Tag Archive for: romantic break

February News!

/in

 

In early January we had a cold snap that dropped temperatures to -7 for over a week, and all the outside taps froze up.  We also had snow on the Pennines and we took an absolutely stunning walk up to High Cup Nick in the snow, which was probably the most magical we have ever seen it.  If you follow us on Facebook you may have seen the video we made of the walk.  Sadly we had no-one staying in the barn to enjoy the weather, but it’s worth bearing in mind that winter can be an amazing time to visit.

Last year was our busiest year to date since we opened, and we are grateful to all our guests who put their trust in us for their holiday, whether it was a one night stay in the Potting Shed or a longer break in Shepherds View.  This year is already looking like it will be another busy one and, never ones to sit still, we’ve been busy ourselves preparing for the new year.

The newest addition to Shepherds View is an inside Dog Wash.  This has enabled us to provide a hot water shower without fear of the pipes freezing up, and we hope that pooches that visit will appreciate a nice warm wash and feel a bit more pampered as they are on holiday too!  Of course we still have the outside hose-pipe for those that prefer!

We have also started a YouTube channel where we are putting a library together of short videos of things to do and places to visit in the area.  We hope this will be of interest to visiting guests, whether new to the area or returning back to us again.  You can find it at  https://www.youtube.com/@DuftonBarn
                               

Pub Recommendation – The Secret Garden, Pooley Bridge
https://secretgardenrestaurant.co.uk
Believe it or not the pictures for the Secret Garden were taken on 19th  September on one of the hottest days of the year with temperatures mid 20s, once again proving that a late summer holiday can often provide better weather.  We walked across from Askham and were able to book on-line as we walked when we knew what time we would be arriving.  Being September Pooley Bridge was a lot quieter than the traditional summer months and we spent a very pleasant lunch overlooking the river Eamont and watching the ducks!  Access to the restaurant is through the Pooley Bridge Stores – hence the Secret Garden.

https://secretgardenrestaurant.co.uk/

Cafe Recommendation – Marra 46, Kendal
If you make a trip across to Kendal then this cafe is well worth a visit.  Highly recommend to book before you go as it is always busy, especially with the locals.  If they can’t fit you in, rather than you wait, they will take your telephone number and ring you when your table is free.  The entrance to the cafe is down a tiny alleyway in the central shopping area, and you will have walked past it if you don’t know its there.  Excellent service and specialising in Piadina made with special Sourdough.
https://www.marra46.co.uk/

What’s on in the Eden
Appleby holds a small local market every Saturday morning.  Slightly further afield is the larger Orton Farmer’s market held on the first Saturday of each month.

Feb/Mar – Snowdrop weekends at Acorn Bank
26 April – Dalemain Marmalade Awards
10 May – Brougham Hall Wartime weekend
29 June – Ullswater Country Fair
19 July – Penrith Agricultural Show
25/26/27 July – Potfest in the Park at Hutton in the Forest
14 Aug – Appleby Agricultural Show
30 Aug – Fellside Royal Dufton

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

Suggested Walk – Murton Pike
This is a great walk, especially if the weather has been wet, as there is a hardcore road most of the way to the top.  It’s the big sister to Dufton Pike and starts from the car park in Murton, and offers great views across the Eden Valley on a clear day.  You get to Murton by turning left along the Keisley road as you leave Dufton, and driving along the single lane road until you reach the crossroads in Murton where you turn left.  The track up is obvious, is clearly marked from bottom to top, and is probably a little easier than Dufton Pike due to the way in which the road meanders up.  It takes us around 1.5 hours to do the round trip.

This is also another route to approach High Cup Nick if you are looking for something different as you can carry on from here, and like many walks in the area, you probably won’t see many other folk.  We have a circular walk in the information book if this is of interest to you.
Spring/Summer Availability
Shepherds View is now fully booked up until just before Easter, and other weeks are booking up fast across the always busy summer period, so if you have a specific date in mind then please book early so you don’t lose out.

The Pennine Way is celebrating 60 years since it was named a National Trail so we expect to be very busy in The Potting Shed over the Summer.  Dates are filling up fast so again please book as soon as you know your plans as there is limited accommodation in Dufton currently.

