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Mark Close Farmhouse, Alston

Cumbria » Alston
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Mark Close Farmhouse is a traditional stone farmhouse in Cumbria that sleeps up to 20 guests. The property sits in the Eden Valley with panoramic views across open countryside. Groups get plenty of space to spread out across multiple living areas. The farmhouse features off-road parking for several vehicles and a large enclosed garden perfect for outdoor gatherings.

The Eden Valley offers rolling hills and quiet country lanes. You're close to the Lake District National Park but away from the busy tourist spots.

The farmhouse has no bedrooms and no bathrooms. Downstairs you'll find a spacious kitchen with dining area, a sitting room with wood burner and a separate lounge. All bedrooms are upstairs.

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About Mark Close Farmhouse

Mark Close Farmhouse is a traditional stone farmhouse in Cumbria that sleeps up to 20 guests. The property sits in the Eden Valley with panoramic views across open countryside. Groups get plenty of space to spread out across multiple living areas. The farmhouse features off-road parking for several vehicles and a large enclosed garden perfect for outdoor gatherings.

The Eden Valley offers rolling hills and quiet country lanes. You're close to the Lake District National Park but away from the busy tourist spots.

The farmhouse has no bedrooms and no bathrooms. Downstairs you'll find a spacious kitchen with dining area, a sitting room with wood burner and a separate lounge. All bedrooms are upstairs. The enclosed garden includes a patio area ideal for group barbecues and evening drinks.

Penrith town centre (8 miles, 15 minutes) has shops and restaurants. The Lake District National Park (12 miles, 20 minutes) offers hiking and water sports. Ullswater lake (15 miles, 25 minutes) is perfect for boat trips. Rheged Centre (10 miles, 18 minutes) provides indoor activities and cinema.

Mark Close Farmhouse works brilliantly for extended families or friend groups wanting countryside peace with easy access to outdoor adventures.

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Local Insights: Mark Close Farmhouse

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Alston, Cumbria

Weather & Local Conditions

10°C

Overcast

Updated: 10 Sep 2026, 3:07am

🌡️
9.80°C
Temperature
💨
11 km/h
Wind Speed
💧
88%
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 September throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • ✓ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group 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 large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat 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):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
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 with the whole group.

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 group getaway.

🏔️
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 (Friday, 11 September 2026):

5:31am

Sunrise

5:41pm

Golden Hour

6:41pm

Sunset

🌅
5:31am
Sunrise
🌇
6:41pm
Sunset
📸
5:41pm
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 (5:41pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

September Daylight

This month in Alston, you have approximately 13.17 hours of daylight. The shortening days create the perfect excuse for earlier, cosier evenings in.

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

Data updated: 10 Sep 2026 | Location: 54.8186310, -2.4551370

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

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

Spacious Layout for Groups

Five bedrooms and multiple living spaces mean everyone gets their own space while still enjoying quality time together in communal areas.

Countryside Views

Panoramic views across the Eden Valley provide a peaceful backdrop for morning coffee and evening relaxation with the whole group.

Enclosed Garden

The large secure garden with patio is perfect for children to play safely while adults supervise from the outdoor seating area.

Wood Burner Atmosphere

The traditional wood burner in the sitting room creates a cosy focal point for group gatherings on cooler evenings.

Multiple Parking Spaces

Off-road parking for several vehicles means no stress about where everyone will park when arriving with multiple cars.

Lake District Access

Close enough to reach Lake District attractions within 20 minutes but far enough away to avoid crowds and tourist congestion.

Getting To Mark Close Farmhouse

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Mark Close Farmhouse by car, take the M6 to Junction 40 and follow the A66 towards Brough. Turn onto minor roads following signs for the Eden Valley. The farmhouse is easily accessible via country lanes with off-road parking for several vehicles upon arrival.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Penrith, approximately 8 miles away. From there, a taxi takes around 15 minutes to reach the farmhouse through the scenic Eden Valley countryside.

Off-road parking for several cars
Penrith station (8 miles)
Accessible from M6 Junction 40

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Rheged Centre
Distance: 10 miles
CA11 0DQ
Ullswater Lake
Distance: 15 miles
CA11 0US
Penrith Castle
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7HY
Ullswater Way Trail
Distance: 15 miles
CA11 0LP
Eden Valley Walk
Distance: 2 miles
CA9 3BD
Cross Fell Summit
Distance: 12 miles
CA16 6NZ
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7BT
Tesco Superstore Penrith
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 9EH
Booths Penrith
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7XN
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 8HF
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7XN
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7AA
Rheged Centre
Distance: 10 miles
CA11 0DQ
Ullswater Lake
Distance: 15 miles
CA11 0US
Penrith Castle
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7HY
Ullswater Way Trail
Distance: 15 miles
CA11 0LP
Eden Valley Walk
Distance: 2 miles
CA9 3BD
Cross Fell Summit
Distance: 12 miles
CA16 6NZ
Penrith Town Centre
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7BT
Tesco Superstore Penrith
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 9EH
Booths Penrith
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7XN
Penrith Railway Station
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 8HF
Penrith Bus Station
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7XN
Local Taxi Services
Distance: 8 miles
CA11 7AA

Is Mark Close Farmhouse Right For Your Group

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

For Families
The enclosed garden provides safe outdoor space for children to play and explore. Multiple bedrooms mean kids can have their own rooms or bunk together. The Lake District offers outdoor activities including boat trips on Ullswater and easy walking trails. Rheged Centre has a cinema and exhibitions. The spacious living areas allow families to spread out.
Groups Will Love...
The farmhouse layout is perfect for groups with two separate lounges plus a large kitchen-diner. One sitting room features a traditional wood burner creating a cosy gathering spot. The second lounge gives groups flexibility to split up for different activities. Five bedrooms across the upper floor provide sleeping space for 10 guests. Three bathrooms prevent morning queues.
Pet Friendly
Dogs are welcome at Mark Close Farmhouse with the enclosed garden providing secure outdoor space for exercise. The rural location offers direct access to countryside walks from the doorstep. Eden Valley trails and Lake District paths are perfect for longer dog walks. The stone farmhouse has easy-clean floors throughout ground floor areas. Local pubs welcome dogs too.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mark Close Farmhouse

The George Hotel Penrith

Located 8 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA11 7BT

Pooley Bridge Inn

Located 12 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2NN

Yanwath Gate Inn

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: CA10 2LF

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Mark Close Farmhouse

How many guests does Mark Close Farmhouse sleep?
The farmhouse accommodates up to 10 guests across five bedrooms. Three bathrooms ensure groups don't queue in the mornings.
Is Mark Close Farmhouse pet friendly?
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome at the property. The enclosed garden provides a safe space for pets to exercise.
What parking is available at the property?
Off-road parking is provided for several vehicles directly at the farmhouse. This makes arrival and departure straightforward for larger groups travelling in multiple cars.
How far is Mark Close Farmhouse from the Lake District?
The Lake District National Park boundary is approximately 12 miles away, taking around 20 minutes by car. Ullswater lake is 15 miles away.
What cooking facilities are available?
The farmhouse kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher and microwave. The large dining area comfortably seats the whole group.
Are there shops nearby?
Penrith town centre is 8 miles away with supermarkets, independent shops and restaurants. Several village shops are closer for essentials and local produce.
What heating does the property have?
The farmhouse has central heating throughout plus a wood burner in the sitting room. Logs are typically provided for your stay.
What entertainment is provided?
The property includes a television and WiFi connection. The spacious layout allows groups to enjoy different activities simultaneously across multiple rooms.

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