The Milking Parlour in Alston | Must-See Cumbria Hot Tub Cottage

About The Milking Parlour

The Milking Parlour is an 18th century barn conversion at Harbut Law Holiday Cottages just 1 mile from Alston in Cumbria. The Pennine Way runs past the door giving walkers instant access to some of England's finest upland paths. The property sits behind the owner's home with its own sitting-out area and views towards Mount Hooley and over the South Tyne Valley.

Alston is one of the highest market towns in England with cobbled streets and a narrow gauge railway. The surrounding area offers walking and cycling in every direction. Hadrian's Wall and a nearby Roman fort are easily reached by car. The landscape changes through every season making the views worth coming back for.

The Milking Parlour sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 has a 4ft 6in double bed. Bedroom 2 has two 3ft singles. There is one bathroom with a bath and shower over. The open plan ground floor living space includes an open fire with fuel included.

Nearby: Alston Narrow Gauge Railway (1 mile / 5 mins), Hadrian's Wall (approx 20 miles / 30 mins), Beamish Museum (approx 30 miles / 45 mins) and the Lake District National Park (approx 35 miles / 50 mins).

The shared hot tub has views over the South Tyne Valley perfect after a day on the fells. The Milking Parlour suits families or couples who want space, scenery and real countryside. Rated 4.8/5 and a Customers' Choice winner.

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Need To Know

✓18th century barn conversion cottage situated behind the owner's home
✓Open plan living space on the ground floor including living, dining, and kitchen areas
✓Biomass central heating system
✓Open fire with fuel included
✓Electricity included in the rental
✓Freeview TV in living area
✓DVD player in living area
✓CD player in living area
✓Electric cooker in kitchen area
✓Microwave in kitchen area
✓Fridge in kitchen area
✓Bedroom 1 with one 4ft 6in double bed
✓Bedroom 2 with two 3ft single beds (twin configuration)
✓Bathroom with bath and shower over, plus toilet
✓Bed linen included
✓Towels included
✓WiFi included
✓Smoking permitted inside the property (noting contradictory site notes)
✓Pets allowed, maximum of 1 pet included free of charge
✓On-site private parking space for 1 car
✓Own sitting-out area for private outdoor relaxation
✓Shared hot tub with other properties on-site, used on a rota basis, with views towards Mount Hooley and South Tyne Valley
✓Shared external utility room with washing machine, tumble dryer, and freezer
✓Shared barbecue available on request
✓Shared bike store on-site
✓Check-in after 15:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Views from property and hot tub towards Mount Hooley and over the South Tyne Valley
✓Located 1 mile from Alston town center with cobbled streets, shops, pubs, and restaurants
✓Close proximity to Pennine Way which runs past the door, ideal for walking and cycling
✓Nearby attractions include Hadrian's Wall, Roman fort, Alston's narrow gauge railway, Pennine Pottery, local crafts, and museums
✓Within driving distance of Lake District, Beamish Museum, Newcastle, Metro Centre, Carlisle, and Scottish Borders
✓Suitable for families or friends to get together
✓Customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 with Customers' Choice awards in 2021 and 2026
✓Ground floor layout suitable for accessibility
✓Privacy is shared for outdoor amenities such as hot tub and utility room

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Local Insights: Thackthwaite Lodge

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Alston, Cumbria

Weather & Hot Tub Conditions

12°C

Clear sky

Updated: 20 Jul 2026, 2:47am

🌡️

12.40°C

Temperature

💨

12 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

70%

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

Thackthwaite Lodge 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

309m

(1,014 feet above sea level)

Thackthwaite Lodge 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: 54.8186310° N | Longitude: 2.455137° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Alston (Monday, 20 July 2026):

3:57am

Sunrise

7:34pm

Golden Hour

8:34pm

Sunset

🌅

3:57am

Sunrise

🌇

8:34pm

Sunset

📸

7:34pm

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 (7:34pm). 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 16.62 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 Thackthwaite Lodge.

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 The Milking Parlour

Hot Tub with Valley Views

The shared hot tub looks out over the South Tyne Valley towards Mount Hooley. A brilliant way to end a day on the fells.

Pennine Way on the Doorstep

The Pennine Way runs directly past the property giving walkers immediate access to some of England's best long-distance trail walking.

Open Fire Included

The open plan living space has a real open fire with fuel included. Great for cold Cumbrian evenings after a day outdoors.

Pets Stay Free

One pet is welcome at no extra charge. The surrounding countryside and Pennine paths make this a great base for dog walking.

Customers' Choice Award

Rated 4.8 out of 5 and awarded Customers' Choice in both 2021 and 2026. Consistently well reviewed by guests.

Ground Floor Living

Everything is on the ground floor making the layout accessible and practical for families or guests with mobility considerations.

Getting To The Milking Parlour

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Milking Parlour by car, head into Alston in Cumbria and follow signs for Harbut Law Holiday Cottages. The property is located 1 mile from Alston town centre with on-site private parking for one car.

