Booking direct for your next quick trip to Alton Towers

This year is starting a little slowly for us at Barks Holiday Cottage, but that's fine because our short breaks are often an 'extra holiday', or a 'quick trip to Alton Towers'. So far there is a change in how our guests are choosing to book their stays with us. We've noticed a pleasing trend: more first time visitors are booking directly with us, bypassing our booking agents. It's pleasing because it's a win-win situation—better for us and better for our guests, ensuring a personal touch from the very first moment.


Direct Booking Advantages:

Booking directly not only offers a more personal experience but also provides the best value for our guests. It's an opportunity for us to understand your needs directly and tailor your stay to your preferences, ensuring that your holiday is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. We do use booking agents Sykes Cottages, but since you have found us here we invite you to continue booking direct with us, the owners.

But is there a Direct Booking Discount?

Hmm, hold a minute, that's too direct a question, making me feel like a politician being put on the spot by a journalist. So look (as politicians always seem to say when on the radio) ...we support our booking agents in everything they do for us and are advertising the same prices as them 😇. Are you now like me, after whatever that politician just said, muttering to myself that they haven't actually answered the question. Which always makes me come to a whole unsaid conclusion 😂😁

So ... if you would like to contact us and check the availability on your preferred dates, we will do our best to make sure you get the best service by booking direct.

Why not come and enjoy the bluebells? They are plentiful and beginning to look superb.

For the latest availability please contact us at barkshc@gmail.com

Discover our self-catering bungalow in glorious countryside

Barks Holiday Cottage - single storey bungalow, sleeps 5

Among the lovely feedback we've received over the years, a significant number of guests have expressed their preference for single storey, ground-floor accommodation. The reasons vary—from the ease of access to the simplicity of having everything on one level. It seems that single storey accommodation is particularly appreciated by those with mobility concerns, families with young children, and also those with pet dogs.

We're pleased to confirm that Barks Holiday Cottage fits this bill perfectly. Our cottage is a single storey, bungalow-style self-catering accommodation nestled in the heart of the countryside. It combines the greater accessibility and comfort of bungalow living with the charm and tranquility of a country cottage, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat without the worry of stairs or the disquiet of being on a different floor.

Looking for single storey accommodation in the Countryside?

If a bungalow in the countryside sounds like your ideal getaway, we're here to make it happen. Whether you're planning a family holiday, a romantic escape, or a tranquil solo adventure, Barks Holiday Cottage offers the perfect setting. With everything conveniently located on one level, you can enjoy the ease and comfort of single storey living while soaking up the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

If you would like to know more about the bungalow or level of accessibility it might be best to have a chat. Reach out to us directly with your booking requirements. You can email us at barkshc@gmail.com, and we'll answer your queries and get your reservation sorted when you're ready.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Holiday cottage: nearby restaurant and bar at Whiston Hall

Don't switch off by the mention of golf, really this post is about a fabulous local bar and restaurant, within walking distance.

Yesterday I played a golf match at Whiston Hall. There were 14 players a side followed by a buffet. My team, Denstone, was narrowly beaten but the amazing hospitality at Whiston made up for it.  So while I was busy tucking into a delicious buffet, I asked for a menu to put into the holiday cottage.

Whiston Hall is a 9 hole golf course, wedding venue and bar/restaurant. It is also within walking distance of Barks Holiday Cottage. It's a decent walk, a regular route across the fields that I take with my dog, which makes a very pleasant early evening stroll to take in the sunset, glass of wine in hand. There are outdoor tables and a very pleasant bar with a spectacular view.

For those that would enjoy the golf opportunity, Whiston can be booked to pay and play. Not sure if it is £15 or £20 per 18 holes, but it is that sort of fee. It is 9 holes with two different tees to make each 9 a bit different. The slope rating suggests it is easy, and whilst I agree it is not long, I really don't think it is that easy. Anyway, it is worth a visit if you like a knock. And the views are stunning, even if your golf isn't!

For the latest availability please contact us.

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

Enhancing Your Family Stay: Nearby Playground Upgrades Near Barks Holiday Cottage

Thank you for the feedback! It's important to set realistic expectations while highlighting the strengths and amenities of Barks Holiday Cottage in a way that resonates with potential guests without overpromising. Let's adjust the tone to reflect a more balanced approach, focusing on the features and nearby amenities while emphasizing the efforts made to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all guests.

At Barks Holiday Cottage, we pride ourselves on offering a welcoming, self-catering holiday cottage that serves as a cosy base for families exploring the beautiful surroundings of this part of the Peak District.

We're excited to share news of recent improvements to the children's playground in our nearby village – a handy spot for families visiting us to be aware of. The playground has been updated with better paths, making it more accessible for everyone, including those with pushchairs. This means less hassle with all the gear,  and more time enjoying the outdoors with your littlest ones.

Additionally, a new picnic table has been installed, providing a perfect spot for parents to relax while their children play. It's an excellent addition for those who appreciate a dedicated space to gather and enjoy a snack amidst the laughter of playing children.

