Mill Race House in Alston | Must-See Cumbria Hot Tub Cottage

About Mill Race House

Mill Race House is a superb stone-built cottage in Alston, Cumbria one of England's highest market towns, set in the North Pennines. Sleeping up to 10 guests, this thoughtfully furnished property is ideal for large groups of family or friends looking for a proper countryside break. A private hot tub and a woodburning stove make it genuinely comfortable whatever the weather.

Alston sits within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The surrounding landscape is moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls. You can walk straight from the door into open countryside. The town itself has a pub just 0.1 miles away and a shop 0.3 miles from the cottage.

The cottage features a feature dining table set for 10 in the sitting and dining area. There's a sun room for warmer months and a dedicated games room with a pool table. The second-floor twin room has Velux windows with fell views. A cot and highchair are available for younger guests.

Nearby: South Tynedale Railway, Alston (0.2 miles, 2 mins). Hadrian's Wall, Haltwhistle (17 miles, 30 mins). Cross Fell summit walk (8 miles, 20 mins). Killhope Lead Mining Museum (12 miles, 22 mins).

Mill Race House suits groups of 10 who want space, comfort and real countryside. Hot tub after a long walk. Log fire in the evening. Games room for the kids. It's a proper base for the North Pennines.

Check Prices & Availability »

At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

✓Gas central heating
✓Electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine, dishwasher
✓Tv with freeview, pool table, selection of books, games and dvds, wifi
✓Cot and highchair available at the property
✓Fuel and power included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels included in rent
✓Roadside parking available in the town
✓Enclosed small patio with hot tub
✓Two well-behaved pets welcome
✓Sorry, no smoking
✓Shop 0.3 miles, pub 0.1 miles
✓Note: restricted headroom in second-floor bedrooms

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Local Insights: The Steads

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Alston, Cumbria

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

9°C

Clear sky

Updated: 22 Jul 2026, 2:48am

🌡️

9.20°C

Temperature

💨

1 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

95%

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 Steads 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):

🌌

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

311m

(1,020 feet above sea level)

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

🏔️

311m

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: 54.8114073° N | Longitude: 2.4377069° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Alston (Wednesday, 22 July 2026):

4:00am

Sunrise

7:31pm

Golden Hour

8:31pm

Sunset

🌅

4:00am

Sunrise

🌇

8:31pm

Sunset

📸

7:31pm

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 (7:31pm). 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 16.52 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 Steads.

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

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Mill Race House

Private Hot Tub

Guests love returning from hikes to soak in the private hot tub. It's a highlight mentioned in nearly every review.

Games Room

A dedicated games room with a pool table keeps kids and adults entertained. Reviewers called it a great bonus for the whole group.

Woodburning Stove

The log fire adds real warmth on cooler evenings. Guests specifically mentioned enjoying it after days out exploring the fells.

Sleeps 10 Comfortably

The house is genuinely spacious for large groups. Reviewers described it as a huge home away from home with room for everyone.

Stunning Location

Surrounded by moorland, hills, rivers and waterfalls. The drive to the property alone impressed guests arriving for the first time.

Responsive Owners

Owners are quick to respond and helpful throughout your stay. Guests praised the support process and swift resolution of any queries.

Getting To Mill Race House

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Mill Race House by car, head into Alston town centre via the A686. The cottage is in the heart of Alston and while there is no on-site parking, free parking is available nearby within easy walking distance.

By Train

The nearest mainline station is Haltwhistle, approximately 17 miles away, from where you can take a taxi into Alston. Alternatively, Hexham station is around 20 miles away and has good connections from Newcastle.

Free parking available nearby in Alston town centre

Haltwhistle station (approx. 17 miles)

Accessible via the A686 into Alston, CA9 3SQ

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

South Tynedale Railway

Distance: 0.2 miles

CA9 3JB

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 12 miles

DL13 1AR

Hadrian's Wall (Haltwhistle section)

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 9PN

Cross Fell & Pennine Way

Distance: 8 miles

CA9 3LX

Ashgill Force Waterfall Walk

Distance: 3 miles

CA9 3RX

South Tyne Trail (Alston to Slaggyford)

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA9 3JB

Alston Town Centre Shops

Distance: 0.3 miles

CA9 3HJ

Nenthead Village Store

Distance: 5 miles

CA9 3PD

Haltwhistle Town Centre

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 0BH

A686 Road (Penrith to Newcastle)

Distance: 0.1 miles

CA9 3SQ

Haltwhistle Taxi Services

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 0BH

Alston Bus Stop (Service 681)

Distance: 0.1 miles

CA9 3HJ

South Tynedale Railway

Distance: 0.2 miles

CA9 3JB

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 12 miles

DL13 1AR

Hadrian's Wall (Haltwhistle section)

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 9PN

Cross Fell & Pennine Way

Distance: 8 miles

CA9 3LX

Ashgill Force Waterfall Walk

Distance: 3 miles

CA9 3RX

South Tyne Trail (Alston to Slaggyford)

Distance: 0.5 miles

CA9 3JB

Alston Town Centre Shops

Distance: 0.3 miles

CA9 3HJ

Nenthead Village Store

Distance: 5 miles

CA9 3PD

Haltwhistle Town Centre

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 0BH

A686 Road (Penrith to Newcastle)

Distance: 0.1 miles

CA9 3SQ

Haltwhistle Taxi Services

Distance: 17 miles

NE49 0BH

Alston Bus Stop (Service 681)

Distance: 0.1 miles

CA9 3HJ

Is Mill Race House Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

A dedicated games room with a pool table keeps children entertained indoors. A cot and highchair are available for younger guests. Outside, Alston and the surrounding North Pennines offer waterfalls, the South Tynedale narrow-gauge railway and open moorland walks all within a short drive.