Next autumn we are planning to do some building works in the garden.  Consequently, we have closed off all dates during October and November.  However, we are still happy to take bookings during this time on the understanding that there may well be some disruption during building hours.  We will also offer a discount for guests that still do want to stay.  Please contact us direct for details if this is of interest to you.
                   

 

 

Summer News!

/in
Hopefully the rainy season is finally past us and we can enjoy a spell of warm and sunny weather.  Both properties have been busy during May, and the Potting Shed in particular has been busy with Pennine Way walkers, although the Ravenber Way was a new one on us.

Longer days means a great opportunity to walk later in the day.  We highly recommend a late walk up Dufton Pike or High Cup to see the sun set over the valley.  Summer is also a great time to join in some of the rural traditions in the area with local agricultural shows coming thick and fast.

Whatever the weather there is always plenty to do.  We always look forward to getting our bikes out at this time of year and cycling around the quiet Eden Valley lanes – usually in search of coffee or ice cream at Brough Castle, Abbott Lodge or Melmersby.  We have lived here nearly 11 years now and still find great new walks or places to visit – in May we went wake boarding on Ullswater for the first time, which was brilliant fun and highly recommended for those who like a little bit of adrenaline.

               

 

Pub Recommendation – George & Dragon, Clifton 

The George & Dragon is owned by the Lowther Estate and is a multi award winning pub.  The pub aims to  rear, forage and grow most of its ingredients from the family farms and the kitchen gardens at Michelin starred Askham Hall.  The food produced is exceptional, and whilst the price is at the top end of what you would expect from a pub, the old adage of you get what you pay for has never been more true.  Highly recommended for a special celebration or for a treat.

https://georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk/eat/

Cafe Recommendation – Jak & Co, Appleby

Jak & Co, at number 4 Bridge Street, is a new edition to the coffee spots in Appleby.  Previously just a soft furnishings and ornaments shop, Jackie has now added an excellent coffee shop selling hot drinks, sandwiches and homemade cake served from 9.30 to 2.30 every day except Sunday.  As the Florist in Appleby has sadly closed they also sell fresh bunches of flowers for that special occasion or emergency purchase!  They can also be ordered in advance.  

For more details visit their Facebook page Jak & Co

 

What’s on in the Eden

Appleby holds a small local market every Saturday morning.  Slightly further afield is the larger Orton Farmer’s market held on the first Saturday of each month.

30 June – Ullswater Country Fair
6 July – Skelton Agricultural Show
20 July – Penrith Agricultural Show
26/27/28 July – Potfest in the Park at Hutton in the Forest
8 Aug – Appleby Agricultural Show
15 Aug – Brough Agricultural Show
24 Aug – Ravenstonedale Agricultural Show
29 Aug – Crosby Ravensworth Agricultural Show
31 Aug – Fellside Royal Dufton

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

Suggested Walk – Hilton Beck

This is a lovely walk, especially if you want to get away from it all, and starts from Hilton which is only a 15 minute drive from Dufton.  Its a smaller version of the High Cup Valley, but you can only do it when the red flags aren’t flying as it walks across the edge of the Warcop army range and so you need there to be no live firing.  You park in a designated parking area at the top end of Hilton and then follow a track alongside Hilton Beck for as far as 4 miles depending on how you feel.  You probably won’t see more than a couple of people on your way and you can reach the Scordale mine workings for a bit of Eden Valley history.  If you are feeling adventurous then walk back along either right or left ridge for stunning views (check your ordnance survey map for the route) or simply retrace your steps. 
Summer Current Availability

We have limited availability across the rest of the Summer, but do have the following short breaks available in Shepherds View.

4 nts Mon 24th to Fri 28th June
3 nts Fri 12th to Mon 15th July
3 nts Fri 9th to Mon 12th Aug
6 nts Sat 14th to Fri 20th Sept

The Potting Shed has more availability, but with a surge in National Trail walkers these dates fill up fast so please book as soon as you know your plans as there is limited accommodation in Dufton now.

