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Ipstones

Bolt Hole: Swimming Lake, BBQ hut, Games Room

Welcome to Bolt Hole – a luxury canalside retreat for two. With a private lake for wild
swimming, kayaking and boating plus al fresco dining in a candelit BBQ hut it’s the
ultimate romantic escape!
Return from walks in the stunning Staffordshire countryside starting from your door
to underfloor heating, a cosy log-burning stove, king-size bedroom, a spa bath and a
shower made for two.

Bolt Hole is one of 7 lovely Foxtwood cottages so you can accommodate larger
groups by booking two or more!

This canalside cottage is a romantic haven for two with stunning views and
underfloor heating – one of 7 luxurious cottages sleeping between 2 and
5, all pet-friendly. They’re located between Caldon Canal and the private wildlife-rich
lake where guests love to swim – boats and kayaks provided!

The welcoming sitting-dining area is made cosier by the wood-burning stove and the
well-equipped kitchen at hand – complete with dishwasher, fridge/freezer. oven, hob,
microwave, kettle, coffee-maker and toaster. An extra WC is tucked away off the
hallway for added convenience and chemical-free spring water is sourced from
the land's own spring!

Upstairs is a cosy bedroom with a king-size bed and a well-appointed bathroom
boasting a sink, WC, bath, and shower designed for two. You’ll also find a quaint
open landing area with a desk and an inspiring view – perfect for quiet reading and
musing.
Just outside is a private garden and a table and chairs for drinks and al fresco dining
with a gorgeous view over the canal.

Bolt Hole is perfect for chilling out but offers lots of activities – boats, kayaks,
swimming, paddleboarding … even a piano in the communal games area shared
with other guests. Enjoy uplifting views – swans, ducks and gorgeous greenery –
plus picnics and a candlelit barbecue with dining area and firepit.

Bolt Hole is proud to hold the Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark

Free parking on the premises

Electric vehicle charger

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!

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.

Larger groups can book extra cottages

Bolt Hole is a great base for exploring the Victorian and industrial heritage of the
Potteries

Festival Retail Park ‒ 11.4 miles, 27 min

Port Vale FC ‒ 12.3 miles, 30 min

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

Country Retreat

2 Guests

1 Bedroom

1 Bathroom

Midweek £105/nt · Weekend £151/nt

+ £45 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 2 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

Dedicated workspace

Shower

Bath

Woodburning Stove

Coffee Machine

Oven

Washing Machine

Dishwasher

Microwave

Iron

Hairdryer

Tumble dryer

Firepit

BBQ

EV Charger

46 verified reviews

(38 reviews)

(8 reviews)

All reviews from verified guests

10.0/10

Positive: Wonderful views and landscapes
Cottages are very confortable and well equipped
Lots of outdoor area for kids to play safely
The BBQ area was amazing for our birthday celebrations.
Negative: Nothing

4.0/5

Gorgeous location,Thanks for the stay.

5.0/5

an fantastic cosy high standard cottage,
with all the home from home comforts.
Amazing views , lots of walks to choose from. Highly recommend we will be staying again soon.
lovely place to relax and chill out 😊 .

5.0/5

What an amazing place, lovely & clean, plenty of things to do if you have kids, lots of easy walks to do, two pubs in easy reach, very nice friendly people, one of the best places we’ve stayed, we also had breakfast on the steam railway lovely, we will definitely come back again for a bit longer next time 👍👏🙏🏻

5.0/5

cute place very well situated for local area exploring

4.0/5

Great cozy country style accommodation with good cooking facilities, dishwasher ect.
Having both and upstairs and downstairs toilet was very useful. Heating worked very well and kept the property very warm.

All round lovely property would stay again!

5.0/5

We needed a place to stay at short notice and found this one on the app. It was really easy to book and we got in less than an hour later which was a big relief at the time. The place was perfect, warm and peaceful. Right on the Cardin canal. Walks from the door for the dogs. The bed and sofas were comfy and clean. Good shower. Good comms from a the manager. Exactly what needed, thanks!

5.0/5

Perfect setting for a quiet couple of days away after all of the Christmas busyness. Comfortable. Quiet. Cosy. First time we had visited this area - but we'll be back (hopefully able to book more than one cottage so that family can come too!).

5.0/5

Very nice. Everything you need and perfect for what I required. Nice and tucked away.

10.0/10

Great setting
Positive: I loved the beautiful setting,a canal to the back of the cottage and lake to the front.
Loads of wildlife, birds and 3 swans!
The accommodation was great, the bed was comfy and the log burner was a treat.
The whole place had everything you needed
Negative: Nothing

10.0/10

Peaceful, tranquil setting, great for walkers.
Positive: This was our second visit to Travel Fox cottages as we enjoyed our visit so much the last time that we came earlier in the year. The cottage is very homely and comfortable and very well equipped. We noticed that this time there was a new, larger television on the wall since the last time which was a bonus. We love the tranquil and extremely attractive setting with the swimming lake if anyone is brave enough to get their feet cold!
Negative: Nothing not to like here.

