Wonderful Washing Up!

If you've been to stay with us at The Malthouse you'll know that we're always joking with guests about the fact that they should stop to help us with the washing up instead of going to Alton Towers Theme Park!

Last weekend we had the lovely Jones family staying with us again.  Every time the Jones family visit there's always plenty of banter about the washing up.  Imagine how we laughed when the kids produced their own tea towels!  As usual the kids managed to sneak off to Alton Towers without helping wash up but they did leave us their tea towels!  Thanks kids!!! 

This family have a sense of humour, perhaps they think we should enter the next Olympic Games if a washing up event is added!

Autumn Colours in Alton

Thought you might like to see the gorgeous colours we're enjoying this Autumn in Alton.  These pics were taken this week in our garden here at The Malthouse B&B.  There are so many fabulous colours to see right now, it was difficult to decide what to photograph!





This week we became tourists for the afternoon and went along to Alton Towers Theme Park.  We only had an afternoon to spare but managed to pack in a huge amount while we were at the park.  We had Fish & Chips, went on the Hex ride, watched the new Ice Age 4D experience, shot zombies on Dual, took a trip on the Sky Ride to see the glorious gardens, scoffed a few doughnuts, went on the new Nemesis Sub-Terra ride and then went home for a cuppa we were shattered!  Thanks Alton Towers, we had a lovely time!  

Alton Towers 2012 Scarefest

Don't forget that this weekend sees the start of the main Scarefest Halloween celebration at Alton Towers Theme Park!  This spooky event has taken place for the last few years and is very popular indeed.  The Alton Towers 2012 Scarefest runs from 19 to 31 October.  If you hurry you can save 25% off tickets see www.altontowers.com for more information.   

Looking for accommodation close to Alton Towers?  Our B&B, The Malthouse is one mile away from the theme park.  To check availability telephone 01538 703273 or if you prefer go online
www.the-malthouse.com/onlinebooking.htm to book.

Strange Wildlife at The Malthouse!

If you've been to stay at our bed and breakfast you'll know that we we have a pretty big garden.  Whenever we have time to spare we're often outside watering pots, cutting grass, tending to plants and occasionally (well fairly often if we're honest!) having a cup of tea!  For quite sometime now we have been feeding the birds that visit our garden.  We really enjoy watching the birds (it gives us an excuse to have longer tea breaks!) so this year we decided to add a few extras for them.  To try and encourage different types of birds to come to the garden we've been putting out a wider variety of food.  We've also made two window feeders that are fully stocked with food.

Here is one of the window feeders.   

If you don't have one of these bird feeders you really should consider getting one.  It took approximately three weeks for any birds to be daring enough to use the window feeder BUT once one bird tried it LOTS more followed!  Our window feeders are attached to our dining room windows.  It's lovely to enjoy a meal and see the birds swooping in and out enjoying their meal too!

Birds are not the only wild animals that come into our garden.  Recently we've spotted hedgehogs, badgers, foxes and squirrels.  We're particularly fond of the birds and very pleased to see all the other animals but since we've started to put out more bird food we've noticed more squirels too!  The squirrels are cute chaps and we know that they need to eat but we do wish they wouldn't keep pinching the birds food.  The squirrels are particularly fond of the fat balls that we put out for the birds.  The fat balls that we buy are individually wrapped in green mesh.  If the birds eat the fat balls the green mesh is left behind for us to throw away.  However, the squirrels often get to the fat balls before the birds and take everything including the green net!  We have a silly sense of humour here at The Malthouse, we imagine that the squirrels use the green nets as hair nets and laugh at the thought of Alton's squirrel population having perfect hairdos!

Now a couple of weeks ago we had a lady named Kylie (not Minogue but equally as beautiful!) staying with us.  This lovely lady has stayed with us before, it was great to see her again.  During Kylie's stay we stood outside chatting about the weather, garden, wildlife etc and we we're telling her about the local squirrels having hair nets.  We thought Kylie would think we were mad and that we might not see her again, so imagine how much we laughed when we saw how she had dressed one of our squirrel garden ornaments. 

What a relief it is to know that other people have the same daft sence of humour as us!  Hope you see this blog Kylie. x

Fancy a Relaxing Break?

