Draycott in the Moors

The Cowshed

Escape to the countryside and enjoy a relaxing stay at ‘The Cow Shed’, a beautifully converted barn offering comfort and character in the heart of Staffordshire. Near to Alton Towers, Moddershall Oaks, Trentham Gardens, Emma Bridgewater.
Whether you just want to relax in the peaceful countryside or head out and visit the local area this is the perfect base!

The Cowshed offers the perfect blend of comfort and charm, and can accommodate up to four guests. With one double bedroom with ensuite on the ground floor, and a second double bedroom on the first floor, this home is ideal for parties with someone who has restricted mobility.

Combining rustic charm with modern amenities, the Cowshed provides a perfect location for guests being within easy reach of many attractions nearby such as Alton towers, the Peak District, Trentham gardens and Moddershall Oaks Spa as well as many walks in the local countryside.

The converted barn is accessed via a gated driveway and you will be surrounded by the owner’s farmland and menagerie of animals throughout your stay. There is a country pub within ½ mile which also houses an Indian restaurant and two other restaurants within 3miles of the property. The nearby town of Stone has a farmers’ market on the first Saturday of the month and Trentham gardens often has makers markets running.
Whether you just want to relax in the peaceful countryside or head out and visit the Staffordshire area this is the perfect base!

Fishing available with prior arrangement- fish must be returned to the pool.

The grounds of the property are available for guests use which include seating areas in the island dome, inside a gazebo with thatched roof and numerous benches to enjoy the stunning views.
Our chickens, ducks, horses and the resident swan are all around for the guests to feel immersed in the countryside.

Due to the unfenced lake and the animals present on the property, pets are not allowed. Any children MUST be supervised by an adult at all times when outside.

Guests are welcome to use the dome on the island in the lake (closed Dec-March), as well as the multiple seating areas around the lake.

Parking for 2x cars

For safety reasons, guests aren't allowed to pass through the gate towards the stables.

Friendly dogs are on site, but cannot access the Cowshed garden as it is enclosed.

6 Guests

3 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

Midweek £208/nt · Weekend £249/nt

Cleaning included · Select dates for exact price

Minimum stay: 1 night

Check-in after 16:00 · Check-out before 10:00

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GUESTS

No extra guest fees — the price is the same for any party size up to 6 guests. Please include everyone staying; bookings cannot exceed this maximum.

Accommodation £0.00

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Free cancellation up to 10 days before arrival.

Please note: a deposit or damage waiver will be required prior to arrival.

FEATURES

Bath

Oven

On site parking

Hairdryer

Iron

Tumble dryer

Washing Machine

Wifi

Garden

BED LAYOUT

Sleeps 6 3 bedrooms 3 beds

Living Area

3× Double Beds

23 verified reviews

(19 reviews)

(4 reviews)

All reviews from verified guests

5.0/5

Beautiful place in amazing surroundings. Hosts made us feel very welcome. Highly recommended

5.0/5

Jan and Ian were the most lovely couple , giving advice to my son who is really into his fishing , the house was spotlessly clean and well maintained.. we just wished we could have stayed longer.we will definatly be returning.we will also be recommending to anyone who is after somewhere to stay close to alton towers.The kids really enjoyed having their breakfast in the pod and watching the horses and chickens and petting the friendly dogs! Thank you again!

5.0/5

We booked The Cowshed very, very last minute for just one night as we happened to be in the area, and we’re so glad we did!

The hosts Ian and Jan were incredibly welcoming and generous, and it was such a pleasure to meet them. You can really feel the love and care they’ve poured into their land, home and all their animals — the horses, chickens, ducks and, of course, the wonderfully friendly dogs. We especially loved meeting Bonnie, who completely stole our hearts! 🐾

We only wish we’d had more time to enjoy the property and everything it has to offer. It felt like such a special little escape, and we’ll definitely be back. Highly recommend!

10.0/10

A fantastic stay, in a beautiful location, friendly hosts and a lovely property, perfect.
Positive: Beautiful location, the cow shed was beautifully furnished, spotlessly clean and very comfortable.
Out hosts were very welcoming and friendly.
Negative: It couldn't have been better was perfect for us.

