Cumbria
Cottages With Hot Tubs

2026 Hot Tub Breaks in Lake District, Keswick, Windermere, Ambleside & More!

Home
Cottages Latest Cottages Favourites Contact Us List Your Property
Back Overview Features Reviews Days out

Mark Close Milking Parlour, Alston

Guest Rating
Rating
5.0
out of 5
Sleeps 2
Pets 1
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 1

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).

 

About Mark Close Milking Parlour

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.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Local Insights: The Calf Shed

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Alston, Cumbria

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

14°C

Partly cloudy

Updated: 23 Jul 2026, 2:48am

🌡️
14.30°C
Temperature
💨
12 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
92%
Humidity
♨️
Hot Tub Tip: The contrast between cool July air and warm hot tub water creates the perfect relaxation experience. Many guests say cooler evenings make hot tub sessions even more enjoyable.

Best Months for Hot Tub Evenings

  • May - September: Warmest evenings (12-16°C), longest daylight for twilight sessions
  • October - November: Crisp autumn air, stunning starry skies, perfect contrast with hot water
  • December - February: Cold air intensifies the experience, possible snow-dusted surroundings
  • March - April: Spring awakening, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: Don't let rain stop you! Hot tubbing in light rain is a uniquely peaceful experience. The sound of raindrops while you're warm in the bubbling water is surprisingly relaxing.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Calf Shed is located in one of England's darkest sky areas, making it exceptional for stargazing from the hot tub.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From The Hot Tub

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.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
📱
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline.

Location & Elevation

309m

(1,014 feet above sea level)

The Calf Shed sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting, perfect for a relaxing hot tub getaway.

🏔️
309m
Elevation
📍
Alston
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • Cooler temperatures: Expect 1-2°C cooler than coastal areas, making hot tub sessions even more refreshing
  • Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to fell summits
🚗
Driving Note: The roads to Alston are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.8186040° N | Longitude: 2.455121° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Alston (Thursday, 23 July 2026):

4:02am

Sunrise

7:30pm

Golden Hour

8:30pm

Sunset

🌅
4:02am
Sunrise
🌇
8:30pm
Sunset
📸
7:30pm
Golden Hour

Hot Tub Timing by Season

  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - enjoy the hot tub in daylight or twilight
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner soak under emerging stars
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - dark hot tub sessions, ideal for stargazing
  • Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
🌙
Evening Hot Tub Session: For the best experience, start your hot tub session during golden hour (7:30pm). You'll enjoy the warm colours of sunset, then transition into twilight and stars - all without having to get out!

July Daylight

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.

Practical Essentials

Everything you need to know before you arrive at The Calf Shed.

Mobile Phone Signal

📱

Signal Strength

Variable

Mobile signal is variable in this area. You should have coverage for calls and basic data.

💡
Signal Tip: EE and Vodafone generally perform best in this area.

Nearest Essentials

🚗
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Cumbria. Consider stocking up on groceries too, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 23 Jul 2026 | Location: 54.8186040, -2.4551210

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Mark Close Milking Parlour

Private hot tub with fell views

Soak in the private hot tub while looking out over green fields and wild fells. Pure North Pennines scenery on your doorstep.

Alpacas next door

Five friendly alpacas live in the paddock right next to the cottage. A genuinely fun and unexpected feature guests love.

Pets stay free

Up to two pets are welcome at no extra charge. Doggy extras are provided making this more than just pet-friendly.

Woodburner and underfloor heating

The cottage has both a woodburner and underfloor heating throughout. Cosy whatever the weather in the North Pennines.

Dressing gowns and slippers included

Dressing gowns and slippers are provided for guests. A small touch that makes a real difference after a day on the fells.

Award-winning cottage

Mark Close Milking Parlour has won Customers' Choice awards in 2019, 2021 and 2024. Consistently loved by guests year after year.

Getting To Mark Close Milking Parlour

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

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.

By Train

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.

