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Ipstones

Archway Cottage Swimming Lake, BBQ hut, Games Room

Welcome to Archway Cottage – accessible luxury in a beautiful setting ideal for a
special escape.

With a private lake for wild swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding, stunning views
and wildlife plus a gorgeous covered BBQ hut for al fresco dining, this is the ultimate
feel-good stay!

Archway – with ground floor accommodation for up to 5 guests, including a king-size
bed – is one of 7 cottages sleeping between 2 and 5 guests. You can
accommodate larger groups by booking extra cottages.

This spacious ground floor property with three bedrooms sleeping up to 5 guests is one of 7 luxurious cottages for between 2 and 5, all pet-friendly! They nestle between Caldon Canal and the private wildlife-rich lake where guests love to swim, boats and kayaks provided!

Archway is open plan with Freeview TV, generous seating, a dining table, bookcase and log fire. There’s a well-appointed kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, kettle, coffee-maker, toaster, dishwasher and fridge/freezer – all thoughtfully designed to provide ease of mobility for wheelchair users.

There’s a ramped entry, wider doorways and space for easy access. The kitchen and dining areas are user-friendly with wheelchair-accessible design, including the dining table with a cut-away side for wheelchair arms. Chemical-free fresh spring water is sourced from Foxtwood’s own spring. The garden extends directly from the living space, making al fresco dining easy!

One bedroom is king-size with a private en-suite, the second has twin beds and the smaller third bedroom has a single bed. The spacious main bathroom has a shower and a bath and is designed for ease of use with fold-down arms around the toilet, grip rails above the bath, and a flush-entry shower complete with a fold-down seat.

The garden and courtyard are level for easy access and there’s parking space for one car just yards from the door.

Relax in style with underfloor heating, log fires and 360 degree views of the lake – ducks, swans and gorgeous greenery! The candlelit barbecue hut also has great views, a dining area and firepit.

Archway is a tranquil retreat with a host of activities – boats, kayaks, swimming, paddleboarding, covered table tennis and table football, a magnetic dartboard, little scooters, a trampoline, swing and slides, swingball, a swing seat … plus candlelit barbecues. There’s a piano in the communal games area, which is separate from the
cottage and shared with other guests.

The property holds the Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark!

The SEQM award is an official award that is given by Staffordshire County Council and Destination Staffordshire - a local government authority and the main Staffordshire tourist organisation. The award is official recognition of what we are doing for the environment and people, both globally and in Staffordshire. As an SEQM award holder, this property is considered a trusted custodian of Staffordshire.

The EQM award scheme has also been validated by VisitEngland!

Parking on the premises

The EV charger is currently working.
Payment is via an app "Voltshare"
Price is 60p /kwh

Pet friendly
There are friendly dogs on site and you are also welcome to bring two furry friends
We do have some doggy rules: dogs on leads in communal areas. No dogs to be left alone in cottages. Poops to be cleared up please and thank you!

You can accommodate larger groups by booking two or more Foxtwood cottages

The BBQ pit can be booked from 5pm to 10pm for £30. The fee includes a bucket of
charcoal and a trug of logs sufficient for a group of up to 6. Extra charcoal and logs
can be purchased at £10 each. If the pit isn’t booked you are welcome to picnic and
relax there without charge.

Foxtwood is a great base for exploring the Victorian and industrial heritage of the
Potteries!

Port Vale FC ‒ 12.3 miles, 30 min

Trentham Monkey Forest – walk with monkeys, 140 Barbary macaques living wild!
14.5 miles, 33 min

Festival Retail Park ‒ 11.4 miles, 27 min

Where you’ll be
Staffordshire, England, United Kingdom

Country Retreat

5 Guests

3 Bedrooms

1 Bathroom

Midweek £184/nt · Weekend £214/nt

+ £75 cleaning fee · Select dates for exact price

Minimum stay: 1 night

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

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GUESTS

PETS

No extra guest fees — the price is the same for any party size up to 5 guests. Please include everyone staying; bookings cannot exceed this maximum.

Accommodation £0.00

Discount £0.00

Cleaning fee £0.00

Total £0.00

Pets welcome (max 2) No smoking No parties

Free cancellation up to 10 days before arrival.

