Mark Close Farmhouse in Alston | Pet Friendly Cottage Break

About Mark Close Farmhouse

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

✓Detached traditional farmhouse set in a large garden bordered by mature trees
✓Level access for accessibility
✓Private on-site parking available
✓Security deposit of £100 required
✓Non-smoking property
✓Pets allowed: up to 3 dogs, must be kept on a lead at all times due to sheep country
✓9 bedrooms accommodating up to 20 guests
✓Bedroom 1 (ground floor) with one 4ft 6in double bed
✓Bedroom 2 (ground floor) with one 3ft single bed and one 2ft 6in single bed (child only)
✓Bedroom 3 (first floor) with one 4ft 6in double bed and one 3ft single bed, ensuite bathroom with bath and shower over plus toilet
✓Bedroom 4 (first floor) with two 3ft single beds
✓Bedroom 5 (first floor) with two 3ft single beds
✓Bedroom 6 (first floor) with two 3ft single beds
✓Bedroom 7 (first floor) with one 4ft 6in double bed and one 3ft single bed
✓Bedroom 8 (first floor) with one 4ft 6in double bed
✓Bedroom 9 (first floor) with one 4ft 6in double bed
✓5 bathrooms total: multiple shower rooms with cubicle showers and toilets, one first floor bathroom with bath and shower over and toilet, plus a separate toilet on first floor
✓Two ground floor shower rooms each with cubicle shower and toilet
✓First floor shower room with cubicle shower (no toilet)
✓Separate toilet on first floor
✓Heating includes woodburners in living room and kitchen/dining room, plus open fire or woodburning stove features
✓Electric cooker in kitchen/dining room
✓Microwave in kitchen/dining room
✓Fridge/freezer in kitchen/dining room
✓Dishwasher in kitchen/dining room
✓Wine cooler located in utility room
✓Utility room equipped with washing machine and tumble dryer
✓Electricity included in rent
✓Bed linen and towels provided
✓Logs for wood burners included
✓Wi-Fi throughout the property
✓Living room with Freeview TV, DVD player, and woodburner
✓Second living room with Freeview TV and DVD player
✓Large enclosed garden and patio with garden furniture and panoramic views over green fields and wild fells
✓Barbecue available in garden area
✓Children’s play area on site
✓Travel cot and two highchairs available for children
✓One single (2ft 6in) child-only bed available
✓Paddock next door with five very friendly alpacas
✓Pub located within 1 mile of the property
✓Check-in after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Property decorated at Christmas
✓Suitable for large groups wishing to visit Northumberland and the Lakes
✓Additional accommodation available nearby: Mark Close Milking Parlour, a small fully equipped one-bedroom cottage ideal for couples, featuring a small hot tub for up to four people
✓Area described as rural, unspoiled with panoramic countryside views, located within a 15-20 minute walk from Alston, the highest market town in England
✓Nearby attractions include the Lakes (Lake District), Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian’s Wall, Scottish borders, Northumberland’s coast and castles, Killhope and Nenthead Mining Centres, Crossfell, sources of major rivers, and water sports at Talkin Water and Kielder Water
✓Nearby activities include riding Alston’s narrow-gauge railway, following Isaac’s Tea Trail, fishing, riding, golf, walking the Pennine Way and Crossfell, water sports, shopping at Metro Centre Gateshead (approx. one hour away), and relaxing at home by the fire
✓Nearby town features include beautiful cobbled streets, public houses, cafés, shops, mini markets, petrol stations, butchers, and bakers
✓Area free from large traffic queues or intrusive tourism
✓Customers' Choice awards received in 2021 and 2023 with a customer rating of 4.6/5 based on 20 reviews

More Pet Friendly Cottages You May Like

Hot Tub Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire

The Hayloft

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 4 2 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

A delightful, converted end-terrace cottage in Cumbria. Open plan, well-equipped and comfortable with a cosy open fire. Superb country views. Alston 1 mile.

