East Mellwaters Farm & Mellwaters Barn Holiday Cottages

East Mellwaters Farm with
345 acres of grassland

We are a family who have been working in agriculture for more than 50 years, we moved to East Mellwaters Farm nearly twenty years ago and our son, Andrew who is severely disabled and confined to a wheelchair all his life asked if he could have the derelict old dairy granary to convert into four cottages specifically designed for families like ourselves. This was the start of Mellwaters Barn Cottages.

East Mellwaters farm is a 345 acres natural grassland commercial farm where we breed sheep, spring is of course one of the most interesting times when we have over 1500 lambs. The farm itself we believe is built on the site of a Roman settlement with the old Roman road from Bowes running through parts of the farm up the valley to Spittal and beyond to the top of Stainmore.

We are proud that East Mellwaters Farm has been in an Environmental Stewardship Scheme for nearly 30 years to help protect our natural grassland for the benefit of some of the less common species of birds and wildflowers.

ACCESSIBILITY GUIDE

Footpaths

Mellwaters Barn is on the Bowes loop of the Pennine Way and there are around 4 miles of footpaths within easy walking distance, offering guests the chance to explore the farm and enjoy the magnificent views from various points. While some of these paths were originally designed to be suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, weather conditions, flooding and the high cost of ongoing maintenance mean they are no longer in the condition they once were and may now be uneven or challenging in places.

Many visitors still enjoy a gentle morning or evening stroll, particularly down towards the river Greta or Sleightolme Beck, which remains a very relaxing way to enjoy the landscape.

Bird Watching

For lovers of birds, we have a very wide variety of birds on the farm including waders such as Sanderling, oystercatcher and redshank, warblers, pipits, woodpecker, kingfisher, dipper, heron etc. Birds that nest on the farm include curlew, lapwing, oystercatcher, woodpecker, grey wagtail, swallow, house Martin and of course the garden birds such as song thrush, blue tit, goldfinch etc. In all, there are over 38 species of birds on our farm, the majority of those on the RSPB amber and red lists.

Wild Flowers

We have a good range of wildflowers in the hay meadows and pastures including the early purple orchid, yellow viola, violets especially at God’s Bridge, barren strawberry, dog rose, cowslips, march marigold, meadowsweet, meadow saxifrage, primrose, wild strawberry, wood anemone, cuckoo flower, foxgloves, lady’s bedstraw, lady’s smock etc.

Butterflies and Otters

The Red Admiral, Peacock and Painted Lady are common butterfly visitors to East Mellwaters Farm and if you are very lucky you might see an otter on the River Greta or Sleightholme Beck.

Historical Remains

In addition points of historical interest with the remains of settlements dating back over several thousand years are clearly visible in certain lights. Also, limestone paving is visible in the Sleightholme Beck, whilst the River Greta has the best example of a natural bridge in the UK (at God’s Bridge).

Dark Skies

Mellwaters Barn being in the North Pennines AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark is fortunate to be in the ‘Dark Skies Zone’ where we can guide you to appropriate viewing areas on site.

Latest Reviews

"The cottage was clean and comfortable, and the owners very friendly and helpful. My two boys loved the freedom and space to run around outside. It was lovely to be able to walk down to the stream and visit the sheep. The surrounding area is just beautiful. The kitchen was incredibly well equipped, and the owners very kindly left a few goodies to get us started, including a bottle of wine and some chocolates from a local shop. We very much enjoyed our stay and would definitely return in the future."

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Why choose Mellwaters Barn?

GUARANTEED BEST PRICE

By booking direct you ensure you get the best price.

QUALITY ASSURED

Previously recognised for our high standard of accommodation, with careful attention to cleanliness, comfort and guest experience.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Enjoy communicating with us directly prior, during and after your stay, ensuring that your holiday expectations are met.