5.0/5

We stayed at the Cowshed for 3 nights whilst we visited Alton Towers & we had an amazing time.

Ian & Jan were such friendly & welcoming hosts that we instantly felt at home. The Cowshed is spacious, spotlessly clean, extremely well furnished and an absolute pleasure to stay in. At just a short 30min drive to Alton Towers it’s also perfectly located to offer some peace & quiet after the busy park days. We especially enjoyed relaxing in the pod out on the water.

Our Son especially loved spending time with Jan & Ian’s Dogs (Bonnie especially) who he grew so fond of, he was asking to come home from Alton Towers early to see her.

We’re already planning our trip back soon,

The Young & Fenton families.

5.0/5

Amazing property situated in a lovely location and amongst beautiful views. Jan and Ian were amazing hosts and very friendly. We will definitely visit again!

5.0/5

Ian and Jan were amazing Hosts
Nothing was too much for this amazing couple .
Ian transported us to a number places. I can’t recommend this amazing destination and hosts. I can’t wait to come back xx

10.0/10

Positive: The property was lovely. The views were stunning , such a lovely home. We loved our time here and would return!

5.0/5

This was one of the best Airbnb's i have stayed at with my family. Not only was the accommodation perfect condition and immaculately kept, but the whole stay was a dream. The kids connected so wonderfully with Jan & Ian and their pet dogs, they were hardly in during our stay opting to follow them around the farm, petting the horses & adorable dogs (our kids have always been afraid of dogs but this experience changed it all for them), eyeing up the chickens and feeding & fishing out some fish with a net. It is a wonderful space to stay in and good base to drive to plenty fun activities. It was amazing through and through and honestly the best part were the owners Jan & Ian. Such wonderful, decent, kind and warm human beings. They are an inspiration to all with their strong work ethic and kindness to all! Animals and humans too! We will definitely be back and thank you for kickstarting our holiday with a week of fun for our family that will be hard to follow! Gd Bless!

5.0/5

Lovely stay for my surveyors, the host has been great and easy to communicate with. Will book again when in the area next.

5.0/5

The setting is absolutely beautiful, with swans, horses, and lots of adorable dogs. The hosts are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home.

5.0/5

The hosts were such amazing people and genuinely had a great time. We came up from London and what a good getaway from the city. Thank you to Ian and Jan for being such kind hosts and will definitely try to come again!

4.0/5

The perfect city getaway. The property owner was super kind and helpful, plus his animals and dogs were so friendly. The perfect property couldn’t have asked for anything more.

5.0/5

Amazing stay! Ian was an excellent host—friendly, welcoming, and helpful throughout our visit. The view from the apartment was absolutely stunning and made the experience even more memorable. I would highly recommend this stay to anyone looking for a comfortable and enjoyable place to stay.

5.0/5

Beautiful location, Jan and Ian who live on site were very lovely and welcoming. The property was very clean spacious and all the bedrooms were very clean and tidy. Parking was not an issue and the site as a whole was very scenic and peaceful. Would recommend!

10.0/10

Lovely, comfortable & homely.
Positive: Beautiful accommodation in a stunning setting! Clean, homely, comfortable. Lovely hosts.

5.0/5

Lovely stay, the hosts were very forthcoming with showing us round and friendly. The pod in the garden was lovely with a heater, great stay after a long hike in the Peak District took us 40 mins to drive from the Roaches. Would definitely recommend!

5.0/5

We spent a week at The Cowshed in Fulford and it genuinely exceeded our expectation. The place is spotless and beautifully finished.

The setting is incredible. Waking up to peaceful countryside views each morning was a highlight, and the location is ideal — tucked away enough to feel private and relaxing, but only a short drive from Alton Towers.

The hosts were exceptional. Friendly, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure the stay was perfect. Everything was clearly explained, check‑in was effortless, and they’d clearly gone above and beyond to make the place feel special.

In short: highly recommended.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, stylish, and well‑looked‑after place to stay in the Fulford/Alton Towers area, The Cowshed is absolutely perfect. I’d happily stay again without hesitation.