Private on-site parking for one car
Haltwhistle station (approx. 17 miles)
On the outskirts of Alston, North Pennines, CA9 3BD

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Distance: 8 miles
DL13 1AR
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA9 3PD
Alston Narrow Gauge Railway
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3JB
Cross Fell Summit Walk
Distance: 6 miles
CA9 3BD
Isaac's Tea Trail
Distance: Starts in Alston
CA9 3HJ
South Tyne Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA9 3BD
Alston Town Centre Shops
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3HS
Alston Market
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3RF
MetroCentre Gateshead
Distance: approx. 45 miles
NE11 9YG
Haltwhistle Taxi Services
Distance: 17 miles
NE49 9AA
A686 Road Link to Penrith
Distance: 20 miles
CA11 7SB
Kielder Water
Distance: approx. 30 miles
NE48 1BX
Killhope Lead Mining Museum
Distance: 8 miles
DL13 1AR
Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre
Distance: 5 miles
CA9 3PD
Alston Narrow Gauge Railway
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3JB
Cross Fell Summit Walk
Distance: 6 miles
CA9 3BD
Isaac's Tea Trail
Distance: Starts in Alston
CA9 3HJ
South Tyne Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
CA9 3BD
Alston Town Centre Shops
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3HS
Alston Market
Distance: 1 mile
CA9 3RF
MetroCentre Gateshead
Distance: approx. 45 miles
NE11 9YG
Haltwhistle Taxi Services
Distance: 17 miles
NE49 9AA
A686 Road Link to Penrith
Distance: 20 miles
CA11 7SB
Kielder Water
Distance: approx. 30 miles
NE48 1BX

Is Mark Close Milking Parlour Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The five alpacas in the next-door paddock are a genuine hit with children. Alston's narrow-gauge railway is just a mile away and suits younger visitors well. Cross Fell and the South Tyne Trail offer easy outdoor days out. The cottage sleeps only two so it suits adults or a couple with one small child.
For Couples
Mark Close Milking Parlour is built for two. A private hot tub in an enclosed garden with fell views sets the tone. Dressing gowns and slippers are provided. The woodburner adds to the atmosphere on cooler evenings. Alston's cobbled street with pubs and independent shops is a 15-minute walk away.
Pet Friendly
Up to two pets are welcome and stay completely free of charge. Doggy extras are provided on arrival. The cottage has an enclosed garden so dogs can roam safely. The South Tyne Trail and surrounding fells offer excellent walking straight from the door. This is genuinely one of the more pet-forward cottages available.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mark Close Milking Parlour

The Turks Head Inn

Located 0.9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3RF

Alston House Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3RN

Blueberry's Tea Room Alston

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3HJ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Mark Close Milking Parlour

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Yes. There is a private hot tub in the enclosed garden. You can use it while taking in the panoramic views over the green fields and wild fells surrounding the property.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes. Up to two pets are welcome and they stay completely free of charge. Doggy extras are also provided making this a genuinely pet-forward property rather than just tolerant of animals.
How many people does Mark Close Milking Parlour sleep?
The cottage sleeps two people in one double bedroom with a 4ft 6in bed. It is designed as a couples retreat or a break for two adults.
Is the cottage accessible?
Yes. The property is entirely on the ground floor with level access throughout. There are grab rails and a shower seat in the shower room making it suitable for guests with limited mobility.
What is included in the price?
WiFi, electricity, bed linen and towels are all included. Dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your stay.
How far is Alston town centre?
Alston is within a 15 to 20 minute walk from the cottage. The town has a cobbled high street with pubs, a butcher, baker, mini markets and gift shops.
What heating does the cottage have?
The cottage has underfloor heating throughout as well as a woodburner in the living and dining room. Both are included in the price of your stay.
Is there parking at the cottage?
Yes. There is one private on-site parking space at the property. The cottage is easily accessible from local roads into Alston.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Alston
7 cottages
Armathwaite
4 cottages
Bowness-on-Windermere
4 cottages
Brampton
14 cottages
Caldbeck
5 cottages
Carlisle
10 cottages
Cockermouth
5 cottages
Coniston
3 cottages
Glassonby
3 cottages
Greystoke
4 cottages
Kendal
3 cottages
Keswick
13 cottages
Longtown
7 cottages
Maryport
5 cottages
Melmerby
7 cottages
Milton
7 cottages
Penrith
22 cottages
Sedbergh
4 cottages
Ullswater
3 cottages
Ulverston
3 cottages

Mark Close Milking Parlour Reviews

Leave a Review
Been to Mark Close Milking Parlour? Please leave a review and share your holiday experiences.
Name
Month of stay
Year of stay
Review
Suite 3B, Lakeland Business Park, Lamplugh Road, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 0QT