Snowy round here - proper Peak District

Feb 2018 - we were checking the road conditions

We've had a lot of snowy days this winter. The Churnet Valley has been looking spectacular, particularly from the vantage point of our hill top.

This morning I wasn't sure about getting off our hill as it is 16% descent in all directions! We have a 4x4 but it is rubbish at this sort surface - just a heavy old car that slides towards the ditch given half a chance. Anyway, we made it after a bit of effort throwing grit around. My son was only and hour or so late for school. Oh well.

Award winning holiday cottage in Staffordshire!

Oh my goodness we won an award in the Staffordshire Tourism Awards.

Silver award in the Staffordshire Tourism Awards

We are thrilled to have won Silver in the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category. We were up against some stern competition, and the Gold award was deservedly won by a dog friendly pub in the south of this huge county of Staffordshire. Apparently they know all their doggie regulars by name and shake paws when they come in etc etc so of course we can't compete with that. But we do our best to enable families to stay together during their holidays, including taking the much loved family dog.

I know from experience it is really hard to fully enjoy a holiday break without my dog. Sometimes, however it is difficult to please all tastes. Your kids want to be riding the rollercoasters at Alton Towers, your dog ... not so much! The dog wants to be hiking the hills of the Churnet Valley, your kids... not so much, especially after a hard day at Alton Towers! Even couples with a dog want to visit country houses and do some shopping and if it is a hot day, the car is not an option and after a long day out sometimes the woods and fields seem too exhausting.  So who hikes the hills with the dog... we do! All part of our 'dog-sitting' service.

We understand that Barks Holiday Cottage is not suitable for all dogs because of the lack of fences, but the dogs that come here are wonderful. We have met some real characters over the last few years and we look forward to seeing who the year ahead brings.

Autumn is here... dog walking time

Where did the summer go? It seems to have gone by in a whoosh. I didn't go anywhere this summer because I was in charge of the cottage and our pigs, ducks, hens and dogs. My poor, poorly dog...

But luckily the holiday atmosphere comes to me and we met lots of interesting and friendly people. It is lovely. We had a family from Holland stay for two weeks so had quite a few chats with them, and best of all they had boys who liked a kick about with my son round the football nets. The days of my son vetting booking enquiries according to the exact age and gender of the children are pretty much passed, but he still lights up when sporty lads are staying.

Now term has started and the demographic of our guests changes. The last few weeks we have had couples staying, often with their dog. The last people had a rescue collie, Mr Darcy, and he lived up to the name of Jane Austen's handsome character. He was a friendly boy who considered burying a bone in the long grass, but then sat in the sun and chewed it instead... contentment. Mr Darcy's owners reminded me that if you have a dog vacancy in your family, to hold out for the right dog. They visited the collie rescue place a few times until Mr Darcy chose them. Perfect fit I'd say - and they can come again!

September is fully booked at the cottage and even November has the odd booking. October is a bit of a peak season what with school half terms in England and Scotland and round here it is SCAREFEST at Alton Towers.

Stellar 2007 - 2016

Summer holidays 2016

We have just had an enthusiastic enquiry from a lovely lady wanting a date in August and it is so sad to have to turn someone down when we have no availability that week. Aagh, we have the weeks either side ...

This is the situation as of today.  Please check the availability page or contact us on barks@btconnect.com for the latest for school summer holidays 2016.

Alton Towers beckons, the Peak District is near and the Churnet Valley is on the doorstep...

Staffordshire Way in Churnet Valley

Our holiday cottage is in the Churnet Valley - an area of natural beauty that is starting to become better known. Recently I was commissioned to re-write the guide to the Staffordshire Way. So I decided to start with the sections near to home. It has been a lovely piece of work that will continue as budgets allow during the year.

Today, my son was playing cricket in the north of the county so I set off at the beginning of the Staffordshire Way at Mow Cop. Armed with my map, a hat and scarf and a bottle of water my two dogs and I left the little folly castle and headed up the Gritstone Way / Staffordshire Way. Well we thought we did...

I am actually very proficient with a map but was lured the wrong direction without consulting it by the style of track and the various way markers. Half an hour later, I was back to the point where I went wrong and off we went again. Another 15 minutes later I was back studying the map at that same point and finally got going along the right track.

It really is a disgrace that such an important walking route is badly and in some cases misleadingly marked. So far my commissions have focussed on the best bit of the Staffordshire Way around us in the Churnet Valley but I shall have to make a strong case to the 'powers that be' that the beginning of the walk needs to be sorted out. I'll make that call tomorrow...