For Couples

Mill Race House sleeps 10 so it's best suited to groups rather than couples. That said, the private hot tub and woodburning stove do create a genuinely cosy atmosphere. Couples joining a larger group booking will find plenty of space and privacy within the house.

Pet Friendly

Dogs are welcome at Mill Race House. A group of 10 guests brought two dogs and had a great stay. The surrounding North Pennines landscape offers miles of moorland walking straight from the door ideal for dogs that need space and exercise.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mill Race House

The Turks Head Inn

Located 0.1 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3HU

Alston House Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Located 0.2 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3RY

Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel Restaurant

Located 2.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3LF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Mill Race House

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes, Mill Race House has a private hot tub on site. Guests regularly mention it as one of the best features, especially after a day walking in the North Pennines.

Is Mill Race House pet friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Mill Race House. One group of 10 guests brought two dogs and had a great stay, so it's well suited to travelling with pets.

How many guests does Mill Race House sleep?

The property sleeps up to 10 guests. There is a feature dining table set for 10 in the main sitting and dining area.

Is there parking at the property?

There is no dedicated on-site parking at Mill Race House. However, guests have found free parking nearby with no difficulty at all.

What entertainment is available inside the cottage?

There is a dedicated games room with a pool table plus a TV with Freeview, DVDs, books and board games. The games room is a separate space designed specifically for group fun.

Is the cottage suitable for families with young children?

Yes, a cot and highchair are available at the property. The games room is also a big hit with children according to guest reviews.

What is included in the rental price?

Fuel and power, bed linen and towels are all included. The kitchen is fully equipped with an electric oven and hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher.

Is WiFi available at Mill Race House?

Yes, WiFi and broadband are available throughout the property. This makes it practical for larger groups who need to stay connected during their stay.

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Bowness-on-Windermere

Mill Race House Reviews

Samantha

What a lovely stay we had in mill race house. We had a welcome pack on arrival with Prosecco and goodies, it was a nice touch! All the rooms were perfect and the hot tub was great to chill out in. The area is nice and quiet but also a good few pubs and shops about, spar and co op. There is no parking space direct outside but a couple of houses up the street there was enough space for all 3 cars. I would recommend this to big groups and would stay again, thank you so much for a great stay.

Andrea

Very nice stay at a beautiful cottage. Everyone had a great time and was impressed with the property. Very comfortable and spacious. Provided everything we needed.

Zakariya

We had an amazing stay here. Eventhough there was 10 of us, the property was spacious throughout and was perfect for what we wanted! The area is peaceful, with the people of Alston being friendly and welcoming. Gorgeous walking trails near by, with a supermarket and petrol station down the road aswell. Plenty of parking spaces near by, an overall great stay! The host was responsive and helpful, with all questions that I had. Would defo recommend!

Stuart

A great little cottage for a weekend break with friends. The property was clean, well presented, and had all the facilities we needed for an enjoyable stay. There were a couple of areas that could do with some attention. The lounge sofa is showing signs of heavy use, and the double bed on the top floor was in poor condition, creaking noticeably with even the slightest movement. That said, considering the price, we felt it offered good value for money and we had a very enjoyable weekend overall.

Kayleigh

We had a fantastic stay at Mill Race House. The house was very spacious, clean and comforting, like a huge home away from home. The owners were very quick to respond to our queries about the surrounding area and couldnt be more helpful. The games room was a great bonus for the children and we loved the log fire and hot tub. We would definitely recommend this place and would love to return to stay again sometime, thank you! Xx

Lovely time in Alston, however, a few issues with the house over our stay. I know the house has been bought recently so understandable, but I thought I'd highlight these to make it easier to improve the facilities No welcome pack with instructions Broken radiator valves in 2 bedrooms Broken mop No bin liners No bins or info on where to put waste? No tips on snooker cues Half toaster working Sofa broken Allyson fixed this so thanks Hot tub broken Allyson fixed this, so thank you Knives not very good or sharp No Scissors Back door lock a bit stiffseized Rear gate locked emergency fire exit? Broken light switch in double room, first on the left. No cloths for cleaning and not enough tea towels Not many sponges or scourers for washing up Regardless, we still have a good time.

Leave a Review

Mill Race House, Alston

About Mill Race House

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

Best Months for Hot Tub Evenings

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From The Hot Tub

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Hot Tub Timing by Season

July Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Private Hot Tub

Games Room

Woodburning Stove

Sleeps 10 Comfortably

Stunning Location

Responsive Owners

Getting To Mill Race House

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is Mill Race House Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Turks Head Inn

Alston House Hotel Bar & Restaurant

Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel Restaurant

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Mill Race House Reviews