Alton Towers Annual Pass - special offer

For a limited period Merlin is offering its Annual Pass at a huge discount.  Book online on the Alton Towers website before 10th Jan.  The good thing about the Merlin Pass is that you get enty to all the other places as well as Alton Towers.  You can buy a pass just for Alton Towers, and also one just for the Waterpark at Splash Landings.  The Merlin pass appears not to allow entry to the Waterpark, which for those of us a couple of miles away is a bit of a blow.

Book now for family self-catering accommodation for the Alton Towers season.  Please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for availability.

Dimmingsdale and the Ramblers Retreat

I wanted a place to walk on flat ground today. I met Clare by chance in Oakamoor and together we walked along the disused railway track from Oakamoor to Dimmingsdale. The rhododendrons are beautiful around the lake at the moment. We resisted the temptation to stop for coffee on this occasion. There is a lot to do today to get ready for weekend holiday cottage guests.

Walking weekends

Book a 3 night weekend at Barks self catering and enjoy a relaxing and possibly invigorating walking weekend.

Barks is a rural self-catering holiday cottage with fantastic unspoilt, varied countryside where you can walk for miles direct from the front door..

The Staffordshire Moorlands is renowned as an excellent area for walking. Situated on the southern fringes of the Peak District you'll find everything from gentle strolls to energetic hill walks. Some demanding footpaths can be found among the rugged crags of The Roaches or along ancient packhorse trails. Long distance walkers can enjoy the scenic pleasures of the Staffordshire Way, Gritstone Trail and Limestone Way. If you prefer short circular walks there are plenty locally around the wooded valleys of the Churnet Valley - accessed from the front door of Barks holiday cottage.

Please check our online availability or email barks@btconnect.com for the latest information. The countryside here looks magnificent at all times of year. So pack your boots and book your stay today!

Book self catering accommodation near Alton Towers and the Peak District

I just drove past the gates of Alton Towers, some 3 miles away, and all was quiet. It felt strange because normally on a bright, sunny day I see a stream of oncoming traffic going into Alton Towers theme park. But Alton Towers is not open yet . . .

Now is a great time to walk in the Churnet Valley and really appreciate the peace and uninterrupted birdsong. The paths and woodland around Alton Towers, Alton Castle (pictured) and Dimmingsdale are a treat right now.

Now is also a great time to start booking your summer visit to Barks self catering holiday accommodation near Alton Towers and the Peak District. Ring 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for 2009 rates and availability.

Children and pets welcome at Barks holiday cottage.

Winter Warmer Short Breaks - semi-catered, chalet style.

Winter Warmer short breaks at Barks are designed to cram in loads of entertainment and fresh air and minimise the time spent on anything domestic. We are describing this as semi-catered in the style of ski chalets. Weekends are great but can feel so short, so we are doing what we can to help our guests maximise a Friday evening to Sunday afternoon break. All you have to do is bundle the family into the car - which let's face it is a big enough hurdle to get over.

The highlights of our Winter Warmers are:

Friday evening - The heating is on, the fire is lit and there's a meal in the oven waiting for you. The beds are made (and any cots or extra beds are in place too). Memories of the motorway will soon fade, I promise.

Saturday - Various breakfast goods are available for you to help yourselves to a fry up or cereal and toast. For days out, walks, lunch venues and family activities we can recommend some options to suit your party. While you are out we can nip in a straighten the kitchen and lay another fire for the evening. If you want another meal prepared for Saturday night just let us know, or alternatively we can recommend restaurants and pubs meals in the area or help you source local ingredients to cook yourselves a delicious dinner.

Sunday - Make this more than just a packing up day and stay as long as you like. Indulge in breakfast then get some fresh air maybe. There are pubs to hike to, tea rooms to cycle to and a hotel to swim at . . . or newspapers to read, whatever takes your fancy.

For further information on Winter Warmer Weekends please give us a call on 01538 703436 and give us an idea of your requirements.

In the mean time, her are some activities and outings nearby that might appeal:

• -Alton Towers Splash Landings
• -Alton Towers Spa
• -Alton Towers crazy golf
• -Aerial Xtremes - nearby in Trentham and Buxton
• -Hikes and walks - we have maps, books and several recommendations
• -Cycling - Churnet Valley from Oakamoor; Manifold Valley into the Peak District; Buxton to Ashbourne Tissington trail.
• -Pub Walks - from the doorstep
• -Lights nights and Christmas shopping evenings in local market towns.
• -Theatres
• -Museums
• -Great undisturbed painting locations
• -Kayaking or sailing on Carsington Water or Rudyard Lake
• -Letting the kids clamber around on the fallen tree and taking a flask of coffee and some sweets onto the ridge then coming back and putting your feet up by the open fire with a book and cuppa (until your favourite programme comes on telly).

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 call Catherine and James on 01538 703163 to discuss arrangements for bringing your dog to our rural pet-friendly holiday cottage.

lambs on the hillside

The guests who came last weekend walked onto the ridge to show their children the young lambs. They had been misled about the wind conditions, because Barks is sheltered by the ridge and the woods. Last weekend there was an unusually bitter, cold, northeast wind. Up on the ridge, our London guests enjoyed more fresh air than they bargained for. They left on Sunday night thinking that we inhabit the frozen north, but on Monday the sun came out, spring returned and the new lambs danced with joy in the hot sunshine.

Alton Towers

Went to Alton Towers to get literature for the holiday cottage and was reminded about the smart way to book tickets for the theme park. The best deals come via offers and promotions from retailers - Woolworths have/had an offer so look out for similar deals. Next best is to check the website and the most crazy, expensive way is to poll up on the day when you have to pay approx £24 per adult.

Alton Towers theme park is a good family day out. And Splash Landings is a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon.