Happy Holidays!

Just a quick note from The Malthouse to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year!
Hope your enjoying time with your family and friends over the Christmas and New Year holidays. All the best for 2011!

It's Snowing Again!

Alton looks just beautiful again this morning with very festive weather. We watched the weather forecast yesterday and thought the snow might miss us - how wrong we were. We woke up this morning to a sprinkle of snow on the ground and plenty more snow coming down! Looks like we might be in for a white Christmas if the snow continues this week.





Even the statues in our garden at The Malthouse are trying to shelter from the snow! Thank goodness we're not expecting any guests to arrive at our B&B today. I don't think they'd get here! The snow is not too deep at the moment but it will be by the end of the day if the snow continues to fall all day.

Christmas at The Malthouse

This year were very organised (for a change) at The Malthouse and can't wait for Christmas to come. All our presents have been purchased and hopefully if we're very good Santa will deliver them to us! We've even found time to do most of our food shopping too - other than a few last minute bits and pieces.

Even our cat Smudge is getting ready for Christmas. Here he is in his Santa hat - aah very cute!

I'm sure Santa will leave a present or two for Smudge if he's a good boy.

The Malthouse is decorated inside and out (as you can see) so we're all set for the big day to arrive!

The only downside to being so organised and ready for Christmas by mid December is that we might have time to do a bit more decorating before the celebrations start. Boo!!!!

Oh well I guess we have to make the most of any spare time we have. Once the New Year starts it won't be long until Alton Towers opens for it's 2011 season. Yeah!!!!

Alton where we live is looking very festive. Most houses in the village are decorated with lights, it looks lovely at night.

Malt Tip: Hurry and get all your shopping done, only 10 days to go before Christmas Day!

Brrr It's Still Very Cold in Alton!

It hasn't snowed in Alton for a few days now but boy is it cold! The central heating systems here at The Malthouse are being tested to their limits! We don't remember it being this cold for this long for years. We don't think we've seen the daytime temperature rise above -2 for over 10 days and most nights the temperature seems to fall to -10 or even lower. Bring on the Spring!

Here is a picture we took from our front door a few days ago.

Pretty but cold.

Malt Tip: If it's cold where you are don't forget to put on you're vest!

Winter has Arrived at The Malthouse!

Like most parts of the country it's been snowing in Alton today. It's pretty chilly at The Malthouse but not as cold as it was over the weekend thankfully. It was -10 at 10am on Sunday morning - the -1 we have experienced today is very welcome!

We have been decorating inside The Stables today. For those of you who have stayed with us for Bed & Breakfast in the past perhaps you will recognise this building beside our car park. Very festive I think you'll agree!

Our pond is frozen over as you can see (or not as the case maybe!) but we have been down to check on the fish and all is well thanks to a kettle of hot water. Hanging on the pergola are some bird feeders and we've filled them to the brim so that our feathered friends won't suffer during the cold spell.

If you're feeling the cold we can recommend decorating to keep you warm!

READY FOR ANOTHER HOLIDAY!

Already exhausted from gardening AGAIN because it was a lovely sunny day here today! Too nice to be indoors (where we should be decorating!) so we decided to clear up the windfalls from under the apple trees in The Malthouse orchard and do a bit of general tidying up outside.

We have been selling apples to raise money for the County Air Ambulance and Local First Responders who are vital to us as Alton is in such a rural location. We have also been making apple pies -and eating them yum yum!

All our fruit trees look a bit sad at this time of year but the Autumn was very colourful, better than ever. Here is a picture of one of our apple trees taken this summer when they looked at their very best.

As we're not so busy doing B&B at this time of year we've had time to catch up with a few neighbours and friends at our local pub. We were all chatting about the excellent firework display at Alton Towers during early November. It appears that it was very popular and is sure to be repeated in 2011.

Anyway must go now we are BIG fans of Strictly Come Dancing and have an episode or two that we recorded to catch up on.

Have you missed us?

