Luxury holiday cottage in Dufton

Spring News!

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cover photo courtesy of our guest Steve Fealy
It’s nearly that time of year when the Eden Valley comes alive again after long winter nights.  Who doesn’t like it when the clocks spring forward and the days get longer, even though we think that Shepherds View comes into its own in the Winter with the log burner and underfloor heating.  Those people lucky enough to be staying in March and April may get the chance to see the lambs in the field beneath Shepherds View – always a joy to watch them from the window as they skip around the field below with their playful antics.  Hopefully the weather will be kind, but as you know if you have visited before, there is always plenty to do in the Eden come rain or shine.

Over the last 12 months we have added to our facilities with a new EV charger (details on the web-site).  Also we now welcome 1 well behaved dog into both properties, but with clear rules as we need to maintain the integrity of our clean to ensure the high standards that all our guests expect.  Don’t forget if you are looking for a 1 or 2 night stay then the Pennine Potting Shed might suit your needs.

                               

Pub Recommendation – The Stag Inn, Dufton

We can’t start anywhere else than the Stag Inn.  Still, in our opinion, the best pub food in the Eden Valley, and you can’t complain about their range of ales either.  They recently launched their new menu for the year and as always there is a good choice of Gluten Free and Veggie options, which also includes their Sunday lunches.  No food on a Monday night, (but during the Summer Mickeys Pizza’s is in the village car park in the evening).

Booking is an absolute must if you want to dine, and they do have a dog friendly area as well.

The Stag runs a fortnightly quiz night on a Thursday starting at 8.30pm and occasional live music which is advertised on their Facebook page.  On Easter Day they have an egg throwing completion in the afternoon, and their locally famous beer festival will be held on the 13/14/15 September. https://thestagdufton.co.uk

Cafe Recommendation – Larch CottageGardens

Larch Cottage Nurseries is probably one of the most unusual garden centres you will ever have visit.  Not only is it an award winning plant nursery, but they also have amazing statues and garden accessories laid out in Italian style gardens.  The Red Barn Gallery can also be found there and has high quality gifts for sale.  However, La Casa Verde is a superb cafe offering the style and spirit of Italian al fresco dining.  They open from 9am until 5pm, breakfast through lunch and finishing with afternoon tea, 7 days per week and is well worth a visit.  Once a month on a Saturday night they open for a special dinner menu – not to be missed but needs to be booked well in advance.  Highly recommended!

For more details visit https://larchcottage.co.uk/

What’s on in the Eden

If you’re looking for a local market then Appleby holds a small one every Saturday morning.  Slightly further afield is the larger Orton Farmer’s market held on the first Saturday of each month.

Dufton Village Hall holds a live music night on the first Friday of the month at 7.30pm showcasing different local Eden Valley musicians and bands.  Entry on the door is only £5.  The Hall is also showing a Highlights theatre event on 14th March – ‘Behold ye Ramblers’ – a new play about the right to roam.  Tickets in advance.  www.highlightsnorth.co.uk

30/31 March – Cumbria Easter vintage car rally in Kirkby Stephen and Brough

20/21 April – World’s Original Marmalade Awards at Dalemain House

For more details and other events visit www.visiteden.co.uk

Suggested Walk – Orton Circular

This is one of our favourite walks and starts only a short 20 minute drive away in Orton.  It has the added advantage of starting and ending at Kennedys chocolate factory which is well worth a visit – they also do ice cream!  The views from the top of the walk are stunning as you look out towards the Howgills, as is the drive to Orton.

You can download the route at https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2021/03/Orton-Walk-Leaflet-1.pdf

Spring Current Availability

We still have availability for the Easter weekend – so 29 March to 12 April – if you are looking for a short break or weekly booking.  Similarly Fri 19 April to Fri 26 April.

The best time of year to visit the amazing Bluebells in Dufton Ghyll and Flakebridge woods is in May and we have dates available from Tue 14 to Fri 24 and Mon 27 to Fri 31 May.

Don’t forget we offer a late availability discount of 10% off any booking within 4 weeks of the date.  This is automatically applied when you book.

https://duftonbarnholidays.co.uk/availability/