By Train

The nearest mainline railway station is Haltwhistle on the Newcastle to Carlisle line, approximately 17 miles from the property. From Haltwhistle a taxi will take you directly to the cottage in around 30 minutes.

On-site private parking for 1 car

Haltwhistle station (approx 17 miles)

1 mile from Alston town centre, Cumbria

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Alston Narrow Gauge Railway

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3JB

Hadrian's Wall & Vindolanda Roman Fort

Distance: approx 20 miles

NE47 7JN

Beamish Open Air Museum

Distance: approx 30 miles

DH9 0RG

Pennine Way (from the door)

Distance: 0 miles

CA9 3BD

South Tyne Valley Trails

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3AL

Alston Moor Walking Routes

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3SL

Alston Town Centre Shops

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HS

Pennine Pottery Alston

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HJ

Hexham Market Town

Distance: approx 22 miles

NE46 1XD

Alston Town Centre

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HS

Haltwhistle (nearest mainline station)

Distance: approx 17 miles

NE49 9AX

Carlisle City Centre

Distance: approx 30 miles

CA1 1JB

Alston Narrow Gauge Railway

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3JB

Hadrian's Wall & Vindolanda Roman Fort

Distance: approx 20 miles

NE47 7JN

Beamish Open Air Museum

Distance: approx 30 miles

DH9 0RG

Pennine Way (from the door)

Distance: 0 miles

CA9 3BD

South Tyne Valley Trails

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3AL

Alston Moor Walking Routes

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3SL

Alston Town Centre Shops

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HS

Pennine Pottery Alston

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HJ

Hexham Market Town

Distance: approx 22 miles

NE46 1XD

Alston Town Centre

Distance: 1 mile

CA9 3HS

Haltwhistle (nearest mainline station)

Distance: approx 17 miles

NE49 9AX

Carlisle City Centre

Distance: approx 30 miles

CA1 1JB

Is The Milking Parlour Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families

The Pennine Way starts at the door for easy family walks. Alston's narrow gauge railway is 1 mile away and a big hit with children. Beamish Open Air Museum is around 30 miles away. The open fire and outdoor sitting area add to the appeal for families with kids of all ages.

For Couples

Two bedrooms means couples have a double room to themselves. The shared hot tub with South Tyne Valley views sets the scene for a proper escape. Alston's cobbled streets, local crafts and Pennine Pottery are right on the doorstep. The open fire and peaceful countryside setting make this a solid choice for a couples' break.

Pet Friendly

One pet stays free of charge at The Milking Parlour. The Pennine Way runs directly past the property giving instant access to miles of open countryside walking. The sitting-out area is private and the surrounding Alston Moor landscape is ideal for long off-lead walks in all directions.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Milking Parlour

The Angel Inn Alston

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3HU

Alston Wholefoods & Café

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3HS

The Turks Head Alston

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA9 3HU

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Milking Parlour

Does this cottage have a hot tub?

Yes. The Milking Parlour has access to a shared hot tub on a rota basis with the other properties on site. The hot tub has views towards Mount Hooley and over the South Tyne Valley.

Is it pet friendly?

Yes. One pet is welcome and stays free of charge. The Pennine Way runs past the door so there is no shortage of walking routes straight from the property.

How many guests does The Milking Parlour sleep?

The Milking Parlour sleeps up to 4 guests across 2 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 has a 4ft 6in double and Bedroom 2 has two 3ft single beds.

Can larger groups book multiple properties together?

Yes. The Milking Parlour can be booked alongside two other properties on site The Cottage and The Calf Shed to accommodate up to 10 guests in total.

What is included in the price?

WiFi, bed linen, towels, electricity and open fire fuel are all included. The shared external utility room has a washing machine, tumble dryer and freezer.

Is there parking at the property?

Yes. There is on-site private parking for one car directly at The Milking Parlour. The property is situated behind the owner's home just 1 mile from Alston.

What is the local area like?

Alston is one of the highest market towns in England with cobbled streets, a narrow gauge railway and Pennine Pottery nearby. Hadrian's Wall, Beamish Museum and the Lake District are all within driving distance.

What floor is the accommodation on?

The entire property is on the ground floor. The open plan living, dining and kitchen area are all at ground level making it easy to navigate for all guests.

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Bowness-on-Windermere

The Milking Parlour Reviews

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The Milking Parlour, Alston

About The Milking Parlour

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

Hot Tub with Valley Views

Pennine Way on the Doorstep

Open Fire Included

Pets Stay Free

Customers' Choice Award

Ground Floor Living

Getting To The Milking Parlour

By Car

By Train

Attractions & More Nearby

Is The Milking Parlour Right For You?

For Families

For Couples

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The Angel Inn Alston

Alston Wholefoods & Café

The Turks Head Alston

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

The Milking Parlour Reviews