Do you never seem to have a minute to spare?  Are you always rushing from one thing straight to the next?  You need to catch your breath for a while and take a break!

Guests staying at our B&B are usually here for a specific reason.  They might be visiting Alton Towers or other local tourist attractions, attending a wedding or catching up with family.  It is rare that visitors arrive to stay with us and have no plans.  Wouldn't it be nice to be away from home and just take time to rest and relax?

If you need to take a short break to recharge your batteries Alton where our bed and breakfast is a perfect place to stay.  Alton is a small village in the countryside of north Staffordshire, there are five pubs (a lot for a small village!), a Post Office and a General Store.  If a pleasant stroll is your thing you won't find a more beautiful place than Alton to take a walk. 

Fancy a spot of afternoon tea?  You'll be spoilt for choice of places to go for a cuppa!  Just down the road from us is the Ramblers Retreat, their deserts are just heavenly.  Or if you take a ride out you'll soon come across plenty more tea shops, pubs and restaurants.  Don't blame us if you go home having piled on the pounds!   

If you choose to stay with us for a few days and decide you feel up to a wonder there are plenty of interesting little market towns nearby Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Leek & Ashbourne to mention just a few.  Or if your a shopaholic and need a fix department stores can be found in Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Burton-on-Trent all just a short drive away.

Why not indulge yourself and visit a local Spa?  Alton Towers Spa is just one mile away from us.  Also nearby are Moddershall Oaks and Hoar Cross Hall offering excellent spa facilities.    

Ready to get away from it all?  Telephone us at The Malthouse B&B 01538 703273 to check availability.  After a few nights rest here at The Malthouse you'll be recharged and ready to go again!

Save 25% on Alton Towers Scarefest Tickets

Autumn 2012 sees the return of the popular Scarefest Halloween event at Alton Towers Theme Park.  This year Scarefest runs from 13-14 & 19-31 October.

Why not plan ahead and book your Scarefest tickets online now at the Alton Towers website to save 25%!  If you're looking for accommodation close to the theme park telephone us at The Malthouse B&B to check our availability 01538 703273 or look at our website www.the-malthouse.com.  Our bed and breakfast accommodation is in the village of Alton just one mile away from Alton Towers, a perfect location for the weary traveller or tired theme park junkie!

Scarefest is a great festival with fun for all the family and frights for those who dare!  The theme park will open at 10am each day during the Halloween event and close at 9pm, rides in the dark are great fun.  For full details please see www.altontowers.com.

   

Florabundance Festival at Chatsworth

This Autumn the magnificent Chatsworth House in Derbyshire host their Florabundance Festival celebrating everything floral.  The house and gardens will be open as usual, visitors will be able to enjoy modern and traditional floral displays both indoors and outside.

                            

The festival runs from 21-25 September 2012, check out the Chatworth website www.chatsworth.org for full details.

Alton Towers Parent & Toddler Offer

For just £21 a parent and toddler (child under 4 years) can go to Alton Towers for the day!  This fantastic deal is valid mid week during September and early October 2012.  To take advantage of this great money saving offer all you need to do is visit the Alton Towers website, submit your details and get your voucher.  See the Alton Towers website for full details.

A busy day at Alton Towers is fun but exhausting especially for little ones!  If you have far to travel why not get overnight accommodation to make the most of your visit?
To check availability at our B&B The Malthouse, telephone 01538 703273 OR book online.

Calling All Adults!

Now that the School Summer Holidays are almost over it's a great time for adults to enjoy a break away.  Most kids start back to school this week, so tourist attractions should be a little quieter mid week than they have been for a while.

If you want to take a break why not telephone our B&B (01538 703273) to check availability?  We're  located in the beautiful village of Alton in Staffordshire. 

Alton is a perfect place to stay at if you're looking for relaxation, Alton Towers Theme Park fun, countryside walks, musuems/galleries, shopping or just a good rest to recharge your batteries!

You can telephone The Malthouse Bed & Breakfast 01538 703273 to enquire about accommodation or if you prefer you can book online.

Alton Towers 2012 Scarefest & Fireworks

Looking to take a break away this Autumn?  Why not visit the fantastic Scarefest or Fireworks at Alton Towers Theme Park?  These events take place at the Theme Park most years.  Both celebrations are very popular and guests staying at our B&B in Alton return year after year to enjoy them.