At Barks Holiday Cottage, we understand that families value convenience and ease during their holiday stays. Our self-catering accommodation is equipped to make your visit as smooth as possible, with a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living spaces, and amenities designed with families in mind. While we aim to provide a base that meets your holiday needs, we also celebrate the community and local facilities that contribute to making your stay memorable.

The playground's enhancements are just one example of how our area is evolving to become even more family-friendly. Whether you're here to explore the vast landscapes of the Peak District, enjoy a thrilling day out at Alton Towers, or simply relax and unwind in the countryside with your family and pet dog, Barks Holiday Cottage offers a peaceful retreat for your family holiday.

This self-catering holiday cottage combines the charm of rural living with the convenience of modern amenities, ensuring your stay is comfortable and relaxing. Add to that the beauty and tranquility of our location, where you can create lasting memories with your loved ones. We believe the charm of self-catering holiday cottage accommodation is that it gives you the freedom to plan your days as you wish, so if you have pre-schoolers, a visit to a playground might be just the (free) ticket.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

A Tribute to little Pickle Valentine: Snowdrops in our little Nature Reserve

In the land surrounding Barks Holiday Cottage's we have created a little nature reserve. At this time of year the snowdrops begins to emerge, heralding the early whispers of spring. This enchanting display is not just a natural spectacle; it's a tribute to a little soul that left paw prints on our hearts. Pickle Valentine, a beloved companion and a friend to many of our guests, found her final resting place among the tranquility of our nature reserve. Born on Valentine's Day, our little white terrier's spirit is commemorated with the blossoming of snowdrops around her birthday, transforming the area into a living memorial.

The snowdrops at Barks Cottage are more than just flowers; they symbolize renewal, resilience, and the enduring love between humans and their furry companions. Many of our holiday cottage guests bring their four-legged companions, so will totally understand. February is normally a quiet time at the holiday cottage, but anyone booking for some winter walking is invited to wander through this special part of our grounds, where each snowdrop serves as a reminder of Pickle's gentle spirit and the joy she brought to all who knew her.

Our little nature reserve, one of our commitments to conservation, offers guests a moment of reflection and connection with nature's delicate beauty. As these snowdrops bloom, we remember the joy that Pickle brought to our lives and the beauty of life cycles in nature.

Join us this season to experience the serene beauty of our snowdrop garden, a heartfelt tribute in the midst of our little sanctuary. It's a place where memories bloom as brightly as the flowers, and where the spirit of Pickle Valentine lives on in every delicate petal.

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.

Self-catering accommodation for Alton Towers Scarefest, Halloween and Fireworks

Alton Towers Scarefest, Halloween and Fireworks

27th October for 3 nights - £485

30th October for 4 nights - £495

 

Book direct with the owners to avoid booking fees 👍

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 ST10 4DB

☀️Great for walkers and getting outdoors 

🍰Nearby tea rooms

🌳 Peak District & Churnet Valley await

😃 Family time 

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.

Escape to the countryside this July

An invitation to nature lovers to explore the hidden gem that is the Churnet Valley, some of the finest walking countryside in England. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors and feel your senses rejuvenate.

Four-legged friends are welcome at Barks Holiday Cottage and there are lots of places for good doggies to stretch their legs. Whether you're seeking peace and tranquility, stunning views or a quiet getaway, the Churnet Valley has it in spades. And Barks is ideally placed to experience it at its best.

Don't miss out on the chance to book a last minute getaway at Barks Holiday cottage for pet-friendly self-catering. It's time to enjoy a break from it all, with your beloved doggo.

Loving this sunshine

What an amazing few weeks of sunshine we've enjoyed. The holiday cottage garden is a joy to wander past. 

The grounds are looking great too. The paths through the grasses are lovely and our recent self-catering holiday cottage guests made the most of this space with their young alsation. 

Just a quick reminder that the cottage has no secure garden or fencing so best suits trusted doggos. The location is away from it all with some of the best walking from the doorstep. 

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Coronation sing along

I joined our community choir and this week we had a bash at Zadok the Priest - not easy!! So of course when they started singing it during the coronation I had a little warble along with it. Husband is patience personified at such outbursts, but my dog looked seriously worried by my efforts. He almost got out of his comfy chair to check I was OK. Almost.

Don't worry, Barks Holiday Cottage guests are not exposed to such atrocities 😂

For the latest availability please check online or contact us - please check out our special offers in May.

Fizz on the terrace

Just sharing a few pictures from my walk today. The combination of sun and snow is my absolute favourite (at this time of year).

Obviously in the summer I'm more about a glass of fizz on the terrace, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Although to be fair people more organised than me are making plans for the summer. And I am extremely pleased that our regular guests from Nottingham have rebooked, because they also like a bottle of fizz on the terrace and I love joining them for a natter 🥂🍾. 

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Easter efficiency re the holiday cottage

For the latest holiday cottage availability please contact us.

