Cumbria
Cottages With Hot Tubs
2026 Hot Tub Breaks in Lake District, Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside & More!
2026 Hot Tub Breaks in Lake District, Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside & More!
Mark Close Milking Parlour is a beautifully converted single-storey cottage on the outskirts of Alston in the North Pennines said to be England's last wilderness. Sleeping just two people, this former milking parlour sits alongside Mark Close Farmhouse with an enclosed garden offering panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. Next door there's a paddock with five alpacas.
Alston is England's highest market town. The cobbled high street has pubs, a butcher, baker, mini markets and gift shops. The area stays unspoiled by heavy tourism or traffic. Isaac's Tea Trail, the Alston narrow-gauge railway and Cross Fell the highest point in the Pennines are all close by.
The cottage sleeps two in one double bedroom (4ft 6in bed).
Mark Close Milking Parlour is a beautifully converted single-storey cottage on the outskirts of Alston in the North Pennines said to be England's last wilderness. Sleeping just two people, this former milking parlour sits alongside Mark Close Farmhouse with an enclosed garden offering panoramic views over green fields and wild fells. Next door there's a paddock with five alpacas.
Alston is England's highest market town. The cobbled high street has pubs, a butcher, baker, mini markets and gift shops. The area stays unspoiled by heavy tourism or traffic. Isaac's Tea Trail, the Alston narrow-gauge railway and Cross Fell the highest point in the Pennines are all close by.
The cottage sleeps two in one double bedroom (4ft 6in bed). Ground floor throughout with level access, grab rails and a shower seat. Underfloor heating, woodburner, WiFi, dressing gowns and slippers all included.
Killhope Mining Centre (8 miles), Hadrian's Wall (20 miles), Nenthead Mining Centre (5 miles) and Kielder Water (30 miles) are all within easy reach.
Private hot tub in the enclosed garden, pets stay free and a Customers' Choice award in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Mark Close Milking Parlour suits couples wanting space, quiet and real countryside.
>
North of England, Cumbria
The property is set in a lovely spot in Eskdale Green, a picturesque village which is home to the Japanese Garden in Giggle Alley forest. With plenty of great pubs along the way, this is a superb...
View Cottage
>
>
North of England, Cumbria
Located in the centre of the peaceful village of Armathwaite, there are two pubs serving good food and local beers a short walk from the house. The village also has a well-stocked shop. ...
View Cottage
>
North of England, Cumbria
Leathes Head Country House, resting near Keswick, Cumbria, boasting a woodburning stove, hot tub, games room, and ample off-road parking. Bassenthwaite 10.7 miles; Cockermouth 16.7 miles;...
View Cottage
>
North of England, Cumbria
This property enjoys a tranquil location just across the water from the pretty village of Coniston on Coniston Water. It is just as suited for those who want to relax and unwind as it is for those...
View Cottage
>
North of England, Cumbria
A tranquil country sanctuary, this enticing holiday home is perfect for those wishing to experience picturesque Cumbria in style. Set within a Grade II-listed manor house, the three-bedroom...
View Cottage
>
North of England, Cumbria
Traditional beautifully presented Lakeland large semi near Keswick. Sleeps 4. Hot Tub & Sauna, gardens and patio. Secure outdoor bike store. 2 medium sized dogs welcome. No children under 16.Wifi.
View Cottage
>
North of England, Cumbria
Blencathra Shepherds Hut in Keswick, Cumbria, is a cosy retreat for two. This well-equipped shepherd hut features a raised double bed, a compact kitchen, and a shower room. Enjoy stunning Fell...
View Cottage
>
>
Unique information you won't find on booking sites
Alston, Cumbria14°C
Partly cloudy
Updated: 23 Jul 2026, 2:48am
The Calf Shed is located in one of England's darkest sky areas, making it exceptional for stargazing from the hot tub.
The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):
The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.
The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.
309m
(1,014 feet above sea level)
The Calf Shed sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting, perfect for a relaxing hot tub getaway.
Latitude: 54.8186040° N | Longitude: 2.455121° W
Today's sun times for Alston (Thursday, 23 July 2026):
4:02am
Sunrise
7:30pm
Golden Hour
8:30pm
Sunset
This month in Alston, you have approximately 16.46 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean extended evening activities before the hot tub beckons.
Everything you need to know before you arrive at The Calf Shed.
Signal Strength
Variable
Mobile signal is variable in this area. You should have coverage for calls and basic data.
Discover why our guests keep coming back to Mark Close Milking Parlour
Soak in the private hot tub while looking out over green fields and wild fells. Pure North Pennines scenery on your doorstep.
Five friendly alpacas live in the paddock right next to the cottage. A genuinely fun and unexpected feature guests love.
Up to two pets are welcome at no extra charge. Doggy extras are provided making this more than just pet-friendly.
The cottage has both a woodburner and underfloor heating throughout. Cosy whatever the weather in the North Pennines.
Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for guests. A small touch that makes a real difference after a day on the fells.
Mark Close Milking Parlour has won Customers' Choice awards in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Consistently loved by guests year after year.
Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat
To reach Mark Close Milking Parlour by car, follow the A686 into Alston and look for signs to the property on the outskirts of town. There is one private on-site parking space waiting for you on arrival.
The nearest mainline railway station is Haltwhistle, approximately 17 miles away, from where you can take a taxi directly to the cottage. Haltwhistle sits on the Newcastle to Carlisle line making it well connected from both cities.
Everything you need within easy reach
Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors
Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mark Close Milking Parlour
Located 0.9 miles from your accommodation.
Postcode: CA9 3RF
Located 1 mile from your accommodation.
Postcode: CA9 3RN
Located 1 mile from your accommodation.
Postcode: CA9 3HJ
Quick answers to our most common questions about Mark Close Milking Parlour
