Happy Families!

We have some lovely guests come and stay with us at The Malthouse. But just occasionally we have an extra special visitor! Back in July we had a smashing family come to spend a couple of nights with us. Now, when Sandra's gardening she loves some help and a young lady named Emma who was staying here with her Mum and Dad was pleased to assist with the gardening chores. Sandra and Emma got on famously and when she had to leave Emma said that she would send us a picture. So here it is!

Emma can be seen in the picture wearing a pretty spotted dress, Sandra is on the left of the picture and as you can see Emma noticed how tall Sandra is and what long legs she has! Also in the picture is our washing line (usually pretty full due to the vast amount of laundry we have to do). Thank you so much for such a beautiful picture it is now on proud display in our office. We shall look forward to seeing Emma and her parents again in the future.

25% Off Alton Towers Tickets Offer

If you want to purchase tickets for Alton Towers online in advance of your visit to the theme park check out http://www.altontowers.com/special-offers/theme-park-tickets/ for a great deal on ticket prices.

If your looking for B&B why not call us at The Malthouse on 01538 703273 to check our availability. We're located in Alton just a mile from the theme park!

MALT TIP: This is a great offer but don't forget to keep a look out in shops and newspapers etc for 2 for 1 offers, these are an excellent way to save money if you want to purchase Alton Towers tickets at the gate on the of your visit!

Our visit to the Dovedale Sheepdog Trials!

Yesterday we had a rare chance to escape from work for an afternoon out - and what an afternoon it was! We took a picnic and went to watch the Sheepdog Trials at Dovedale, bliss. Although yesterday's weather forecast was not too good we're pleased to say that the sun shone all afternoon. So far the weathers been pretty nice today too. Alton often seems to get better weather than is forecast. What do those weather people know eh!

Above are a few of the snaps we took. The young sheepdog is called "Nellie", she wasn't taking part in the trials, like us she was enjoying a day out. Her owners seemed to be having a nice time too!

An afternoon at the Sheepdog Trials may not appeal to some. For us it's wonderful, all we have to do is spread out our blanket, eat our picnic and try to stay awake to watch the sheep, dogs and their handlers in action! We understand that the sheep being rounded up are "shearlings" this means that they are two years old and might lamb next spring. A variety of classes are held at the trials some are for novice handlers or young dogs and others are for experienced handlers with one or two dogs. It was all fascinating to watch and sometimes comical if the sheep wouldn't co-operate and went the wrong way!

Oh well back to work now.

2 for 1 Alton Towers Ticket Offer

In today's The Mail on Sunday you can pick up a great 2 for 1 voucher for Alton Towers. This is a really great way to save lots of money when you purchase theme park tickets. There are two vouchers in the newspaper, both are valid until 4 November 2011 at Alton Towers so you have plenty of time to plan your trip.



IT'S EASY TO SAVE MONEY! Simply cut out the coupons on page 84 of the newspaper, present them at the Alton Towers Ticket Kiosk on the day of your visit, pay the full ticket price for one adult and get free entry for a second person. FANTASTIC!

MALT TIPS: Before you leave home don't forget to check that you have your 2 for 1 voucher with you! If you want to spend two days at Alton Towers purchase a Bounce Back Ticket on your first day at the theme park to get reduced price entry for the following day.

Need accommodation near to Alton Towers? Our B&B is located in the village of Alton just one mile from Alton Towers. Telephone The Malthouse on 01538 703273 to check availability.

Dovedale Sheepdog Trials 2011

The end of August signals one of our favorite local events. The 2011 Dovedale Sheepdog Trials take place on Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 August and we can hardly wait!


Sadly we were unable to go to the trials last year, it was raining heavily if I remember correctly

so we're keener than ever. We usually take a picnic and enjoy being in the countryside with lovely views and plenty to see - especially if you like dogs!

When we last went to the trials we purchased a photograph from a local artist called "pup in fleece". If you stay with us and you're in number 4 room you'll be able to see the photo on the wall.

After a busy time at our B&B during the summer an afternoon at the sheepdog trials is just what we need. It's total chill out time for us, all we have to do is spread out our picnic blanket, enjoy our lunch and then watch the dogs and sheep in action. It wouldn't be for everybody as it's not exactly an action packed day out but we love it!

Happy Birthday Smudge!

A very important member of the team at The Malthouse has celebrated their 4th Birthday this week. Here's the birthday boy, our cat Smudge!

If you've been to stay at our B&B you'll more than lightly have met Smudge. He's usually relaxing in our garden or if it's breakfast time or tea time he can be found near our back door waiting for his food! I think you'll agree that Smudge looks cute but BEWARE if you catch him in a playful mood he might decide to snack on your fingers! We think that he should have been born as a dog because he follows us about outside quite often and is always keen to get into a car boot given half a chance. WATCH OUT if you visit us you could find yourself with an extra passenger to take home!

Babes in The Malthouse

Since August started we've have had lots of families with babies or toddlers visiting our B&B. What well behaved little angels they've been! A holiday with young children can be challenging, there are so many things to remember to pack!


Here at The Malthouse we do our very best to try and help families travelling with small children. Here is a list of items we are able to provide:

Travel cot, nightlight, bed/cot rail, highchair, booster seat, child's cutlery, bottle sterilising and refrigeration of milk/weaning foods.

Of course you might still have the kitchen sink to pack and you're bound to come without something! We have been known to save parents sanity by managing to come up with a soother when babies own went missing!

Bakewell Show 2011

A country show to entertain all the family 'The Bakewell Show' is on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 August. We're sure the 2011 show will be as popular as ever!

There are lots of things to see and do, a full day at the show is a must. Comfy shoes essential! Take a look at https://www.bakewellshow.org/ for more information.