Panic over! I have just spent an hour wondering why I had blocked off 7th April 2023 from our booking agents. I checked all our email enquiries, looked at social media inboxes and rifled through the files looking for any handwritten notes relating to a direct booking. Why had I told our booking agents that we aren't accepting bookings from them that week? I just couldn't figure it out. I also Googled Easter dates, but hadn't spotted that it was giving me last year's info. Eventually it dawned on me that Easter wasn't likely to be on my mother's birthday two years in a row. So back to Google asking for 'Easter 2023 dates' and the mystery was instantly solved. Easter 2023 starting 7th April is currently only available to our customers who book direct for their self-catering holiday cottage breaks. Alton Towers is open and it's 3 miles down the road.

The same applies to Barks Holiday Cottage bookings in the 2023 summer holidays too. For the time being we are only accepting direct bookings for the holiday cottage. Please drop us a line if there are self-catering holiday dates you are interested in.

Wonderful walking

What a morning! Took doggo for a very long walk because it was such a sparkling morning. Wildlife was posing for us everywhere. Three roe deer stood and looked at us really close up, but it seemed sensible to hold Stormy's collar rather than grapple for my camera. The buzzard was unconcerned and jumped clumsily from branch to branch while I unlocked my phone and took this rubbish snap. 

It's such amazing walking country, and I especially love this time of the year.

The holiday cottage is open for direct bookings and short lets, but not available via our booking agents until spring. So if you like a winter hike come to the Churnet Valley and explore!

For the latest availability please drop us a line.

barkshc@gmail.com

Old boots

I enjoy looking at this old boot which sits on the wall outside a cottage on one regular dog walks. The other day I was chatting with the old chap who lives there and he told me the boot belonged to an old miner friend of his. I tend to forget that there was a coal mining industry in Cheadle and North Staffordshire.

There is such a fascinating industrial history in this area. From gritty mining and milling to artistic architecture and silk embroidery. It's all left a legacy in the area to be enjoyed today - canals, mills, packhorse trails, beautiful buildings and many stories. 

Walking is one of the best ways to access some of these places and stories. I honestly think for the variety of walks, this area has to be one of the best in the country. 

Put your old boots on and start your walking break right from the front door of Barks Holiday Cottage. 

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Dog walk in the woods

Yesterday Stormy and I went for one of my usual circuits around the woods and fields. We walked round a bend in the path and there was another dog walker. It took me a moment to realise that it was our holiday guests, David and his lovely dog Millie. Having been taken a bit by surprise, my first instinct was to get my dog Stormy under control. Stormy is fine with other dogs, but the day before he had not had a friendly welcome from a terrier, who's stressed-out owner then hurled abuse at James. I didn't want a repeat of that trauma, but I needn't have worried. Millie is a sweetie and Stormy is a simple soul, so they both waited patiently next to each other while David and I enjoyed a relaxed chat. I like a jolly catch up with our guests.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us.

Scarefest 2022- Holiday cottage near Alton Towers

Where has the summer gone this year? I honestly don't think I have ever been so busy. It must be a post covid thing, where the pace of life picked up massively... and possibly my multi-tasking skills were a bit rusty. Everything has felt so hectic all summer.

Last week dear son packed himself off to university, so I am starting to get everything back into some sort of order in my own house. I also have a few tasks and improvements to get organised in the holiday cottage. But first we have Alton Towers Scarefest season. 

I saw pumpkins in the shop today and was tempted to get some to decorate the cottage for our Scarefest guests. I resisted because I regularly drive past a pumpkin farm and would like to support our local growers if I can.

We still have some short breaks available for Scarefest and October half term. 

Available dates at the time of writing

3 - 7th October £420 for 4 nights

14 - 17th October £395 for 3 nights

20 - 24th October £495 for 4 nights

28 - 30th for £395 for 3 nights

31st  - 4th November £525 for 4 nights

Please check availability or message us if you are looking for self-catering accommodation that is really near Alton Towers.

Holiday Cottage with open fire

The Chimney Sweep has been today and carried out all the safety checks, including testing the carbon monoxide alarm. 

It may be a surprise to learn that we also have a fire safety policy and have undertaken a risk assessment. This is just an example of the sort of thing that we do because we take seriously the responsibility of running holiday accommodation.

So that was just a little peak behind the scenes of life as Holiday Cottage owner.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us. We are now taking bookings for October half term and Alton Towers Scarefest. 

Green and pleasant

I went for a walk locally yesterday and can't  quite believe how lush and green is the countryside of the Churnet Valley compared to only 25 miles east around Derby and Nottingham. That slightly frustrating period of a daily drizzle is suddenly worth it. Hopefully this means local woods and gardens will cope with this heat wave. 

Our current holiday cottage guests are making the most of the sunny terrace and parasol as well as the benches in the little nature reserve. We were chatting with them and all agreed we're loving this August weather and the pleasure of an evening stroll through the cool woods.

For the latest availability please check online or contact us. We currently have holiday cottage availability in August. Explore the Peak District and Churnet Valley.