellations, but Tracey and family have had to change plans. So there is a last minute availability in August that is ideal for families to stay for a 7 day holiday or grab a 3 day break.

A 3 day break with the kids in the summer holiday can be jam-packed with entertainment round here. There's a theme park (Alton Towers, no less), two water parks, steam railway, zoo etc etc. And there is loads of walking or more extreme outdoor pursuits like bouldering and rock climbing. After you've done all that, let the kids carry on burning energy on our playing field playing penalty shoot out while you have a cup of tea (or something stronger) on the terrace. Sorted!

Holiday Cottage is Blooming Good

Barks Holiday Cottage - garden is blooming

I've been working on the garden and it is going through its blue phase. Looks better than my own garden!

Barks Holiday Cottage offers self-catering holiday accommodation for 5 people. Ideal as a destination for Alton Towers and Peak District.

Email barks@btconnect.com or call us on 01538 703436
Or book online!

Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers

Bank holidays at Alton Towers

Running a self-catering holiday cottage near Alton Towers gives me some insider gen on the place. So here's a strange and unexpected fact about Alton Towers: it is surprisingly quiet on bank holidays. I have been to Alton Towers on a bank holiday Monday and can vouch for this. While there I chatted with staff and asked if Alton Towers is always this quiet on a bank holiday and all agreed -  strange but true.  I can only conclude that everyone assumes it will be heaving with long queues so stays home. The upshot is that the nation's favourite theme park is really quite a pleasant place to be on a Bank Holiday Monday (if you like that sort of thing - see picture).

And for those that don't go for Alton Towers...
a walk in our local bluebell wood. Pets welcome

Have I convinced you that the bank holiday week is a actually a good time for a family trip to Alton Towers?

Barks Cottage, just a few minutes from the main gates ST10 4DB, in a quiet neighbouring village.

August 2014 Bank Holiday is now booked. How about booking ahead for 2015?

Please call or email for updates last minute availability
01538 703436
barks@btconnect.com

Alton Towers holiday cottage - April mini break

21 - 24 April available -  3 nights for £275 or 4 nights for £330

Please call 01538 703436 if you would like to enquire about this last minute availability for a self catering mini break in a holiday cottage near Alton Towers. Or email barks@btconnect.com. Or just book online ...

The Alton Towers theme park at ST10 4DB is well underway and the weather (today at least) is perfect.

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.

Sounds of spring in the Churnet Valley

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.

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 .