Meanwhile, it is lovely weather for walking and our cottage is well placed for walkers as well as being handy for Alton Towers. Please do check availability and enjoy a walking break from Barks self-catering holiday cottage - pets welcome.

Call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com
Check availability

Last minute Spring holiday cottage, Peak District and Churnet Valley

We have a change over at the holiday cottage tomorrow and then the rest of April currently is available.

Barks Holiday Cottage is perfect for walking in the Churnet Valley and the Peak District and is pet friendly.

The spa at Alton Towers is excellent and only a few minutes away. The local towns of Cheadle, Ashbourne and Leek have much to offer - each is different. Antiques, heritage, dining and snacking, shopping...

Please enquire: barks@btconnect.com or call 01538 703436
Check latest availability and book online

Sunny times at Alton Towers

What a joy it is to have some lovely sunshine again! The birds are singing, the lambs are dancing around in the fields.

We have a family staying who are enjoying the sunny terrace after they return from their adventures. Visits to Alton Towers have been paid, of course, but also Heights of Abraham and Chatsworth House have proved popular.

Summer is nearly upon us, the swallows have returned and we are getting quite booked up. If you would like to check our availability and make a booking please do get in touch. barks@btconnect.com  or by phone 01538 703436

Sunny days at Alton Towers

Rose in full bloom on sunny holiday cottage terrace

The guests have piled off to Alton Towers for a day of fun and thrills, but back here at the holiday cottage the sun is shining and there's a slight breeze and all is summer gloriousness.

Book now for autumn breaks or for 2015.

Holiday cottage is a tardis, apparently

We just had a note from a family that stayed in the holiday cottage for their Alton Towers based holiday. They said lots of lovely things and described it as a 'tardis' - maybe because they had a tour of the annexe. Other than the annexe apartment, this self-catering holiday cottage doesn't have any other tardis-like qualities as far as I know. Does it transport you from one time zone to another, or whisk you from one planet to another? Well now I think about that idea, maybe it sort of does! Especially when you compare the hustle and bustle of Alton Towers with the peace and tranquility of this area.

View from main bedroom

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

Merlin Pass Sale 2014 - Barks Holiday Cottage accommodation near Alton Towers

Hooray, the Merlin pass sale starts today! Perfect for families that love Alton Towers because you can go as many times as you like to all the great Merlin Entertainment venues.  Families that visit Barks Holiday Cottage make maximum use of their Merlin Passes at Alton Towers - saving a small fortune on tickets. Our self-catering holiday cottage sleeps 5 and we offer accommodation for 3 nights or 7 nights really near to Alton Towers ... and I truly mean really holiday cottage near Alton Towers because Barks is in the next village to the gates of Alton Towers.

So snap up your Merlin pass now that they are on sale, and then book the break of your choice at Barks Holiday Cottage near Alton Towers. Please don't leave booking your accommodation near Alton Towers to the last minute because you may struggle to find family accommodation as near to Alton Towers as Barks Holiday Cottage.

Click Top Dog Days for further info on Merlin Pass sale

Standard Merlin Pass for family of 5 is £395
Premium Merlin Pass for family of 5 is £495

This is a huge saving of £200 or £285 which goes a very long way towards your Alton Towers accommodation costs!

Book your 2014 family mini break (3 night self catering for up to 5 people plus a dog) in Barks Holiday Cottage accommodation near Alton Towers, ST10 4DB from £280 per week (low season).

Call 01538 703436 email barks@btconnect.com or check our 2014 holiday cottage availability.

Alton Towers Fireworks Finale

Alton Towers 2013

Loved the Alton Towers fireworks spectacular again this year.  We had a superb clear night, if chilly.

Now that Alton Towers has closed for the season our bookings are for people wanting a country weekend with friends, maybe to walk their dog in the lovely Churnet Valley and nearby Peak District National Park and come back to relax in front of the open log fire.

Self catering near Alton Towers 17 - 20th October for Scarefest

Self catering near Alton Towers 17 - 20th October

It's Scarefest at Alton Towers! And this is our last available long weekend self-catering break in Barks Holiday Cottage.

The cottage sleeps 5 in two rooms - one double, one family with adult sized bunk beds.
Alton Towers theme park is open late til 9pm during Scarefest, so come back to the holiday cottage afterwards, zap something to eat and light the open fire and ... recover! Especially if you are devoted Alton Towers fans who are going back the next day!