View Cottage

Hot Tub Pet Friendly

The Milking Parlour

England, Cumbria

Sleeps 4 2 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

View Cottage

Hot Tub Pet Friendly

The Calf Shed

England, Cumbria

Sleeps 2 1 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

View Cottage

Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire Garden

Parkers House

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

An idyllic stone cottage set within the quaint town of Alston, Cumbria. Fantastic countryside views. Pet-friendly. Ideal for families. Stanhope 18.6 miles; Haydon Bridge 18.8 miles; Penrith 20.9...

View Cottage

Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire Garden

Wellhope View Cottage

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 4 2 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Wellhope View Cottage is a quaint abode with a toasty woodburning stove and surrounded by fields, situated in an AONB near the town of Alston, Cumbria. Melmerby 12.7 miles; Stanhope 18 miles;...

View Cottage

Hot Tub Pet Friendly

The Cottage

England, Cumbria

Sleeps 4 2 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

View Cottage

Hot Tub Pet Friendly

Mark Close Milking Parlour

England, Cumbria

Sleeps 2 1 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

View Cottage

Pet Friendly Romantic WiFi Garden

Field Barn

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 2 1 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

A quaint, secluded cottage resting on the outskirts of Alston in the North Pennines AONB. Rural setting. Romantic retreat. Open-plan. WiFi. Melmerby 14 miles; Penrith 23 miles.

View Cottage

Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire Garden

Middlefell View Cottage

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 6 3 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Middlefell View Cottage is an inviting abode with exceptional views over the Nent Valley and welcoming pets, located in an AONB near Alston, Cumbria. Melmerby 12.7 miles; Stanhope 18 miles;...

View Cottage

Hot Tub Pet Friendly WiFi Open Fire

Mill Race House

North of England, Cumbria

Sleeps 10 5 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Mill Race House is a fantastic pet-friendly house in Alston, Cumbria, boasting a woodburning stove, a hot tub and a private games room with a pool table. Melmerby 10.7 miles; Penrith 19.9 miles;...

View Cottage

Local Insights: Mark Close Farmhouse

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Alston, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

11°C

Partly cloudy

Updated: 14 Jul 2026, 2:53am

🌡️

10.60°C

Temperature

💨

5 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

94%

Humidity

🧳

Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever July throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for long days out, gardens and BBQs
✓ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
✓ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
✓ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active

🌧️

Rainy Day Tip: A pet friendly cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film beats a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Mark Close Farmhouse sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

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 Cottage

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 - a fun activity to share of an evening.

Location & Elevation

309m

(1,014 feet above sea level)

Mark Close Farmhouse sits in a peaceful Cumbria setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a pet friendly escape.

🏔️

309m

Elevation

📍

Alston

Nearest Village

🌲

Rural

Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

✓ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
✓ 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 hilltops and summits

🚗

Driving Note: The roads to Alston are typical Cumbria lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54.8186310° N | Longitude: 2.455137° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Alston (Tuesday, 14 July 2026):

3:48am

Sunrise

7:42pm

Golden Hour

8:42pm

Sunset

🌅

3:48am

Sunrise

🌇

8:42pm

Sunset

📸

7:42pm

Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

✓ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
✓ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
✓ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
✓ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day

🌙

Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (7:42pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

July Daylight

This month in Alston, you have approximately 16.90 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at Mark Close Farmhouse.

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. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their stay at Mark Close Farmhouse

Getting To Mark Close Farmhouse

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Is Mark Close Farmhouse Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mark Close Farmhouse

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Mark Close Farmhouse

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Appleby-in-Westmorland

Bowness-on-Windermere

Mark Close Farmhouse Reviews

Leave a Review

Mark Close Farmhouse, Alston

About Mark Close Farmhouse

Need To Know

More Pet Friendly Cottages You May Like

Weather & Local Conditions

What to Expect Through the Year

Dark Skies & Stargazing

Bortle Scale Rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

Best Stargazing Conditions

Location & Elevation

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

Coordinates

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Planning Your Days by Season

July Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Getting To Mark Close Farmhouse

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is Mark Close Farmhouse Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Mark Close Farmhouse Reviews