10.0/10

Beautiful cottage’s loving the surroundings and walks
Positive: Very comfortable and clean
Negative: Nothing

10.0/10

Beautiful place to stay gorgeous views and walks
Positive: Comfortable and clean gorgeous views
Negative: Nothing

5.0/5

amazing place ,.
what a gem of a find ..
great local a short walk away .
the railway inn .very friendly landlord Steve even gave us a lift back after closing time .

will return for sure .

9.0/10

Positive: It's our second visit to Fox Cottages. This cottage was smaller than the last one we stayed in, but
still lovely. The little garden was beautiful to sit in, and the swimming lake was lovely to walk around with the dogs. The bed was big and comfortable, there was everything we needed, we would definitely stay again.
Negative: Nothing

5.0/5

Had such a lovely stay here, the cottage had everything we needed and the surrounding area was lovely too. Would definitely come back

5.0/5

Owners very friendly and welcoming. Great location with walks and a tearoom right on the doorstep. Enjoyed relaxing by the lake, feeding the swans and had a very exhilarating swim. Ample activities provided on site for families. We had a very peaceful and relaxing stay and would definitely visit again.

5.0/5

Really enjoyed our time - the lake was beautiful and the swan were very friendly! We would love to book again.

5.0/5

What a beautiful little gem of a place this is. Had a lovely relaxing, scenic break. Hosts are very welcoming and on hand to help. The BBQ Snug was amazingly tranquil as the sun went down. highly recommend 👌

10.0/10

We enjoyed our stay so much we booked again for later in the year to explore the area a bit more.
Positive: The house was cosy and thoughtfully decorated and the kitchen was well equipped. The garden was pretty overlooking the canal and the front of the property overlooked the beautiful lake.
Negative: Nothing not to like.

5.0/5

Amazing place in beautiful countryside. Take your provisions and you could just chill out on site , with its private lake which is stunning, kayaks, under cover bbq area, lake side seating, table tennis, swing ball and swimming. Its a peaceful location, and away from hustle and bustle. Accommodation is well equipped and very comfortable.
It's location for us was ideal to attend the narrow boat trip on the canal which runs by the property, and the Steam Train wine tasting which was 10 mins walk away .
We did lots of walking from the location and ended up at several pubs. The area has some really interesting history to it.
Hettys tearooms are also opposite and do great food in a great location on the canalside during the daytime..
It is a stunning location all in all and is well kept by the owners whom are incredibly welcoming and helpful.

5.0/5

Excellent place to stay, would definitely return.

5.0/5

Wonderful stay in the cottage. Cottage was cosy and had everything we could need. We enjoyed playing Scrabble in the garden and reading our books by the lake. Surrounding area was beautiful. We enjoyed Hetty's tea shop across the road. Lots to do in nearby area. Definitely plan to come back (with more of the family).

5.0/5

Brilliant location with beautiful surroundings. Can just relax at the cottage in the garden by the canal or by the swimming pond with the swans. Lots of outdoor activities to occupy children. There're a variety of walks to choose from straight from the cottage, and plenty to visit in the surrounding area with a car. Loved Hettys tea rooms right across the road, went for afternoon tea and the scones were delicious 😋.
Will definitely visit again if we are ever in the area.

5.0/5

A home from home. Lovely cottages in great surroundings. Highly recommended

4.0/5

The location was absolutely stunning and the accomodation was well equipped, we would stay again.

5.0/5

Lovely little stay, very clean and homely, nice location

5.0/5

We enjoyed our 5 days tremendously. Lots of local walks and within easy commute to the Peak District.

5.0/5

Was a beautiful peaceful place with many walks nearby and a lovely tea room just 2 minutes away.

10.0/10

Perfect family holiday
Positive: Location. Amenities. Hosts. Accommodation
Negative: Nothing

5.0/5

Felt very at home. Amazing setting with the lake and outdoor seating. Loved the bathroom ...great shower and jacuzzi bath! Comfy bed too.
Thank you!

5.0/5

stunning
lots to do
games etc
lake one side with swans
canal the other side that can be fished with appropriate license ,
local shop at ipstones , for more supplies , Cheadle not very far ,
peak district 20 mins
just superb 👌
I stayed for four nights
7 next time definitely 😁
highly recommended
totally 5 star
thank you Sam and team
John from Taunton x

5.0/5

This was the perfect place for a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by nature with beautiful views it was a lovely escape for the weekend. Being able to swim in the lake and have easy access to the canal for a paddle board was fabulous. Then coming back to relax in the spa bath was amazing.