You won't have heard from us for a few days because we've been away ourselves for a holiday!
Back to work now after a well deserved break from doing bed and breakfast for others! But really we love being at The Malthouse. Alton is a lovely place to live at any time of the year and we're glad to be home.
There are quite a few things to do in our guest bedrooms before the start of the new season at Alton Towers comes around. March 2011 will once again see us welcoming visitors who are going to the theme park and who need somewhere close by to relax after a busy day out.
Must dash, many jobs to do and only a few weeks to get the decorating done!

Alton Towers Ultimate Fireworks Event

Looking for fun and fireworks this weekend? Why not visit Alton Towers Theme Park on 5, 6 or 7 November 2011 and enjoy their Ultimate Fireworks Event.

For 20% off ticket prices visit the Alton Towers website www.altontowers.com and purchase your tickets in advance.

As our B&B The Malthouse is located in Alton village just one mile from Alton Towers we're sure to see and hear the Fireworks. Can't wait - it's sure to be a fantastic display!

What a Difference a Day or Two Makes!

The weather in Alton has been extremely varied so far this week.

On Monday we woke up to a sunshine and a heavy frost.

Here are a couple of snaps we took standing on the path at the front of The Malthouse.

It was very cold indeed but looked beautiful!

On Tuesday it rained most of the day - no pics to show (sorry) it was just too wet to go out.

The only good news was that it dried up at tea time so our guests were able to enjoy the rides at Alton Towers Scarefest with hardly any queues as most people had gone home!

Today (Wednesday) has been just lovely, it's been warm and sunny all day.

Here are some photos we took today of the creatures in our garden enjoying the mild weather.

Lets hope that the weather for the rest of the week is just like today!

Malt Tip: If your coming to stay with us this week you might want to bring:

Winter Coat

Hat & Gloves

Waterproofs

Umbrella

T-Shirt

and maybe even your Sunglasses!

Fun & Fireworks

The 2010 Scarefest fun has started at Alton Towers and our guests are loving it!

If you want to celebrate Halloween don't delay the theme park's Scarefest is on from now until the 31 October.

Malt Tip: Hats, scarves, gloves and warm clothes are a must!

Need accommodation?

Telephone us at The Malthouse B&B in Alton on 01538 703273

If you want to start November with a bang why not come along to The Ultimate Fireworks Event at Alton Towers Theme Park - taking place on 5, 6 & 7 November 2010.

There are bound to be lots of Oohs and Aahs!

Have a safe and happy Bonfire Night wherever you are.

October 2010 Half Term

This weekend sees the start of the main October Half Term School Holidays! Looking for a break away? Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B to check our availability 01538 703273.

We're located in the village of Alton ideal if your visiting Alton Towers Theme Park it's just one mile away from us!

The spooky Scarefest Halloween celebrations are currently taking place at Alton Towers. Well worth a visit if your feeling brave!

If theme parks are not your scene there are lots of other local places to visit. Here are just a few ideas:

Churnet Valley Railway - Dead on Arrival, ghost train.

The Trentham Estate - The Monkey Forrest is well worth a visit or if you want to monkey about yourself take a look at Aerial Extreme!

Stoke-on-Trent Pottery Museums - Gladstone Pottery Museum is one of the many you can visit.

Waterworld - Pools, rides and slides in tropical heat.

Haddon Hall - Take a ride out in the countryside to Derbyshire.

Whatever you do this half term have a great time!

Our Visit to Alton Towers 2010

We just LOVE Alton Towers, we visit the theme park every year! We always plan to go for a day out to Alton Towers in the Spring but never seem to make it as we're busy looking after the guests staying at our B&B The Malthouse in Alton.


This year is no exception we only managed to visit the theme park a few days ago but as usual we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!


The weather was sunny
The fish & chips next to Nemesis were yummy
The gardens were beautiful
The donuts near The Flume were scrummy
and best of all the rides were FANTASTIC - no queues! 13 was GREAT!


