Mark Close Milking Parlour
Westmorland and Furness
View on Google MapsPhoto: Mark Close Farmhouse
Alston sits at the heart of the North Pennines, surrounded by high fells, disused mines now open to visitors, and some of England's best long-distance walking routes. The town itself—England's highest market town—has pubs, cafés and independent shops along a cobbled street. A narrow-gauge railway runs from here, and the Pennine Way passes nearby. Beyond Alston lie the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Hadrian's Wall and Scotland.
Mark Close Milking Parlour is a single-storey conversion on the edge of town, a 15–20 minute walk away. One bedroom with a double bed, one bathroom with a shower, and a living room with a wood-burning stove and patio doors to the garden. The kitchen has an electric cooker and the usual equipment for self-catering. Underfloor heating, Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels are all provided. There's also a private hot tub in the enclosed garden, and parking for one car on site. One dog stays free; others should be discussed with the owner.
The setting is genuinely rural—alpacas graze in a neighbouring paddock and views stretch across fields and wild moorland—yet Alston is close enough for an evening out. Non-smokers only.
Sleeps & rooms
What's on offer
Check-in & check-out
Arrive after 15:00 Depart before 10:00
🚭 No smoking, please
What guests say
Just back from a stay in the Milking Parlour, absolutely perfect....quiet, peaceful and cottage had everything we needed and more. Loved getting up in the morning and opening doors to the garden which overlooked the sheep in adjoining field and the hills. We made use of the hot tub and our dog loved the enclosed garden. The Spar in Alston was very well stocked and we enjoyed drinks in the Cumberland Inn and Alston House Hotel. Recommend trip to Corbridge, beautiful village and not too far. Great communication from hosts Emily & Alun who were there if we needed anything....thank you for a wonderful stay.
a year ago · via Google
** Book directly through their website for the best price! (really) ** We had a lovely stay in the Milking Parlour. It is beautifully done up and generously stocked with all the basics and more. Good shower, comfortable bed, gorgeous well-maintained hot tub and views. Emily and Alun were friendly and accommodating and even voluntarily offered us a late check out which was really helpful. Alun showed me round the farmhouse to consider for future events which looks great for larger groups. You can get everything you need in Alston. I would definitely recommend this as a stress free, enjoyable holiday destination.
a year ago · via Google
We had a good weekend away as a social group in December, renting the main house and milking parlour cottage. The house is spacious and the cottage cosy. We were welcomed to warm, welcoming houses. The heating was on and lamps were lit. Emily and Alun provide excellent facilities and were very helpful and we would highly recommend the house for families and friends and the milking parlour for couples.
a year ago · via Google
We stayed here in Feb half term, 2024. A large group, 5 families, 10 kids. We had a fantastic time. The house is great, lots of space, everything you would need, really nice. There is a big garden for the kids to play in, Alpacas next door, lots of little walks nearby. Could not fault it. We will definitely book again, highly recommend.
2 years ago · via Google