Alton Towers Scarefest celebrates Halloween, there's fun and frights with something for all ages.  The Fireworks take place just before the theme park closes for the year.  Don't forget that the theme park is open until 9pm each night so you can enjoy the rides in the dark.

Scarefest runs from 13-14 October & 19-31 October 2012 and the Fireworks can be enjoyed from 2-4 November 2012.  At the moment you can save up to 40% on tickets so hurry and plan a short break away.

See www.altontowers.com for full details of these celebrations.

If you'd like to check accommodation availability at The Malthouse B&B telephone 01538 703273.

2 for 1 offer to Alton Towers with Daily Mail & O2

Save money on your visit to Alton Towers, get 2 for 1 entry with the Daily Mail Newspaper and O2.

Be quick and get a copy of tomorrow's (Monday 20 August 2012) Daily Mail to find out about their theme park 2 for 1 offer.  You may need to purchase a couple of newspapers this week and collect tokens. 

If your an O2 mobile phone user and get Priority Moments you can collect a code to get the 2 for 1 offer on Alton Towers tickets.  There is sure to be a time limit so hurry.

Restrictions to these offers will apply so please read the small print!

A day out at the fantastic Alton Towers Theme Park is great but very tiring!  If you have far to travel and need accommodation telephone us at The Malthouse B&B 01538 703273 to check availability and prices.

20% Off Merlin Annual Pass

Many of the guests that stay at our B&B in Alton are 'regulars' who we look after during their trip to Alton Towers Theme Park.  Some of our adrenaline junkie visitors love the theme park so much that they come to stay with us on several occasions during a 12 month period.  If you plan to visit Alton Towers a number of times during one year you MUST consider purchasing an Annual Pass to save money.  If you purchase a Standard Merlin Annual Pass during August you'll save a massive  20%!
See http://www.altontowers.com/merlin-annual-pass/ to get all the info regarding this great offer.  

Need B&B accommodation while you visit Alton Towers?  Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B to check availability 01538 703273.  If you prefer you can book online http://www.the-malthouse.com/onlinebooking.htm it's easy!  Simply enter the date you want to start your stay and the number of nights you need and follow the instructions.

Bird Bonkers!

The weather in Alton has been pretty kind over the last few days.  After weeks of poor weather the summer seems to have finally arrived.  We're busy indoors at this time of year looking after the guests staying at our B&B but we like to spend as much spare time as we can in our garden.  As we have quite a large garden we're often busy working outside to keep the garden looking at it's best.  Working outdoors is thirsty work though, so we have plenty of tea breaks!  During a tea break one of our favourite occupations is to watch the birds that visit our garden.  We like to keep our bird feeders well stocked with a selection of treats to try and encourage a variety of different birds to stop for a snack.  Here you can see the bird feeding station in the orchard at the side of the house. 



So far this year we have been lucky enough to spot blue tits, chaffinch, yellow wagtails, great tits, gold finch, siskins, yellow hammers, bull finch, long tail tits, green finch, jays, sparrows, herons (not too welcome as we have a fish pond!) pied wagtails, robins, and here you can see a young greater spotted woodpecker that we managed to get a photo of last week.  We also seem to have attracted a family of squirrels who take great delight is stealing the bird food when they can get away with it!  Oh well we guess even squirrels have to eat!

Happy Birthday Smudge!

Yesterday was a very important day here at The Malthouse, it was our cat Smudge's 5th Birthday.  Here's the Birthday Boy enjoying an afternoon nap! 



As we think this picture shows he can be a bit of a grumpy cat.  He didn't seem too impressed with the new collar he got for his birthday BUT he loved the birthday treats he had!  If you come to stay at our B&B keep a look out for Smudge, he's always around first thing in the morning for his brekkie or late afternoon when it's time for his tea.  Smudge loves his food so he's particularly friendly just before mealtimes BUT be warned if you stop to pet him don't take your eyes off him as he's pretty keen on nibbling fingers!  If he tries to taste your fingers don't take it personally as he often give us 'love bites' too!

Make Your Holiday Last Longer!

Most of our guests are coming to stay at our B&B in Alton to take a well deserved holiday with their family or friends.  Holiday time is precious so why not make your vacation last just a bit longer by leaving home early and stopping off on your way here OR maybe take a break on your way back home?