Here I am (on the left) with my Dad & Mum in front of the impressive Alton Towers themselves. I would like to have introduced you to my husband but someone had to take the photo!

MALT TIP: There's plenty of walking so wear comfy shoes!

DON'T FORGET: Scarefest runs from 16 - 31 October 2010 at Alton Towers. Only the brave should visit!!! See http://www.altontowers.com/ for further details.

If your planning a trip to Alton Towers and need bed and breakfast in Alton telephone 01538 703273 to check availability at The Malthouse.

Alton Towers Scarefest 2011

The fantastic Halloween Scarefest starts this Saturday 16 October 2011 at Alton Towers Theme Park in Staffordshire. The Scarefest celebrations run for two weeks until the end of October.





Freakish frights and delights will thrill the brave! The theme park will be open until 9pm each evening - why not try the rides in the dark if you dare!







There is a variety of entertainment to suite all ages so come along and join in the fun. See the Alton Towers website http://www.altontowers.com/ for full details and ticket offers.


If your planning to make the most of your visit to Alton Towers local accommodation is a must. Why not stay with us at The Malthouse in Alton? To check availability at our bed and breakfast telephone 01538 703273.

Alton Towers Ticket Offer

Planning to visit Alton Towers next week? If you want to save money why not go on Tuesday 12 October! You can purchase theme park tickets in advance online for just £22 per person!



To get this amazing offer all you have to do is go to www.altontowers.com/special-offers/discount-tickets/ and buy your tickets!


If you have a long journey and need accommodation close to the theme park why not telephone 01538 703273 to check availability at our B&B - The Malthouse in Alton.

Scarefest 2010 at Alton Towers Starts Soon!

Only 10 days to go before the Halloween Scarefest celebrations start at Alton Towers Theme Park! Scarefest 2010 kicks off at Alton Towers on Saturday 16 October. There are lots of spooky things going on at the Theme Park from 16 to 31 October 2010. There are thrills and frights to suit everyone. Check out www.altontowers.com/m-scarefest/content.aspx to see if you dare to visit during Scarefest!



Need accommodation close to Alton Towers?



Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B to check availability.


Telephone 01538 703273

We're in the village of Alton - just one mile from the Theme Park.

Malt Tip: Don't forget to bring plenty of warm clothes (including hats, scarves & gloves) it can be chilly at night particularly if your scared to death!

Alton Towers have offers on tickets for Scarefest so check out their website http://www.altontowers.com/ to save money!

Take a Walk to Toothill Rock

If your staying with us at The Malthouse B&B why not take a walk? The village of Alton where we're located is really beautiful - there are lots of short strolls or longer walks!

We took a short walk last week to a favorite spot of ours Toothill Rock. There's a public footpath just down the road from us that leads up to Toothill Rock. Once your at the top the views are magnificent. In the valley below you can see the River Churnet and straight ahead on the other side of the valley the Tower at Alton Towers.

Here is a view of Alton Castle, this can be seen if you look to your right.

It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to get from our bed & breakfast to the top of Toothill Rock. It's mainly uphill on the way there but surprisingly not too steep. The good news is that it's mainly downhill on the way back!

Malt Tips:

a) If you don't like heights or have small children with you Toothill Rock might not be the place to go. It's a long way down!

b) Don't forget your trainers or walking boots. The path to Toothill Rock is easy to follow but can be pretty lumpy and bumpy. Heels are not an option!

Alton Towers Annual Pass Offer

If you purchase an annual pass for Alton Towers Theme Park before 30 September 2010 you'll save 20% off the price!

This is truly excellent value for money if you plan to visit the theme park a few times during a 12 month period. The pass will not only give you entry to Alton Towers, it will also save you money while your visit!

Your pass can be used during the 2010 Scarefest and Firework celebrations.

Car parking is free with your pass.

You'll get a 20% discount off food, drink, merchandise, golf and the Waterpark.

Take a look at www.altontowers.com/specialoffers/APseptember for full details.