FEATURES

Wifi

On site parking

Garden

Patio/Balcony

Outdoor table and chairs

Shower

Bath

Woodburning Stove

Coffee Machine

Oven

Washing Machine

Dishwasher

Microwave

Iron

Hairdryer

Tumble dryer

Firepit

BBQ

EV Charger

BED LAYOUT

Sleeps 5 3 bedrooms 4 beds

Bedroom 1

1× Single Bed

Bedroom 2

1× Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1× Single Bed

77 verified reviews

(74 reviews)

(3 reviews)

All reviews from verified guests

5.0/5

Excellent for wheelchair user

5.0/5

Beautiful location and facilities were great with lots to keep children entertained. We loved our time on or by the swimming lake! Handy for Alton Towers. Thanks!

5.0/5

Fourth time back and I honestly always have such a peaceful stay at foxt cottages. Time seems to stand still , the cottage gardens are lovely too. Very relaxing , thank you again for your hospitality 💛

5.0/5

We had a fantastic 4-night stay at Archway Cottage at Foxtwood Cottages and couldn’t have asked for a better place.

The cottage was spotless, well laid out, and cosy, with an open plan kitchen, dining and living area. It had everything we needed and felt welcoming from the moment we arrived.

The lakeside location is beautiful – peaceful and quiet, yet only a short drive from Alton Towers and Thor’s Cave. It was the perfect base for our trip.

It was also brilliant for the kids, with plenty to do on site including the trampoline, games room and canoes.

One of the highlights was renting the BBQ hut for an evening – everything was provided and it made for a really cosy, memorable family night.

The hosts were excellent throughout, with great communication and everything exactly as described.

We’d happily stay here again and would highly recommend it.

5.0/5

Loved our short stay here, quiet and peaceful and with beautiful surroundings.

10.0/10

Positive: We stayed here whilst visiting Alton Towers. I’ve not stopped reflecting on our stay and have recommended it to lots. The BBQ hut overlooking the lake and view with the kayaks was magical. Our boys loved toasting marshmallows, going on the kayaks and playing in the games room. The cottage was lovely, very clean and comfy, and Hetty’s Tea Rooms across the way is worth a visit. We will definitely be back

5.0/5

Super spot for walks or just hanging out with kids and playing with the multiple game options. On sunny days, there’s gorgeous morning and evening sun - sweet patio to quietly enjoy a sundowner, too. Accommodation was really clean and clutter-free! Would certainly stay again if in the area.

5.0/5

Just had a wonderful 2 night stay at Foxtwood cottages, 2 adults and 3 kids.
We stayed in The Archway cottage which was the perfect size for the 5 of us.
The cottage was clean, comfortable and warm. Access to an enclosed small garden and then full access to the on site amenities.
Some of us were brave enough to try the lake swimming, some of us not so brave. The kayaks and games room for kids were a highlight.
We hired the bbq hut for one night which we'd recommend.
Overall a comfortable, peaceful stay, just not long enough! We'd 100% recommend to other families.

5.0/5

remarkable place, pictures and description doesn't actually show how great of a place it is

5.0/5

Excellent place. Generous with dish washer tablets. Wash powder. Bath room utensils. Xxxx

5.0/5

We had a wonderful stay at Archway Cottage. The surroundings are stunning and incredibly peaceful. Our children enjoyed the covered games area and the playground. It was also a great base for our trip to Alton Towers. We would highly recommend it here.

5.0/5

We had a lovely 3 night stay at the travel fox.
The place was peaceful and the beds were comfortable.
The games outside where great we all enjoyed them.
The weather was abit cold to use the Barbecue area but looked amazing and well set up.
We would go back again.
Thsnk you for having us

5.0/5

5 of us stayed here for our friends birthday and it blew our expectations out of the water! We booked the fire pit and it was perfectly prepared for our arrival with ample wood and plenty of blankets! The area was quiet and had amazing views! Would book to stay again in a heartbeat

5.0/5

Clean and cozy house stunning location

5.0/5

Great place fully fitted with everything you need. Beautiful surroundings with great opportunities for outdoor activities. Definitely a gem :)

5.0/5

This place is great and has everything you need to relax and enjoy the place! Lots of activities to keep the family entertained! My daughters enjoyed the piano and the table football etc. We will definitely come back with our friends!

5.0/5

Lovely short stay here. Beautiful location and friendly and helpful owners.

