Mark Close Farmhouse in Alston | Stunning Group Escape LargeHolidayCottages.com

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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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

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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: 29 Oct 2026, 5:07am

🌡️

9.80°C

Temperature

💨

10 km/h

Wind Speed

💧

95%

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 October 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):

🌌

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 (Thursday, 29 October 2026):

7:07am

Sunrise

3:40pm

Golden Hour

4:40pm

Sunset

🌅

7:07am

Sunrise

🌇

4:40pm

Sunset

📸

3:40pm

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 (3:40pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

October Daylight

This month in Alston, you have approximately 9.55 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

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!

Lambley Viaduct

Distance: 8 miles (13 min drive)

CA8 7LH

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 8.8 miles (14 min drive)

DL13 1AR

Robin Hood Tree

Distance: 21.2 miles (30 min drive)

NE47 7AL

Pennine Way (Middleton in Teesdale to Kirk Yetholm)

Distance: 0.2 miles (4 min walk)

Fairhill Recreation Ground

Distance: 1.5 miles (4 min drive)

CA9 3SW

Burnhope Seat

Distance: 8.6 miles (13 min drive)

Graham Eyes

Distance: 1.1 miles (2 min drive)

CA9 3HY

Arch House

Distance: 1.2 miles (3 min drive)

CA9 3QP

Garrigill Post Office (Bramwells)

Distance: 4.9 miles (8 min drive)

CA9 3DS

Lazonby and Kirkoswald Station

Distance: 15.3 miles (21 min drive)

CA10 1BQ

Langwathby Station

Distance: 15 miles (22 min drive)

CA10 1NA

Newcastle International Airport

Distance: 46.7 miles (1 hr 18 min drive)

NE13 8BZ

Lambley Viaduct

Distance: 8 miles (13 min drive)

CA8 7LH

Killhope Lead Mining Museum

Distance: 8.8 miles (14 min drive)

DL13 1AR

Robin Hood Tree

Distance: 21.2 miles (30 min drive)

NE47 7AL

Pennine Way (Middleton in Teesdale to Kirk Yetholm)

Distance: 0.2 miles (4 min walk)

Fairhill Recreation Ground

Distance: 1.5 miles (4 min drive)

CA9 3SW

Burnhope Seat

Distance: 8.6 miles (13 min drive)

Graham Eyes

Distance: 1.1 miles (2 min drive)

CA9 3HY

Arch House

Distance: 1.2 miles (3 min drive)

CA9 3QP

Garrigill Post Office (Bramwells)

Distance: 4.9 miles (8 min drive)

CA9 3DS

Lazonby and Kirkoswald Station

Distance: 15.3 miles (21 min drive)

CA10 1BQ

Langwathby Station

Distance: 15 miles (22 min drive)

CA10 1NA

Newcastle International Airport

Distance: 46.7 miles (1 hr 18 min drive)

NE13 8BZ

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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Mark Close Farmhouse Reviews

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Mark Close Farmhouse, Alston

About Mark Close Farmhouse

Need To Know

More Group 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

October Daylight

Practical Essentials

Mobile Phone Signal

Nearest Essentials

Family & Fun

What Guests Love

Spacious Layout for Groups

Countryside Views

Enclosed Garden

Wood Burner Atmosphere

Multiple Parking Spaces

Lake District Access

Getting To Mark Close Farmhouse

By Car

By Train

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Is Mark Close Farmhouse Right For Your Group

For Families

Groups Will Love...

Pet Friendly

Dining & Cafes

The George Hotel Penrith

Pooley Bridge Inn

Yanwath Gate Inn

Frequently Asked Questions

Location Name

Popular Stays Near This Cottage

Mark Close Farmhouse Reviews