An individual pass is just £71 OR a family pass only £56 per person.

Looking for somewhere local to stay overnight while visiting Alton Towers?

Telephone us on 01538 703273 to check availability at The Malthouse Bed & Breakfast.

We're just one mile away from the Theme Park located in the village of Alton.

Autumn is Starting

Here are a few snaps that we've taken this week in our garden at The Malthouse B&B. Autumn is one of our favorite times of the year - we just love the colours outside. Alton is particularly pretty at this time of year.

I think you'll agree that the plants and flowers in our garden are still looking lovely!

This old tree is our orchard is absolutely loaded with apples that are ready to pick. It's the best crop the tree has produced for a few years. Perhaps the dry and wet spells of weather we've had this year have suited it!

The only downside to Autumn is that the weather can turn cooler. So far though it's been pretty mild here. Just what we want so we can get a few jobs done in our garden before Winter arrives!

Alton Tower Ticket Offer

If your visiting Alton Towers this week be quick and get a massive 40% off theme park tickets!
To get hold of this 'double discount' offer purchase your tickets in advance online at www.altontowers.com - then all you have to do is have a great day out!














Need accommodation near to Alton Towers?

Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B in Alton on 01538 703273 to check our availability.

Parent & Toddler Offer - Alton Towers

If you have a toddler to entertain and are looking for a mid week break this Autumn take a look at the fantastic Parent & Toddler Offer at Alton Towers Theme Park.

For just £12 one adult and one child aged under four can get entry into Alton Towers!

To take advantage of this special offer you'll need to download a voucher, go to http://www.altontowers.com/special-offers/parent-and-toddler-voucher and follow the instructions - it's really easy. This offer only applies to specific dates so please check the terms carefully.

A day out at Alton Towers is great - but be warned you'll be shattered! A nights accommodation before and after your visit to the theme park is a must! To check availability at our bed & breakfast telephone 01538 703273.

We have double, twin and of course family rooms. To save parents packing the kitchen sink we're happy to provide travel cots, highchairs, refrigeration of weaning foods etc. The Malthouse B&B is family friendly!

September & October Break Away

Don't miss out on a visit to Alton Towers before the 2010 season is over! The theme park closes in early November so get your skates on!

If you don't live locally to the park booking accommodation close by is a must to make the most of your trip. Look no further than our bed and breakfast, The Malthouse B&B! We're located in the village of Alton, just one mile away from Alton Towers. Perfect if you want to arrive at the theme park bright eyed and bushy tailed OR just what you'll need if your suffering from exhaustion after a fun day out!

Why not check our availability? Phone The Malthouse on 01538 703273.

No time to visit Alton Towers this year? Don't worry! The Theme Park opens for it's 2011 season at the end of March 2011.

Waterparks at WaterWorld & Alton Towers

There are two great waterparks near to The Malthouse B&B. WaterWorld and Alton Towers Waterpark.

Whichever waterpark you visit your bound to have a splashtastic time!

WaterWorld in located in Stoke-on-Trent, approximately 15 miles away from us.

The Waterpark at Alton Towers is just one mile away from us.

Inside the waterparks there is a tropical feel so you'll stay lovely and warm! Nice now the weather is turning a little cooler.

There are pools, flumes and rides at both waterparks - fun for all the family!

Why not check out their websites www.waterworld.co.uk and www.altontowers.com/waterpark for full details of prices and opening times etc.

MALT TIP: Don't forget to bring your swimming costume!

Want to check availability at our bed and breakfast in Alton?

Telephone The Malthouse on 01538 703273.

Make the Most of Your Stay

A break away from home is wonderful but the time always seems to go quickly!

If your coming to stay at The Malthouse why not decide what you'll do during your visit before you travel. Advance planning will help you to make the most of your time here in Alton. Even if you only have half a day to spare there are lots of things to do!

Most of our guests spend one, two or even three full days at Alton Towers Theme Park as it covers a large area and there LOTS of things to see and do.