5.0/5

We really enjoyed our stay here. Lovely peaceful location on a small lake. The accommodation was clean and warm and quiet at night. We booked the fire pit which was really fun and definitely recommended. The host was responsive and helpful. Thank you!

5.0/5

Lovely place, great for families. Probably better to wait until it’s definitely not rainy to make the most of the surroundings. But lovely place for a relax.

5.0/5

Wonderful venue, lovely helpful owners, would love to come back soon .

5.0/5

This is my third time visiting Foxt cotrages and every time it’s a lovely stay. The cottage is cozy , beds are comfortable and the pillows are like clouds. Staying over the Christmas period was lovely too, the grounds were decorated selectively with Christmas lights that made it feel extra magical. The hosts are always there to help and I truly loved my stay. Thank you again for your hospitality ☺️💛

5.0/5

Great place ! Great location ! Good communication ! Can’t fault.

5.0/5

we loved the location and swimming in the lake, also did a great walk right from the cottage. Hettys tea shop is lush too. The cottage had everything we needed, lovely bedding and made the most of having an open fire. Would love to come back in summer to enjoy more of the outside space.

10.0/10

Amazing, peaceful break in idyllic location.
Positive: Fantastic, well equipped cottage in beautiful location.
Negative: Enjoyed everything about the stay.

5.0/5

Lovely setting, so pretty and peaceful. Even in autumn when it was quite muddy we still had a great time exploring the area. The fire pit hut is a must.

5.0/5

A great, well equipped home in beautiful surroundings, easy to find and access.
Everything was just as described and Sam
and his team prompt and responsive to
any queries, we plan to visit again.

5.0/5

Lovely place to stay - particularly enjoyed the lake and being so close to the canal. Very friendly hosts.

5.0/5

We all had a lovely weekend. Great apartment and in a beautiful location. Would highly recommend 😊

5.0/5

Stunning location, very clean tidy and spacious apartment. Very helpful and attentive hosts. Handy for Alton Towers! Very relaxing stay, would thoroughly recommend!!

5.0/5

LOVED this home. Warm, immaculate, homely, comfortable.

Location amazing.

Private garden that backs onto the canal.

Would highly recommend.

5.0/5

excellent place to
Stay lovely surroundings and kayaks were a nice bonus

5.0/5

what a beautiful, magical place! My two children absolutely adored the playground, the games room, BBQ and lake area, finding tree swings and the friendly dogs! They have already asked to go back next year! Really fabulous for families and so close to Alton Towers, we will be back! Thanks you

5.0/5

Amazing location , set back from the road. Large cottage with everything we needed . Amazing lake 💙 peacefull and lovely surroundings

5.0/5

We had a fantastic stay at the property, the surroundings are beautiful and lots to do in the area. Our son loved watching the ducks and playing on the trampoline! The accommodation was well-appointed and comfortable. We hope to return one day.

5.0/5

This place was hidden away in a lovely setting. There were tons of games and activities on-site, and the water body was so inviting. There was also a cozy BBQ space. I highly recommend it for a relaxing getaway. The hosts were super friendly and helpful.

5.0/5

Fantastic accommodation in beautiful surroundings - we absolutely loved our stay, thank you! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

5.0/5

Amazing find! Just wanted somewhere close to Alton Towers but this exceeded expectations. Great for families with a park, trampoline and kayaks. Will definitely be back

5.0/5

Lovely cottage in a glorious location. £75 cleaning fee for 1 night is exorbitant

5.0/5

We loved our stay at the cottage.. the surroundings/lake were stunning. Kayaking was so much fun and all the extra games. I wasn’t brave enough for a dip but my husband and kids went in! Lots to do near by and the hosts had lots of good recommendations. Also hiring out the bbq area for the night is a must. Would definitely love to come back.

5.0/5

Beautiful cottage in peaceful country surroundings, comfortable, spacious, clean, well equipped kitchen, board games & outdoor toys available, ideal for visiting Alton Towers. Private garden with furniture. Sam was very responsive & accommodating. Hettys tea room across the road is a lovely treat. Highly recommend, we hope to stay again.

5.0/5

Beautiful setting with so much wildlife! Apartment was very well laid out and spacious. Would stay again!

5.0/5

Beautiful accommodation. The garden overlooks the canal which was lovely. A beautiful place to unwind.

5.0/5

Picturesque, peaceful. everything you will need for a break away with nature.