5.0/5

Beautiful place everything was perfect will book again if working in the area again

5.0/5

Everything was perfect! Would definitely book again

10.0/10

Wonderful
Positive: We had a really wonderful stay in The Cow Shed. The owners are fantastic - a really nice welcome sets you up with everything you need, then the property itself is perfect for a short break, we really couldn't fault it. The downstairs provides everything you need, with a big bedroom and bathroom, well stocked kitchen, utility room and absolutely vast living/dining room. Upstairs there are two good bedrooms, another bathroom and a balcony overlooking the beautiful gardens. Speaking of which, sitting outside on a sunny spring evening looking at the beautiful lake and all its wildlife... That's something we'll remember for a long time. Highly recommend this place.

5.0/5

We had an amazing stay! The property is beautiful and perfect for taking photographs, with stunning surroundings everywhere you look. The rooms were very well maintained, clean, and comfortable throughout our visit. The hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful, and it was reassuring that they stayed nearby if we needed anything.

One of the highlights was the lovely pond filled with fish, with a small hut in the middle that has heating and lighting — such a unique and relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the views. We also loved the animals on the property — horses, chickens, ducks, swans, and more — which made the experience even more special.

A peaceful, charming place that we’d happily visit again.

5.0/5

We were greeted with a warm welcome by the owner of the property on arrival! We were shown round and everything was explained to us, which was fab! The house and the grounds are absolutely beautiful. The house is pristine and beautifully kept. The grounds and views over the valley are stunning and seeing them from the dome in the middle of the water, was so unique. The dome has a heater, chairs and table so taking your morning coffee there or having a wine whilst watching the sunset was a fabulous added bonus to our stay!!
We can’t recommend it enough! Only short car journeys to Trentham Estate and various other walks/experiences!
We will be returning, thank you!

What’s nearby

Hand-picked local spots around The Cowshed — tap a pin for details.

Explore the area around The Cowshed

Guests staying here are positioned for easy access to a variety of specific local landmarks and dining options located within the Fulford area. The Wayfarer pub and restaurant is located 5.1 miles from the property, which is roughly a 15 minute drive for those visiting. Trentham Monkey Forest is situated 6.1 miles away and can be reached in approximately 15 minutes to observe the resident Barbary macaques. These specific sites serve as the primary points of interest for visitors spending their time at The Cowshed.

Where to eat & drink

Guests staying here can visit Aston Marina for waterside dining, which is a 15 minute drive away. Brindley Farm serves traditional carvery meals and is located a 25 minute drive from the property.

The Wayfarer The Wayfarer provides refined dining with locally-sourced ingredients in a charming village pub setting. Gastropub · 4.6★ · (3,871 reviews) · 5.1 miles · ~15 min Photo by The Wayfarer
Aston Marina Aston Marina combines waterside dining with scenic canal boat watching opportunities. Restaurant · 4.5★ · (2,249 reviews) · 4.7 miles · ~15 min Photo by Aston Marina
Blockhouse at The Sheet Anchor Blockhouse at The Sheet Anchor serves renowned, high-quality steaks in a relaxed canal-side setting. Restaurant · 4.6★ · (3,932 reviews) · 10.6 miles · ~30 min Photo by Blockhouse at The Sheet Anchor
Seven Stars Country dining pub near Cannock Chase serving seasonal British food. Restaurant · 4.6★ · (3,818 reviews) · 11.3 miles · ~30 min
Brindley Farm - Dining & Carvery Brindley Farm serves traditional carvery meals in a family-friendly pub setting. Pub · 4.0★ · (5,678 reviews) · 8.7 miles · ~25 min Photo by Brindley Farm - Dining & Carvery

Things to do

Guests staying here can visit Alton Towers for high-adrenaline rollercoasters, located 7.7 miles away. For a wildlife encounter, Trentham Monkey Forest is a 15 minute drive from the property. History enthusiasts can experience vintage steam train rides at the Churnet Valley Railway, situated 6.8 miles from your stay in the Staffordshire countryside.