There are plenty of things to see and do, here are just a few ideas:

Pack a picnic lunch and stop off to eat it on your way here.  Afterwards take a stroll to let you lunch go down!  Choose a nice location like - Cannock Chase (a few miles from M6 Junction 11), The Peak District (National Park covering a huge area from Manchester down to Ashbourne 12 miles from us) and The Malvern Hills (Worcestershire).     

Stop off for a spot of shopping!  There are plenty of places to choose from, here are a few - Meadow Hall (Sheffield), The Trafford Centre (Manchester). Metro Centre (Gateshead), Bullring (Birmingham), Merry Hill (Dudley), Bicester Village (Oxfordshire) and Bluewater (Nr Dartford).

Visit a Zoo or Wildlife Park.  Consider one of these - Chester Zoo (Chester),West Midlands Safari Park (Nr Kidderminster), Twycross Zoo (Atherstone, Warwickshire) Longleat Safari Park (Warminster, Wiltshire) and Woburn Safari Park (Woburn, Bedfordshire).

FUN, FUN, FUN - Drayton Manor Theme Park (Tamworth), Cadbury World yummy! (Birmingham), Blackpool Pleasure Beach (Blackpool) and National Sealife Centre (Birmingham).

Something different?  The National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire), Black Country Living Museum (Dudley), Warwick Castle (Warwick) and Severn Valley Railway (Kidderminster) and Albert Docks (Liverpool).

Something for nothing!  Visit for free, here are a few - Imperial War Museum North (Manchester), Coventry Transport Museum (Coventry), National Railway Museum (York), National Football Museum (Preston) and Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery (Birmingham). 

Why rush?  Relax and make the most of your time away.  Remember your on holiday until you get home!
Whatever you do on your way to stay with us OR on your way home we hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.          

40% Off at Alton Towers! Hurry Offer Ends Soon.

Alton Towers have just announced a 40 hour sale!  The sale has started so hurry - to get 40% off theme park tickets all you have to do is book them online at the Alton Towers website before 10am on Friday 3 August 2012.



Looking for quality accommodation near to Alton Towers?  Why not stay with us at The Malthouse B&B.  We're located in the village of Alton just one mile from the theme park.  After a long journey or busy day at the park there are pubs to choose from all within easy walking distance of The Malthouse so that you can relax and enjoy a meal.  To check availability/make a booking telephone us 01538 703273 OR book online at www.the-malthouse.com. 

Save Money at Alton Towers!

Times are tough for most people right now but everyone needs to let their hair down every now and again!  A day or two at Alton Towers is a great way to have fun and get away from it all.  If you need to take a break why not consider a visit to the theme park?  If you plan your trip in advance there are plenty of ways to save money when you visit Alton Towers. 

Here are just a few things you might like to consider:

Save money on Alton Towers tickets by purchasing in advance online
OR find a money off voucher if you want to purchase tickets on the day at the gate.
If your a group do you qualify for a discount?

Travelling by car?  Get a money off fuel voucher (Tesco have them at the moment) and save money when you fill up your fuel tank.

Travelling by public transport?  If you book train journeys in advance you can often get a cheaper ticket. 
If the last part of your journey to Alton village is by bus would a taxi be cheaper if there are a few of you travelling together?

Service stations are expensive so why not make a picnic to eat when you take a break during your journey.

The cost of soft drinks, sweets and snacks can add up!  Purchase a few treats from your local supermarket to bring with you.

Stay with us at The Malthouse B&B for a few nights.  We offer great bed and breakfast accommodation just one mile from Alton Towers!  Our delicious breakfasts will fill you up and keep you going for hours.  Many of our guests say that after one of our breakies they don't need to eat much until teatime!      

Walking around Alton Towers can be thirsty work!  You can purchase a soft drinks capsule at the theme park that can be refilled all day for free.  A great deal on a hot day!

We always hope that the weather will be kind to our guests BUT if it's not (or you want to avoid getting wet on the water rides at Alton Towers!) you can purchase a waterproof poncho from us at The Malthouse for just £2.50.  Alton Towers Ponchos are £6!