If you have an interest in fine art then the July date coincides with Dufton Village Hall’s annual Art in the Hills event, which showcases local artists from the Eden Valley with their artwork available to purchase.

Of course on warm summer days our garden is at its sumptuous best and a great place to sit out and enjoy a cup of tea or a cheeky glass of wine after a day out.  We are dog friendly, and you can relax knowing your furry friend is safe in our dog proofed garden.

                       

 

EV Charging

/in

EV Charging at Shepherds View

EV Charging Unit

EV charging Unit

We are delighted to announce that we have added an ICS charging unit as an additional service for any guests wishing to travel to us in their EV car.

The charger is suitable for all EV cars, but guests will still need to bring their own Type 2 cable. Access to the unit is easy and is via a QR code located on the front, which then allows guests to pay for charging.

Our starting price for charging is set at 40p per kWh, but we do reserve the right to alter this according to the price of electricity operating at the time.

So no more searching around Cumbria for the nearest charging unit, or worrying if you will make it back.  Charge over night and spend more time enjoying your holiday.

We look forward to welcoming you and your EV car in the very near future!

What’s your favourite time of year?

/in

January & February

Dufton Pike in the snow

Snowy winter peaks

There is no better time of year for enjoying quality ‘me’ time than the early months of the year.  Often there can be snow on the hills, making the views from the feature window of Shepherds View spectacular, with crystal clear mornings and dark nights for star gazing.

You don’t need to make any excuses to cosy up in front of the log fire in one of our complimentary dressing gowns, enjoy the underfloor heating, or luxuriate in the jacuzzi bath.  With Netflix on the TV for binge episodes of your favourite show ‘staying in’ can really be the new ‘going out’!  And should you venture out, then in early February Dufton Ghyll has wonderful embankments of snowdrops on display.

March & April

As the clocks march forward enjoy more of the above, but with the added fun of the Spring lambs arriving in the field below you.  It’s the reason we called the barn Shepherds View, and many a guest has whiled away the hours watching them skip and play.

Dalemain Mansion, near Ullswater, hosts the world famous marmalade festival on 22nd celebrating all things marmalade, and on 23rd the Cumbria Classic motor show.

May

Bluebells in Dufton Ghyll

With Summer around the corner the bluebells appear in the Ghyll, or you can take our guided walk to the spectacular display at Flakebridge Woods – one of our favourite walks to do.  If you are lucky you can see the native Red Squirrels at play, sometimes a woodpecker, or even a deer.

On 12th & 14th Brougham Hall, near Penrith, is running its 1940s wartime weekend event.  Free to enter, you can park in Penrith and travel on a Cumbria Classic Coach to the venue and enjoy military vehicles, wartime displays, period fashions and food and dancing.

June

On 4th June Hutton in the Forest holds one of its Classic Cars events.  A great place to visit anyway at this time of year, enjoy the historic house, walled gardens and woodland walks – this is the perfect venue.

25th June is the Ullswater Country Fair.  Held in Patterdale, in the shadow of the Helvellyn range, this is a traditional country show that showcases the rich heritage of the Lake District, including traditional sports and crafts.

July

Pot Fest at Hutton in the Forest

From the 4th and then weekly on every Tuesday throughout July & August – take a Fish & Chips supper cruise with Ullswater Steamers – a perfect combination of the stunning scenery of the Ullswater Valley and a quintessential British supper!  Perfection!

The 15th marks the first of the fantastic local Agricultural Shows to visit – Penrith Show.  These shows always provide tremendous entertainment with ringside attractions, livestock competitions, and rural crafts on display.

On 22nd and 23rd Dufton Village Hall becomes the centre for artistic talent with Art in the Hills – now a popular annual art exhibition this is a showcase for some of the talented professional and amateur local artists from the Eden – our guests in 2022 couldn’t resist buying some of the art so beware – this is a great show!

Back to Hutton in the Forest for Potfest on 28th to 30th.  This flagship event showcases the best work from over 90 selected artists and is a must for all ceramic fans – don’t forget your credit card!

