BAKEWELL SHOW

Bakewell is a lovely market town located in Derbyshire. Each August an agricultural and horticultural show takes place in Bakewell. This year the two day event is on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 August. Bakewell Show was established in 1819 and is now the largest agricultural show in Derbyshire. We have been to the show a couple of times in recent years and can highly recommend it.

The show is a great day out for all the family. There are lots of things to see and do: a show ring with everything from horse classes to sheep judging, a dog show, lots of stalls, the sheep show (a must see!), vintage vehicles, and for this year a jousting stunt team "The Knights of the Damned". See http://www.bakewellshow.org/ for full details.

Our bed & breakfast is located in Alton in the very north of Staffordshire, the Derbyshire boarder is only around 5 miles from us. Bakewell is approximately a one hour drive away. The route we would recommend takes you through some beautiful and countryside. If you're feeling adventurous you could even go via Dovedale in the Peak District, the scenery is marvellous.

If your not in the area when Bakewell show is on you should still consider visiting the town. It is a relaxing place to spend a day, the times goes nowhere! We particularly like to go on a Monday when there is usually a small outdoor market in the town. There are always bargains to be had and usually plenty of delicious Bakewell Puddings (or tarts!) to buy. Also most Monday's there is a cattle market held a couple of minutes walk from the town. This is a very interesting place to visit, if your not into farming you won't have seen anything like it before. It must be the Rolls Royce of cattle markets it's lovely and clean but can be a bit noisy if there are lots of sheep and cattle! There is a nice stretch of river in the town with plenty of ducks and swans. If the weather is kind an hour next to the river with fish & chips is fabulous!

SPLASH AROUND

Did you know that we have two great indoor waterparks nearby?

Alton Towers waterpark is the nearest, just one mile away from us. The waterpark is indoor so it's a great place to be whatever the weather. There are slides, lazy rivers and water features all set in a Caribbean lagoon.

For more information visit www.altontowers.com/waterpark





Waterworld Aqua Park is located at Festival Park in Stoke-on-Trent. Waterworld is around 15 miles away from us. Indoor wave pool with flumes and rides for all ages.

Visit http://www.waterworld.co.uk/ for more details.

P.S. Don't forget to bring your cossie and towel!

ALTON TOWERS Sharkbait Reef by Sealife - Local Vet visits injured Stingray

To keep our oldest cat Flossie in the best shape possible we regularly take her to see local vet Julie Grey at Abbeyfield Vet Centre in Rocester. Flossie gets a check up, her claws trimmed and an "old cat cocktail" injection to perk her up.

Last week Flossie was not feeling her best so we took her to see Julie for a manicure and cocktail. We are pleased to report that she is much better, the only down side is that shes eating us out of house and home!

Julie told us about an interesting visit she made recently to Alton Towers Theme Park. She had been requested to accompany zoo vet Sue Thornton to look at an injured stingray at Alton Towers Sharkbait Reef. At feeding time the stingray had been injured by a shark. An operation had been preformed by Sue Thornton to remove the stingrays damaged eye. Julie has provided after care and monitored the stingray during it's recovery. We are pleased to say that the stingray is doing well and back in the main tank at Sharkbait Reef.

If you go to Alton Towers take time to visit the pirate themed aquarium its near Mutiny Bay. This attraction is new for 2009 and our guests are giving it a big thumbs up!

GLORIOUS SUNSHINE!

This photo was taken today in our garden.

Not sure what the weather is doing in your part of the world? The weather in Alton has been fantastic for the last few days. Lets hope it continues!

If you have visited Alton Towers before you will know that there a some fantastic water rides at the theme park. Sometimes our B&B guests will say that they got wet on The Flume or River Rapids - but no complaints at the moment. Not even the saturating water jets on Ripsaw are dampening any ones spirits!

We always suggest that visitors bring a change of clothes, shoes and waterproof clothing with them. But if your planning to visit at the moment you should also bring sunscreen, shorts, hat and sunglasses - you'll need them!

After a busy day you might like to relax and have an evening meal and drinks here at The Malthouse. Our licensed bar is well stocked with plenty of ice cold soft and alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy your drinks in the bar or take them out into the garden if you prefer.

Fingers and toes crossed that the fabulous weather stays with us for a while!