If you like your grub consider purchasing an Alton Towers Food Voucher OR All Day Dining Package.  These can be a great way to save pounds on food.  Some of the packages include a refillable drinks capsules and a free game of extraordinary golf!  Reductions are given for kids vouchers/packages.

If you want to take a picnic lunch to the theme park you can.  A cool box/bag to keep your lunch fresh would be a good idea!      

If you want to visit Alton Towers Waterpark save 50% by visiting after 4pm!  If your coming to stay with us at The Malthouse B&B and plan to arrive at 4pm a visit to the Waterpark might be a great way to start your break.  Don't forget to bring your swimming trunks/costumes and towels!

Visit the Alton Towers website http://www.altontowers.com/ for details of their latest offers.

We appreciate that going away can be expensive BUT if you plan in advance and keep a look out for offers there are plenty of ways to save a few pounds when visiting Alton Towers.

2 for 1 Alton Towers Ticket with O2 Priority Moments

If you have a mobile phone with O2 and have O2 Priority Moments you can get a great deal on 2 for 1 tickets to Alton Towers.  O2 will give you a code, simply show the code at the theme park ticket booth and save money.  Hurry this offer is only valid for one more week! 

Need accommodation close to the theme park?  Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B 01538 703273 to check availability/book.  OR book online at http://www.the-malthouse.com/

New Staffordshire Hoard Exhibition

From 21 July to 2012 there is a new exhibition starting at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery.  Staffordshire Hoard: Dark Age of Discovery has on show over 100 pieces of Anglo-Saxon dazzling treasure.  Admission to this museum is free!

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is just one of the many interesting museums that the city of Stoke-on-Trent has to offer.    Visit http://www.stokemuseums.org.uk/ to see details of this exhibition and other museums.

Stoke-on-Trent known locally as 'The Potteries' is approximately a 30 minute car journey from The Malthouse B&B.  The city covers a large area and is made up of six towns Stoke, Fenton, Longton, Hanley, Burslem and Tunstall.  If your travelling around the city it can be difficult to decide where one town ends and the next starts!  However, as the city is well signposted finding your way is pretty easy.


 

Win £1000 at Alton Towers!

To celebrate the start of Summer Alton Towers Theme Park are giving away £1000 every day from 7th to 13th July 2012.  Each day one lucky theme park visitor will be chosen at random and given a £1000 cash prize!  To be in with a chance of winning all you have to do is simply visit Alton Towers Theme Park. 

See http://www.altontowers.com/instantwin/ for full details.

If you need accommodation near to the theme park why not telephone 01538 703273 to check availability at The Malthouse B&B.  OR visit www.the-malthouse.com to check our online availability.  We're located in the village of Alton just one mile away from Alton Towers!   

Visiting The Malthouse? What to Pack!

If your planning to visit our B&B or have already booked and are looking forward to your stay with us you might be wondering what to pack.  Everyones different, some guests arrive with hardly any luggage and other folk bring everything they own including the kitchen sink!

Here are items you should definitely consider bringing:
Changes of Clothes
Changes of Shoes (essential if the weather is unkind or you get wet on the water rides at Alton Towers!)
Waterproof Coat
Toiletries (don't forget your toothbrush!)
Swimwear & Towels for waterpark visits
Money
Tickets (you'd be surprised how many people forget these!)
3S's - Shorts, Sunglasses & Sunscreen (just in case we're lucky enough to get a heatwave!)
3W's - Warm Winter Woollies (warm clothes, hat, scarf, gloves etc)
Last but not least your Teddy Bear!
    
Most of our guests are visiting Alton Towers and other local tourist attractions so casual clothes and comfy shoes are just the thing.  BUT some of our visitors are here to attend local weddings or formal events.  Ladies - if your packing your best dress don't forget your heels & hat! 

Get 40% off Alton Towers Theme Park Tickets

For a limited time only you can save a massive 40% on tickets to Alton Towers!  This is an excellent way to save money on entry to the Theme Park.  Take a look at http://www.altontowers.com/special-offers/theme-park-tickets/#Offers for full details of this great offer.  



If you have far to travel accommodation close to the theme park is a must.  Our B&B The Malthouse is located in the village of Alton just one mile from Alton Towers.  Why not check our availability/prices?  Telephone us 01538 703273, email us enquiries@the-malthouse.com or if you prefer visit our website http://www.the-malthouse.com/ and book online. 