5.0/5

I honestly don’t know where to start, our stay was AMAZING from start to finish. Thank you so much for having us, I can’t recommend this place enough. So clean and tidy with so much to offer outdoors. The most incredible location, thank you!

5.0/5

Absolutely beautiful peaceful spot. A hidden gem where we felt we were in another world. Fabulous group of properties with well considered outdoor space. The log burner and barbecue area are particularly good. Highly recommend this place.

5.0/5

Great location. Set on a beautiful lake with kayaks to use. We loved being able to wild water swim. Great area to chill out on rocking chairs under cover with a log burner. Loads of fun stuff for kids ( trampoline, table tennis etc). Accommodation was great too. Comfy beds. A lovely private garden too ❤️.
Take bug spray…loads of mosquitoes!

5.0/5

The best Airbnb we have stayed in by a mile , we will be back next year , but for longer , as one night certainly wasn't enough.
Absolutely faultless 💚

5.0/5

Absolutely beautiful place.
Stayed for Alton towers but would have loved to have stayed longer just for the cottage and its surrounding land.
So well catered, beautiful lake for swimming and kayaking, games and a wonderful fire pit. Would absolutely recommend, very well hosted too- responsive to any questions I had

5.0/5

Great stay highly recommended

What’s nearby

Hand-picked local spots around Archway Cottage Swimming Lake, BBQ hut, Games Room — tap a pin for details.

Explore the area around Archway Cottage Swimming Lake, BBQ hut, Games Room

Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, Archway Cottage offers a perfect base for exploring the delights of the Alton Towers region and charming surrounding villages. Thrill-seekers are just a short drive from the iconic theme park itself, while heritage lovers can enjoy a scenic journey on the Churnet Valley Railway from Kingsley Station. For family fun beyond the cottage, Peak Wildlife Park is easily accessible too!

Sam’s local picks

You’re in for a treat staying at Archway Cottage – it's such a lovely spot! If you fancy a step back in time, Churnet Steam Railway is just a short drive (6.7 miles, about 13 minutes), and for beautiful woodland walks, Dimmingsdale is well worth the 19-minute journey; both are perfect days out from here.

Archway Cottage Surround yourself in nature! Archway Cottage nestles in a stunning Staffordshire Peak District location close to the National Park.

Churnet Steam Railway is 0.8 miles 2 min Alton Towers Resort, Waterpark and gardens ‒ England’s largest theme park with 40 rides and attractions including Oblivion, Smiler, Nemesis, Forbidden Valley, Dark Forest, the new Curse of Alton Manor and CBeebies Land 6.7 miles · ~20 min

Dimmingsdale spectacular scenery, haven for wildlife and ramblers with award- winning Ramblers Retreat tearoom 7.9 miles · ~20 min

JCB World factory tour and museum celebrating the world famous diggers plus waterfowl lakes 9.9 miles · ~30 min · 4.6★ · (15,753 reviews)

Uttoxeter Racecourse 16.4 miles · ~45 min · 4.3★ · (24 reviews) Photo by Ivan Brosnan

Thor’s Cave Stone Age Airbnb, natural cavern with stunning views, 10.6 miles, 24 min. Nearby is the Neolithic burial site Long Row

Peak District National Park, 10.3 miles, 21 mts ~1 hr · 4.8★ · (34,070 reviews)

Waterworld tropical indoor aqua park with Stormchaser, Cyclone, Hurricane, Nucleus, Family Multi Slide and toddler rides Waterworld provides indoor waterpark fun with flumes, wave machines & tropical theming. 11.6 miles · ~30 min · 3.9★ · (8,244 reviews) Photo by Waterworld

Potteries Museum and Art Gallery the Staffordshire Hoard, largest ever find of Anglo-Saxon treasure plus the world’s finest Staffordshire pottery collection 11.2 miles · ~30 min · 4.4★ · (2,405 reviews)

The Trent & Mersey Canal, walks, cycling and award winning Middleport Pottery attraction 12.6 miles · ~35 min

Emma Bridgewater factory and shop 10.6 miles · ~30 min · 4.4★ · (499 reviews)

The World of Wedgewood best of British design, factory tour and shop, throw your own pot! 13.7 miles · ~40 min · 4.6★ · (15,753 reviews)

Stafford Castle turrets and keep, re-enactments, herb garden and woodland walk 20.9 miles · ~60 min · 4.4★ · (1,505 reviews)

Where to eat & drink

Guests staying here will find dining options within easy reach, including The Lazy Trout approximately 25 minutes away for pub fare alongside the River Dove. Ramblers Retreat is closer at around a 10 minute drive and specialises in homemade cakes for those exploring nearby footpaths.