Let us know if you have a pet dog that needs looking after as we may be able to help you out by taking it walkies while you are at Alton Towers. The holiday cottage is pet friendly too.

Self catering near Alton Towers 17 - 20th October is £330 for 3 nights and £370 for 4 nights.

Please call 01538 703436 or email barks@btconnect.com for more details.

Alton Towers Scarefest self-catering holiday cottage accommodation

LATE DEAL - HOLIDAY COTTAGE NEAR ALTON TOWERS

6 - 10th October available £330 for 5 nights 

Love Alton Towers? Love Scarefest? Love Alton Towers late opening til 9pm? Curious about the new Alton Towers maze? Relieved that the clowns are, apparently, all friendly?

Looking to book a short self-catering holiday cottage in the next village to Alton Towers? Love that Barks Holiday Cottage is only 3 miles away in next village to gates of Alton Towers. Enjoy our family friendly holiday cottage.

Half term nip to Alton Towers sorted!

Half term Alton Towers Scarefest fun

We are mid summer holidays but there is a hint of autumn in the air and thoughts are turning to the next holiday opportunity to nip to Alton Towers.  I have had two enquiries today for 'half term', which around here starts Fri 25th and is perfect for some Alton Towers scarefest fun and games. 

Here are the remaining short break options for Barks self catering holiday cottage that week:
3 nights self catering at £330 

27 - 30th - 3 or 4 nights midweek
31, 1, 2 Nov - 3 night weekend
Please check the availability calendar for updates.

Barks Holiday Cottage - appox 8 minutes to Alton Towers gates

Staffordshire Alps

Went out for a walk with the dogs.  Lovely drifts of snow in the open, but blissfully sheltered in the woods.  Bizarre to think that in a few months time this area will be buzzing with bees enjoying the bilberry flowers.

Catherine and James, Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

Walking disaster

This weekend we went on a lovely walk that is not our normal route - well it started out as lovely, but ended up a nightmare.  I persuaded Other Half to keep his phone handy to collect me,my son and and 2 dogs when we phoned. We set off down into the valley towards Froghall to enjoy a different route.  We stopped to admire the unusual track that used to be a railway line, used to ferry the lime from Cauldon Lowe to the canal basin at Froghall. 

I noticed a single string of barbed wire draped rather pointlessly a few yards away from the path into the woods and said to my son "what's the point of that wire?  All it's going to do is injure animals!"  I had in mind foxes and deer.  Then we heard a frantic yelping. 

My poor dog had been busy sniffing out squirrels and, nipping back to the path to find out what was delaying us, she slashed herself on the wire.  I'll spare you the details of the blood, the crying 7 year old, my having to run carrying the dog to the nearest road to meet Other Half, who had thankfully picked up our call (for once!), and all the stress at the out of hours vets surgery.  She is now recovering thank goodness.  Somehow she managed not to sever a major vein, which was lucky. 

For those that know my dogs, it is the shy black one who is the sweetest and best behaved dog ever.  She doesn't deserve this to happen, no dog does. 

Why is there a single strand of barbed wire draped around in the undergrowth?  Shall I go out with my wire cutters and get rid of it?  Or shall I kick up a fuss with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, whose volunteers I have seen working nearby?  I am absolutely not the sort of person to do criminal damage to working fences (this is not a working fence), on the other hand I am thinking that lobbying is pointless simply because I let my dog off the lead. 

I will think about this for a while and try and calm down.  Meanwhile I need to take another two weeks bookings just to pay for the vets bill.  Ho hum.

Autumn colour appearing in Churnet Valley woodland

It's gorgeous walking weather this morning. I was tempted to wear layers of warm clothing but thank goodness I haven't as it is so mild again. A walk is such a great way to start the week. A walking weekend is even better.
We have mini breaks available during the autumn which should be ideal to stretch your legs in glorious countryside (and maybe even improve fitness before Christm... - stop too early for that word yet!). Autumn walking weekends - perfect!
Please check our Availability page for latest dates.
Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436

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)

A Churnet Valley gem - Dimmingsdale

It has been change over day at the holiday cottage today. Our last guests were two couples and Millie the dog, who were all keen walkers.
Our new arrivals are three generations of one family with Oscar. I have yet to meet them because I am enjoying an evening walk in the heart of the Churnet Valley.
I love to nip down the hill to Dimmingsdale and enjoy having this beauty spot all to myself after the weekend visitors have gone. I just thought I'd pause during my walk and share this lovely view of the lake.
Glorious!

Barks Holiday Cottage, 01538 703436