Book B&B Accommodation at The Malthouse Online

We're pleased to announce that we now take B&B bookings online.  Visit our website http://www.the-malthouse.com/ and look at our tariff/book page OR click the "book online" button on any page, then follow the instructions.   



You can book bed and breakfast accommodation with us online OR you can telephone us 01538 703273 to make an enquiry or booking.

Modern technology is great BUT we understand that it's not for everyone.

You may have queries, particular requirements or just prefer to speak to us in person!

We're always pleased to chat so feel free to use the old fashioned method and give us a call 01538 703273 we'll be pleased to hear from you!

    

June in Bloom at The Malthouse B&B

Alton like most places throughout the country has seen some pretty poor weather this year but now that we're well into June lets hope that the weather will take a turn for the better!  The rhododendrons in the garden at the front of our house are at their very best right now.  These pretty lilac bushes line most of our front lawn and as you can see they really do look a picture. 

During the summer much of our time is taken up looking after the guests who are visiting our B&B.  Whenever we have the chance we love to spend time outdoors and enjoy taking care of our garden.  Here are some peonies in the border near our front door.  We've been nurturing these plants for the past few years and are particularly pleased with these bright pink beauties this year.

Need a break?  Why not come and stay at our bed and breakfast in Alton to recharge your batteries!  

To check availability email enquiries@the-malthouse or telephone 01538 703273.

Alton Towers Waterpark & Golf Offers

If your coming to stay at our B&B The Malthouse in Alton and want to visit the Waterpark at Alton Towers while you're here don't forget to book your tickets before you travel to save money. 

Many of our guests are visiting Alton Towers Theme Park but they often go to the Waterpark and Extrodinary Golf at Alton Towers while they're here. 

At the moment you can save 10% off entry to the Alton Towers Waterpark if you book your tickets online in advance.  Take a look at http://www.altontowers.com/waterpark/ for more information. 

The Malthouse is just one mile away from Alton Towers - perfect after a busy day! 

Flag Mad at The Malthouse!

We're really looking forward to the long bank holiday this weekend to celebrate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee.   We hope that you enjoy the long weekend too!

As you can see from our flags and bunting we're very fond of Her Majesty and hope she continues the marvellous work she does for many years to come. 

Like many places in the country (and probably overseas) Alton has plenty of celebrations planned this weekend.  Hope your able to join in with something near you.  Have a great weekend!

Save £'s on Theme Park Entry with Tesco

For a limited time you can get free entry to Alton Towers and Drayton Manor with Tesco Clubcard Rewards.  For just £7.50 in Clubcard Vouchers you can get a 1 day entry into the theme parks.  This is a fantastic offer, tokens must be ordered by 11 June 2012 so hurry! 



If you have far to travel  local accommodation is essential to make the most of your day out.  We're located in the village of Alton just one mile away from Alton Towers and 37 miles away from Drayton Manor.

MALT TIP: If you don't have any Tesco Vouchers to use beg, borrow or steel a friends vouchers.  Perhaps they owe you a favour or maybe you can do something for them in return!

To check availability at The Malthouse B&B telephone 01538 703273, email enquiries@the-malthouse.com or you might like to book online http://www.the-malthouse.com/onlinebooking.htm.

Chatsworth House - TV Worth Watching!

Did you see the first of a three part program all about Chatsworth House on BBC1 last Sunday evening?  The second part is on BBC1 this Monday 21 May 2012 at 21.00 and if last week's program is anything to go by it'll be well worth tuning in for! 

MALT TIP: If you missed the first program all about the magnificent Chatsworth try to catch it on BBC iPlayer!

If you've not been to Chatsworth House (or if like us you haven't been there for a while) it's well worth a look, the house and grounds are simply stunning.  A car journey from our B&B in Alton to Chatsworth takes approximately one hour.  Why not visit Chatsworth while your staying with us?

Get 40% off Alton Towers Tickets!

For a limited time you can save 40% when purchasing tickets for Alton Towers Theme Park.  To view this fabulous deal see http://www.altontowers.com/ for full details.  Tickets must be purchased online at least 7 days prior to your visit.

Need to find accommodation close to Alton Towers?  Our bed and breakfast is located in the village of Alton just one mile away from the theme park.  Why not telephone us at The Malthouse B&B on 01538 703273 to check availability.

