Review of Angel Barn, Cumbria

>> For contact details and more information, see our full listing of: Angel Barn

Angel Barn is a recently opened three-bedroom self-catering holiday accommodation run by owners Debbie and Richard. It is set in the peaceful green surroundings of the Eden Valley in Cumbria.

The luxurious grade II historic listed farmhouse offering fabulous self-catering accommodation

The AccommodationThe super comfy and peaceful double bedroom with ensuite
Angel Barn has three bedrooms upstairs, each with an ensuite bathroom, and a spacious kitchen and comfortable sitting room downstairs. It is decorated with impeccable taste with Richard’s woodcarvings, soft wool carpeting, gorgeous wallpaper, and beautiful detailing. I stayed in the master bedroom, and felt like I was in a chic boutique hotel in the middle of the countryside.

If your group doesn't fit in the barn, or if your a couple looking for a cosy option, there is an old railway cabin that Debbie and Richard have converted into a gorgeous and unique guest room. As soon as Debbie opened the door I let out a laugh as I looked out the window opposite and three curious cows peered at me from the other side of the adjacent fence. It was the perfect touch.

The Activities
The main thing to do in the Eden Valley is walk. There are footpaths and bridleways galore, and Angel Barn is stocked with maps of the local area. I walked into the nearest village, Ravenstonedale, several times, where I found two great local pubs, The Black Swan and the King’s Head. On the way I walked through pastures full of sheep, cows, ponies, and horses, and I even saw a red squirrel crossing the street.

There are also several villages to explore that are within driving distance. These have shops and boutiques as well as tearooms and restaurants. If you go to Kirkby Stephen, there is a Poetry Path that combines a walk through the woods with 12 poems carved into stones along the way. I did this walk on my last day prior to leaving the area, and was impressed by the beauty of the surroundings.

On rainy days, there are plenty of board games in Angel Barn, and the sitting room has a cozy fireplace to curl up next to.

The Food
The food at Angel Barn was very local. Debbie stocks the kitchen with her award-winning homemade cakes, scones, bread, and pastries. She also provides cold milk, bacon from a local butcher, and eggs from her chickens. Everything was fresh and delicious.

What Makes Angel Barn Green?
Recycling facilities as Angel Barn aims to be as kind to the environment as possible. Photo: Julie FalconerAs a nod to the environment, the insulation in the barn is from sheep wool, the electricity from solar panels outside, the heating from a Ground Source Heat Pump, and the water from a nearby spring. The kitchen has LED lights to save energy.

The carpet is made from the wool of Herdwick sheep from the Lake District, and all of the wooden doors and details in the accommodation are made from local wood. There are recycling and compost bins in the kitchen, and eco-friendly cleaning products are used to tidy the accommodation.

How to Get There Using Public Transport
If you arrive by train to Kirkby Stephen on the beautiful Settle-Carlisle Railway, Debbie can pick you up or give you the phone number of a local taxi company. Book train tickets via thetrainline.com: Train Tickets to Cumbria

Top Tip
Bring your walking shoes and prepare to be awed by the beautiful, peaceful, and quiet surroundings.

Verdict
Angel Barn is the perfect place for a country getaway with friends, family, or as a couple. The beautiful surroundings and secluded area make it a great place to relax away from the urban bustle.

There's a myriad of activities awaiting you outside amongst the glorious meadows and hills

>> For contact details and and to check availability, see our full listing of: Angel Barn

>> See all our Green places to stay in Cumbria