Trentham Monkey Forest Trentham Monkey Forest is a unique walk-through enclosure allowing close observation of Barbary macaques. Wildlife park · 4.6★ · (9,829 reviews) · 6.1 miles · ~15 min Photo by Trentham Monkey Forest
Churnet Valley Railway (Kingsley and Froghall Station) Churnet Valley Railway provides scenic steam train rides through the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. 4.7★ · (2,595 reviews) · 6.8 miles · ~20 min Photo by Churnet Valley Railway - (Kingsley and Froghall,Station)
Trentham Estate Trentham Estate provides beautiful gardens, a lake, shopping village & historic hall ruins. Park · 4.6★ · (12,095 reviews) · 6.3 miles · ~15 min Photo by Mark F
Alton Towers Alton Towers thrills with its collection of iconic rollercoasters like Nemesis and Wicker Man. Entertainment · 4.4★ · (56,966 reviews) · 7.7 miles · ~20 min Photo by Sergio Gutiérrez
Longton Park Longton Park offers a peaceful green space with boating lakes and seasonal flower displays. Park · 4.6★ · (2,469 reviews) · 4.4 miles · ~10 min Photo by Jessica Sinclair
Peak Wildlife Park Peak Wildlife Park lets you get close to exotic animals, including wallabies and big cats. Wildlife park · 4.6★ · (5,590 reviews) · 10.1 miles · ~30 min Photo by Peak Wildlife Park
Alton Towers Waterpark Alton Towers Waterpark offers adrenaline-pumping slides and family-friendly water adventures in one location. Attraction · 4.3★ · (4,378 reviews) · 8.0 miles · ~20 min Photo by michael seng
National Trust Shugborough Estate Shugborough Estate boasts stunning gardens, a historic hall, and intriguing follies along the River Trent. Attraction · 4.6★ · (3,863 reviews) · 10.2 miles · ~30 min Photo by charlotte rock
Shugborough Hall Shugborough Hall’s unique pastoral landscape and mysterious walled garden make it a captivating historical visit. Historical Landmark · 4.6★ · (3,023 reviews) · 9.7 miles · ~25 min Photo by Brian Drinkwater
Cannock Chase National Landscape Cannock Chase offers extensive woodland trails perfect for hiking, biking, and spotting wildlife like deer. Historical Landmark · 4.7★ · (6,739 reviews) · 12.7 miles · ~35 min Photo by Paul Gale

Experiences

Guests staying here can travel 4.4 miles to The Field at Field, which is a secure dog exercise field located 10 minutes away.

Paddocks For Paws Secure fenced paddock near Leek for private off-lead dog walking. Dog park · 4.9★ · (204 reviews) · 10.3 miles · ~30 min
Outward Hounds Halmerend Enclosed dog exercise field on a farm near Stoke-on-Trent for off-lead freedom. Dog park · 4.9★ · (144 reviews) · 13.3 miles · ~35 min
The Dog Paddock at Foston Secure fenced paddock near Derby for private off-lead dog walks. Dog park · 4.9★ · (116 reviews) · 14.6 miles · ~40 min
The Field at Field Secure dog exercise field near Uttoxeter for off-lead freedom. Dog park · 4.8★ · (54 reviews) · 4.4 miles · ~10 min

Getting there & essentials

Tesco Superstore is a 10 minute drive from The Cowshed, and Stone station is located 15 minutes away from the property.

Tesco Superstore Tesco Superstore provides convenient grocery shopping and essential supplies for visitors. Supermarket · 4.2★ · (457 reviews) · 2.8 miles · ~10 min Photo by Dean Bromley
Stone Stone station on the railway line between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. Train station · 3.8★ · (28 reviews) · 4.7 miles · ~15 min
Well Pharmacy Branch of the Well pharmacy chain on Enterprise Way, Stoke-on-Trent, for prescriptions and everyday medicines. Pharmacy · 2.5★ · (31 reviews) · 3.0 miles · ~10 min Photo by Well Pharmacy
Meir Primary Care Centre Primary care and GP centre serving the Meir area of Stoke-on-Trent. Medical Center · 3.2★ · (98 reviews) · 3.5 miles · ~10 min