BUT don't forget if your short on time Alton Towers also have Crazy Golf, a Waterpark and Spa.

A morning or afternoon spent at the Waterpark is a great way to start or finish your break!

You don't need to go into the theme park to use these facilities but you might want to book them in advance. See the Alton Towers website http://www.altontowers.com/ for full details.

If your peckish and looking for peace and quiet why not visit the Ramblers Retreat in Dimmingsdale one mile away. You can sit inside or if the weathers fine enjoy their garden. Everything they serve is delicious! You can call in for a cup of coffee, a can of pop, an ice cream, afternoon tea or a full blown lunch. We can highly recommend their cakes and deserts! There is plenty of parking in Dimmingsdale but you might like to walk it's lovely! See their website www.ramblersretreat.co.uk you can almost smell the food!

Perhaps you want to catch the latest film at the cinema, have a game of ten pin bowling or are looking for an indoor play area to entertain little kids?

If you visit Uttoxeter 8 miles away you'll find Cinebowl and Big Top. They're just behind Tesco, easy to find even if you don't know the area!

These are just selection of the many things to do in and around Alton. Whatever you do while your here we hope you have a great time!

If you'd like to check availability at our b&b telephone The Malthouse on 01538 703273.

The Malthouse at night

Over the years we've taken lots of photographs of our house during the day but not too many at night! Thought we'd show you a couple of photos that we've taken recently just after it's gone dark.

In our opinion the house looks as lovely at night as it does during the day - but then I guess we would think that!

As you can see we like lights.

If you're arriving at our B&B after dark the lights make it nice and easy for you to spot us!

You can't miss us!!!

Our car park (at the rear of the house) also has plenty of lighting.

Looking for accommodation in Alton? Why not call us to check availability?

Telephone The Malthouse B&B on 01538 703273.

Follow The Malthouse on Twitter & Facebook

Stayed with us before? Like our website? Or maybe you just love Twitter or Facebook!
Why not follow us on Twitter or become a fan of our Facebook page? It's really easy!

To find us on Twitter simply search for 'The Malthouse' and you'll see us straight away!
Then click the 'follow' button. Job done!
Our user name is The_Malthouse on Twitter.
Don't forget to tell your friends about our bed & breakfast, thanks!

To find our Facebook page search for 'The Malthouse' and you'll find our B&B!
To become a fan click on the 'Like' button next to The Malthouse. Well done!
Our page name is The Malthouse on Facebook.
Why not tell your friends about The Malthouse?
Click the 'Suggest to Friends' button just under our photo!

Happy tweeting!

Hope you catch up with your long lost friends!

Autumn Break at The Malthouse

Now that the school holidays are coming to an end it's a great time to take a break. Most of the country seems to have experienced poor weather during August, so we're hoping that maybe the Autumn months of September and October will be a little kinder. Perhaps if we're lucky we might even get an Indian Summer, you never know!

Our bed and breakfast 'The Malthouse' is a perfect place to stay if you're looking to take a short break in North Staffordshire. We're located in the picturesque village of Alton in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Whatever the weather Autumn here is beautiful, there are such lovely colours to enjoy.

If your looking for a quiet time away with fine countryside there is no better place than the Staffordshire Moorlands. There are lots of wonderful strolls or long walks right on our doorstep.

Or if you're in the mood for some fun Alton Towers Theme Park the biggest and best in the country in our opinion (not that we're biased!)
is just one mile away from The Malthouse.

Here is our house nestling in the village of Alton.

To check bed and breakfast availability why not give us a call on 01538 703273. Consider taking a mid week break. The weekends are always popular so taking a couple of days off during the week can be a good idea!

Alton Towers Family Ticket Offer

You can now purchase a family ticket for entry to Alton Towers from just £19 per person!

If you plan to visit the theme park with your family this Autumn why not take advantage of this great offer. All you have to do is purchase your ticket online from the Alton Towers website prior to your visit. See http://www.altontowers.com/special-offers/family-tickets/ for full details of this offer.