August

3 great Agricultural shows to visit

The Fellside Royal

The Fellside Royal

on 10th Appleby, 26th right here in Dufton for the Fellside Royal (including the Dufton Fell Race), and finally on 31stCrosby Ravensworth.

On 20th Dalemain once again hosts the Cumbria Classic motor show.

September

This is the month for the famous Dufton Beer Festival at the Stag Inn.  Dates to be confirmed but normally the second Fri/Sat/Sun of September.  Cracking beer, cider and live music, and a short stagger home!

October

With the nights starting to draw in then the log burner comes into its own again in the barn.

As the clocks change Penrith holds its now iconic Winter Droving, a unique celebration steeped in tradition.  Over the weekend of 28th the town has a celebration of light, fire and rural life, with masked street processions and street stalls with food, drink and giftware.  Not to be missed!

November & December

The year ends the same way it started with lazy days and time to relax.

Romantic breaks

Romantic breaks

 

 

 

When will you choose to visit?

Escape to the charming village of Dufton in rural Cumbria

/in

 

Dufton Village

Dufton Village

Seeking relaxation and a reset in nature for your next holiday?  Then look no further than the beautiful village of Dufton in the Eden Valley.

Shepherds View is an award winning 5 Star Gold holiday cottage for couples set on the edge of the village, so that you can enjoy peace and seclusion, whilst at the same time being a few steps away from all that the village location has to offer.Hanging baskets at Shepherds View

Dufton itself is a typically attractive Eden fell side village with a layout of houses, back lanes and crofts set around a green.  Its name is probably Anglo Saxon meaning ‘settlement where the doves are kept’, and despite a lead mining history, sheep farming remains the dominant industry.  The village nestles in the shadow of the Pennines, 3 miles from the traditional market town of Appleby with its array of local grocery stores & tea shops, and Norman Castle.

Rural Dufton life

Rural Dufton life

Sunset at Shepherds View

Sunset at Shepherds View

At Dufton Barn Holidays we feel a holiday should be about the experience you have as much as the quality of the cottage you stay in – after all experiences are what memories are made of.

With a breath-taking view you look out of the feature window toward Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines.  In the Spring enjoy the sight of the lambs cavorting in the field below, or fabulous sunsets setting across the high fells throughout the year.  As well as all the detail that makes up this 5 star property, including underfloor heating and a jacuzzi bath, we provide a luxury hamper of carefully selected Cumbrian products to excite your tastebuds.

High Cup Nick

High Cup Nick

View from Dufton Pike

View from Dufton Pike

To help you explore the village and the surrounding area you can enjoy using over 15 personalised walks from the doorstep, of differing abilities, including the magnificent High Cup Nick and nearby Dufton Pike.  Or you can choose to explore the beautiful woodland of Dufton Ghyll, with its gurgling streams and plethora of wild-life including Red Squirrels and occasional deer, blanketed in snowdrops in February and bluebells in the Spring.  If you have brought your bicycles then meander along quiet country lanes with magnificent vistas all around you.

Bluebells in Dufton Ghyll

Bluebells in Dufton Ghyll

Meadows around Dufton

Wild flower meadows

If you’re in the mood for a treat then take a 2 minute stroll to the Stag Inn to enjoy a refreshing ale in the beer garden overlooking the Pike, or a deliciously wholesome meal in their restaurant, and in the Spring and Summer months enjoy a snack at the Post Box Pantry Café, all of course with a warm Cumbrian welcome.

However you choose to spend your holiday we are certain you will leave more refreshed and relaxed than when you came, and with many happy memories of this beautiful area to take away.

 

4 great reasons to make Shepherds View the base for your next staycation

/in

As we all get used to the new norms of a post lockdown world there has been a massive surge in people looking for staycations in the UK. Many have turned to the standard honey-pots of Devon and Cornwall or the Lakes, which can only lead to an increase in these areas of visitor numbers and indeed prices. It’s time to think again and look a little further afield at an area of equal beauty, but far less crowded, the Eden Valley on the eastern edge of Cumbria.