Leek Jesters Scooterfest 20 May 2012

Amongst many local events taking place this summer is Scooterfest presented by Jesters Scooter Club based in the nearby town of Leek.

Here are a couple of snaps taken at previous Scooterfests.

This years festival is the 8th annual Scooterfest organised by The Jesters Club.  The event is popular and as you can see well attended by scooter enthusiasts from near and far.  The majority of scooters are vintage Lambretta and Vespa but there are always a few more modern day scooters in attendance.

Scooterfest 2012 takes place on Sunday 20 May from 11am at Silk Street car park in Leek.  As well as prizes for a custom show there will be a parts fair, live band, market stalls, hog roast and other entertainments.  Entry to Scooterfest is free!  Travel to Leek by foot, car OR if you have one scooter!  Visit http://www.jesterssc.co.uk/ to find out more.

Our Walk from Alton to Denstone and Back!

This week we decided to take a walk from our B&B in Alton to the nearby village of Denstone.  We often drive through Denstone but have never walked there so we thought it would make a change. What a lovely afternoon we had, it won't be the last time we walk from Alton to Denstone and back!

We chose to walk to Denstone along an old disused railway line that runs next to the River Churnet in a nearby valley.  On the way back to Alton we walked along public footpath.  Initially the public footpath went through open fields, then to our surprise it carried on along a stone path between the fields.  We think that the footpath follows part of the Staffordshire Way so maybe this is why the path is there, we're not sure.   

It was lovely to walk along and enjoy the sounds (and smells!) of the countryside.  These cows were waiting at a gate near a farm that we passed.  We don't know much about farm animals but to us these pretty young ladies seemed to be in very good shape!

We think that we probably walked about 5 miles in total, which we were pleased with as we're not super fit.  To be fair though the walk was pretty easy going thanks to the flat railway line, the stone public footpath oh and of course the tea and cake we had at Denstone Hall Farm Shop!

MALT TIP: If your staying at our B&B you won't be able to resist a short (or long) walk in the countryside so remember to pack walking shoes, wellington boots or old trainers!

Many of our guests are heading to Alton Towers Theme Park.  Most first timers to the area are amazed that the theme park is located in such a beautiful rural setting.  Often guests returning to stay come back for longer to visit the theme park again and enjoy the fantastic countryside that's here.  If your looking for accommodation in Alton why not give us a call 01538 703273 to check availability.  

Fancy a Day out at the Races?

Our local racecourse is at Uttoxeter just 8 miles away from The Malthouse.  The racecourse holds race meetings and all sorts of other events throughout the year.  If your taking a break with us and are looking for something different to do a day out at the races might be just the thing!        

Take a look at http://www.uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk/ to see a list of this years events.

 

2 for 1 Alton Towers Voucher with Coke Zone

A great way to save money when you visit Alton Towers Theme Park is to use a 2 for 1 voucher. For each full paying adult theme park ticket you purchase you'll get a second ticket free! Coke Zone are currently offering a 2 for 1 deal for Alton Towers. All you need to do is collect 5 Coke Zone points to get a 2 for 1 voucher for Alton Towers.
See http://www.cokezone.co.uk/home/index.jsp for full details of this offer.



To avoid disappointment don't forget to check the terms and conditions carefully.

Need accommodation near to Alton Towers? Our B&B The Malthouse is just one mile away! Telephone us 01538 703273 OR email enquiries@the-malthouse.com to check availability.

Alton Towers Gardens NGS Open Evening

The gardens in the grounds of Alton Towers Theme Park are beautiful to say the least. Guests staying at our bed and breakfast have commented that it's a shame you can't visit the gardens without purchasing an expensive theme park ticket. So, we are delighted to say that Alton Towers will be opening their magnificent gardens to the public on Friday 1 June from 5pm to 8pm.

For just £4 visitors will be able to enjoy the splendor of the gardens at Alton Towers.
The entrance fee will be given to The National Gardens Scheme - Gardens open for Charity.
See http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=2295 for details regarding this event.

If you don't live locally but would like to come along and see the gardens why not telephone 01538 703273 to check accommodation availability at The Malthouse B&B. We're located in the village of Alton just one mile away from Alton Towers.