Don't forget that we're just one mile away from Alton Towers located in the village of Alton. Our comfortable accommodation will be just what you need after an action packed day at the theme park! To check availability at The Malthouse B&B telephone 01538 703273.

MALT TIP: A nights stay with us before you visit the theme park is an excellent idea. You'll get to Alton Towers in no time at all, they're just up the road from us!

Alton Towers Halloween Scarefest 2010

Halloween seems a long way off BUT it's only eight weeks until Scarefest 2010 kicks off at Alton Towers! The theme parks fun Halloween celebrations run from 16 October to 31 October 2010.

Why not take a look at http://www.altontowers.com/events/halloween-scarefest/ to check out the thrills and chills planned for Halloween at Alton Towers.

After all those frights at the theme park you'll need somewhere friendly and ghost free to stay! Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B on 01538 703273 to check our availability. We're located in Alton village just one mile from Alton Towers.

The Malthouse Bed and Breakfast nr Alton Towers: A pair of Alton Towers Tickets up for Grabs!

The Malthouse Bed and Breakfast nr Alton Towers: A pair of Alton Towers Tickets up for Grabs!: "Fancy a short break at The Malthouse B&B with two FREE tickets for Alton Towers Theme Park thrown in? We have two free tickets valid for a ..."

Ipstones Show 2010

This year the Ipstones Show celebrates it's 60th anniversary. Traditionally the show takes place on the last Saturday in August - this year it will be held on Saturday 28 August 2010.

The show is primarily an agricultural show with cattle, horses, sheep and goats but like many country shows there are lots of other things to see such as a dog show and the crowning of the shows Queen! Take a look at http://www.ipstonesshow.co.uk for full details of the 2010 show.


Ipstones is a local village approximately 8 miles from Alton. Around 10-15 minutes by car from The Malthouse B&B.

The show will take place on the recreation ground in Ipstones. If you plan to be in the area that weekend and fancy a taste of the country why not visit the show!

2 Alton Towers Tickets for the price of 1

Book tickets online to visit the theme park on 14, 15 or 16 August 2010 and get two tickets for the price of one!

This is a great offer if your visiting the park in the next day or two - be quick!

To grab this bargain visit http://altontowers.com/special-offers/2-for-1-tickets/ for full details of the offer.

If you need accommodation Alton is a great place to stay, it's just down the road from Alton Towers.

To check availability at The Malthouse Bed & Breakfast telephone 01538 703273.

Dovedale Sheep Dog Trials 2010

This years trials will be held as usual at Ilam and will take place on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 August 2010. Ilam is a pretty little village inside the Peak District National Park. The trials are held in a field just outside the village and is approximately a 20 minute car journey from our B&B in Alton.

Even if like us you don't have a sheep dog or any sheep you might well enjoy going to watch the sheep dog trials. It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon in fantastic countryside with a pair of binoculars!


The shepherds do their best to guide their dogs/sheep along a course. But things don't always go to plan - sometimes the dogs don't play ball (did you get that!) or the sheep can be stubborn and won't go the rights way. It's just lovely to watch whatever happens!

As far as we are concerned this is an afternoon out not to be missed! All being well we will sneak an afternoon off to catch the action. If we're lucky we might even take a picnic and have time for a siesta too!

Alton Towers - Annual Pass Offer

Buy an annual pass for Alton Towers online and get 13 months for the price of 12 months!
That's one months entry into the Theme Park for FREE!


Look at www.altontowers.com/special-offers/13passoffer/ for full details regarding this deal. This offer is only valid until 4pm on 13 August 2010 so hurry!!!











If your planning a trip to the theme park and would like to check availability at our bed and breakfast why not send us an e-mail enquiries@the-malthouse.com OR if you prefer give us a call on 01538 703273.

The Malthouse B&B in Alton is just one mile away from the Alton Towers.