Shepherds View could be just what you are looking for and here are 4 great reasons why:-

1. Stay In!

You don’t have to be big on the outdoors to come here. We’ve got the Visit England 5 star gold award for a reason. If your idea of a good holiday is finishing off some books in peace and quiet then why not sit in our feature window with a glorious view changing in front of you by the hour. We are complimented on our well-equipped kitchen so you won’t have to remember to bring with you any of your essential kitchen utensils. Take a well-earned soak in our jacuzzi bath and enjoy one of the hydrotherapy programmes, or binge watch a couple of series on Netflix with the log burner keeping you toasty. Whenever the weather allows then we have a private garden for you to sit and relax in as well.

Did we mention the bed? The superking with Hypnos mattress is frequently mentioned by guests and is designed to give you a great nights sleep ready for tomorrows adventures (or relaxation)!

2. Leave the Car!

You don’t have to drive anywhere if you don’t want to. There are numerous walks from the door of differing lengths and ability, and we’ve written them up for you so that you get a flavour of our beautiful area. Of course, you might want to walk up the jewel of the Pennines, High Cup, but we’ve got you covered on this one as well, even suggesting a quieter alternative route to the more popular way. If cycling is your thing then we have safe storage for you, and we’ve drawn out some of our favourite cycle routes for you along the quiet lanes linking the pretty fellside villages.

3. Take the Car!

If you want to explore then Dufton is such a great location to drive out from. Ullswater, with all it has to offer is only 25 minutes drive away, and Keswick on Derwent Water only 45 minutes. Similarly, if you want to go to High Force in Teesdale then you are only 45 minutes drive as well, and the Eden is also on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Other than travelling into the Lakes many of these routes are less busy and so you can expect a much more pleasant journey. Finally if you want to get your eyes tested then Barnard Castle is only a short trip east along the A66!

4. Eat Out!

We are lucky enough to have a great pub, the Stag, in Dufton. Only a 2 minute walk from the cottage if you don’t feel like cooking then you can’t go wrong here. The pub has a great reputation for good wholesome food and great beer, and what could be better after a long walk or bike ride!

Romantic breaks for couples in Cumbria

/in

Valentine’s Day comes once a year, but at Dufton Barn Holidays you can enjoy a couples break for any special occasion at any time of the year.

Romantic Retreat

We have everything you need for a perfect romantic retreat whenever you choose to celebrate your special anniversary, birthday, or kids free break! We cater for flexible self-catering holidays to suit your free time from 2 or more nights, and we’re located in the beautiful Eden Valley close to the Lake District and Ullswater. Once you’ve parked the car you don’t need to move it again until you leave – unless of course you want to – and you don’t have to worry about the weather spoiling your stay as here staying in is just as enjoyable as going out.

Step inside the threshold and you will be transported to a peaceful and luxurious haven where time really can stop still.

Special Features

Downstairs you will find a fully fitted kitchen with every modern convenience you might need and a wonderful view of open fields & woodland, and in the spring the sheep and lambs often come nosing up to the window.

Upstairs you will find a perfect space to be together. Lounge in comfort on the super king-size bed with hypnos mattress for perfect bedtime relaxation – we don’t supply an alarm clock! Feel the pleasure of warm tiles on your bare feet from the underfloor heating; Snuggle up in front of the log-burner as you binge watch the latest TV hit; Set your mood with the mood lighting controls; Relax in the Jacuzzi bath and allow your stresses to bubble away; Or simply sit and drink espressos in the swivel chair and marvel at the stunning view from the feature window that changes by the hour.

Plenty to Do

If all that isn’t enough, you can stroll up to the village pub or teashop for a refreshing drink or a tasty bite to eat. Or take a romantic walk through the wooded ghyll to hopefully see red squirrels, deer or bluebells in the Spring. There are plenty of manageable walks from the doorstep, but if you are looking for a little more adventure then walk up Dufton Pike or even High Cup Nick for spectacular Eden views, or bring your bikes to cycle the quiet lanes between the attractive fellside villages.

Whatever you want from a romantic staycation – you’ll find it here at Dufton Barn Holidays.

Get in touch for your perfect break – https://duftonbarnholidays.co.uk/availability/