The Lazy Trout The Lazy Trout serves delicious pub fare beside the calming waters of the River Dove. Pub · 4.7★ · (2,813 reviews) · 8.1 miles · ~25 min Photo by Paul Gascoyne
Ramblers Retreat Ramblers Retreat offers homemade cakes and refreshments ideal for walkers exploring the area. Café · 4.7★ · (1,563 reviews) · 3.8 miles · ~10 min Photo by Dani Jones
The Wayfarer The Wayfarer provides locally sourced, high-quality food in a charming village gastropub setting. Gastropub · 4.6★ · (3,871 reviews) · 12.3 miles · ~35 min Photo by The Wayfarer

Things to do

Guests staying here are well-placed for exploring a range of attractions in Staffordshire. Churnet Valley Railway is just 0.8 miles away, offering heritage steam train rides from Kingsley and Froghall Station. For family entertainment, Alton Towers is approximately 4.4 miles distant, while nature enthusiasts can reach Peak Wildlife Park in around 5 minutes via a 2.5 mile drive.

Churnet Valley Railway (Kingsley and Froghall Station) Churnet Valley Railway offers heritage steam train rides through the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands countryside. 4.7★ · (2,595 reviews) · 0.8 miles · ~2 min Photo by Churnet Valley Railway - (Kingsley and Froghall,Station)
Peak Wildlife Park Peak Wildlife Park uniquely allows close encounters with wallabies, penguins and other exotic animals. Wildlife park · 4.6★ · (5,590 reviews) · 2.5 miles · ~5 min Photo by Peak Wildlife Park
Alton Towers Alton Towers thrills visitors with iconic rollercoasters like Nemesis and The Smiler. Entertainment · 4.4★ · (56,966 reviews) · 4.4 miles · ~10 min Photo by Sergio Gutiérrez
Thor's Cave Thor’s Cave provides stunning views from a dramatic natural cave high in the limestone cliffs. Attraction · 4.7★ · (2,690 reviews) · 5.9 miles · ~15 min Photo by kevin mills
Alton Towers Waterpark Alton Towers Waterpark boasts exhilarating water slides and family-friendly aquatic adventures. Attraction · 4.3★ · (4,378 reviews) · 4.7 miles · ~15 min Photo by michael seng
National Trust - Ilam Park Ilam Park showcases beautiful riverside meadows, woodland walks and historic manor house ruins. Park · 4.7★ · (4,361 reviews) · 6.6 miles · ~20 min Photo by Jane
Trentham Monkey Forest Trentham Monkey Forest lets you walk amongst 140 Barbary macaques roaming freely. Wildlife park · 4.6★ · (9,829 reviews) · 11.5 miles · ~30 min Photo by Trentham Monkey Forest
Lud's Church Lud's Church is a deep, atmospheric gorge famed for inspiring Tolkien’s Middle-earth landscapes. Attraction · 4.8★ · (2,156 reviews) · 11.1 miles · ~30 min Photo by WaiTak Chao
National Trust - Biddulph Grange Garden Biddulph Grange Garden features Victorian recreations of exotic garden styles from around the world. Botanical garden · 4.7★ · (5,703 reviews) · 10.9 miles · ~30 min Photo by Jimothy Z
Carsington Water Visitor Centre Carsington Water Visitor Centre offers watersports, birdwatching and scenic lakeside walks. Attraction · 4.6★ · (7,863 reviews) · 13.3 miles · ~35 min Photo by Carsington Water Visitor Centre

Getting there & essentials

Guests staying here will require a car for access to local amenities such as the Tesco Superstore in [town/city name], approximately 20 minutes away by road.

Tesco Superstore Tesco Superstore is convenient for groceries and essential supplies during your visit. Supermarket · 4.2★ · (457 reviews) · 6.8 miles · ~20 min Photo by Dean Bromley
Well Pharmacy Branch of the Well pharmacy chain on Enterprise Way, Stoke-on-Trent, for prescriptions and everyday medicines. Pharmacy · 2.5★ · (31 reviews) · 7.0 miles · ~20 min Photo by Well Pharmacy