5.0/5

Absolutely fantastic place, everything was perfect

5.0/5

Nice tranquil stay. The bathroom was amazing and the facilities provided. We enjpyed the outdoor games and kayaking on the lake. Will definitely visit again

5.0/5

great hosts and a great venue.
place was immaculate...in a great area to

5.0/5

The surrounding were picturesque and the property was lovely inside and out. there was a little back garden which was a nice extra the front was nice. bathroom was huge and a lovely bath.

5.0/5

An amazing place to stay in a beautiful and peaceful area :)

5.0/5

The cottage was in a beautiful surrounding and well located for exploring the surrounding hikes and towns. The living space was cozy and the spa bath and log burner were welcome treats after a wet walk. Communication from the team was quick and helpful. Would stay here again!

5.0/5

We were very impressed by the amenities. Canoes, wild swimming, open air recreation area, table tennis tables, bikes for the children, swings...not that we needed any of that, but it was good to see everybody enjoying all those things at no extra cost.
The garden was just great for our dog and the walk to the canal and was so easy to do.There are lots of places to walk around and we really enjoyed it all. We have recommended to our family

5.0/5

Here is a very homely cosy place set in beautiful surroundings with short or long walks outside the door, and a canal terminus for interest. The setting on an active farm gave a warm feeling. Whereas the Big Pond in February was cool, but well worth it! A real bonus to be encouraged to swim and such lovely people.
Everything you could want in a neat package, a real cosy treat.
Thank you.

5.0/5

Relaxing weekend break. No light pollution, no traffic.
Beautiful scenery
Owner's live on site really lovely helpful family

5.0/5

We stayed in room 4 for three nights to celebrate my birthday. The cottage was incredibly cute, with a generously sized bedroom and bathroom upstairs. The place was spotlessly clean. We were delighted with the number of extras provided in including oil, seasonings, and various cooking utensils. The house had a great selection of games and books to keep us entertained.

The garden out the back was a lovely bonus. However, if you have small dogs, be mindful of the garden fences, as they are quite gappy and could easily escape into the neighbouring garden or even the river that flows nearby.

There are some lovely walks to be had in the area. Unfortunately, the weather was quite unpleasant during our stay, making the walks quite muddy due to heavy rain. There’s a lovely pub The fox and goose, up the hill, that we enjoyed visiting.

Be advised the firepit and BBQ mentioned in the add come at an additional cost.

Overall we had a fantastic stay and would definitely come again!

5.0/5

Lovely place to stay and will definitely return! People were lovely and even helped me get the ice off my car! Love every minute

5.0/5

absolute little gem of a place, and the owners and other guests are so friendly, will be returning soon.

5.0/5

A beautiful, clean place. Will be staying again in the future.

What’s nearby

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

Explore the area around Bolt Hole: Swimming Lake, BBQ hut, Games Room

Just a ten-minute drive brings the thrills of Alton Towers to your doorstep, but there’s plenty more to discover beyond the famous theme park! Explore charming Staffordshire villages and enjoy a slower pace with a visit to the historic Churnet Valley Railway at Kingsley Station, or get up close with incredible animals at Peak Wildlife Park.

Sam’s local picks

Right here at Bolt Hole we've got loads to keep you entertained – take a dip in our lovely Swimming Lake or fire up the BBQ hut for dinner! If you fancy venturing out, Churnet Steam Railway is just 0.8 miles away and Dimmingsdale is a beautiful 7.9-mile drive; perfect for a scenic walk. Don’t forget to check out our Games Room too – it's great fun whatever the weather!

Bolt Hole Surround yourself in nature! Bolt Hole nestles in the stunning Staffordshire Peak District close to the National Park, set within ancient woodlands and flowery meadows.

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

Peak District National Park 10.3 miles · ~30 min · 4.8★ · (34,070 reviews)

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

Waterworld tropical indoor aqua park with Stormchaser, Cyclone, Hurricane, Nucleus, Family Multi Slide and toddler rides Waterworld provides an indoor tropical water park experience with numerous slides & attractions. 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)

Stoke City FC 13.0 miles · ~35 min

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 a variety of dining options within easy reach; Ramblers Retreat is approximately a 10-minute drive and serves coffee, cake and light bites. For pub food with river views, The Lazy Trout is around 25 minutes away by car.

The Lazy Trout The Lazy Trout serves delicious pub food alongside 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 a cozy spot for coffee, cake, and light bites near Alton Towers. Café · 4.7★ · (1,563 reviews) · 3.8 miles · ~10 min Photo by Dani Jones
The Wayfarer The Wayfarer is known for its refined gastropub meals using locally sourced ingredients. 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 a range of activities in North Staffordshire. Churnet Valley Railway is just 0.8 miles away offering heritage steam train rides, while Peak Wildlife Park with its exotic animals can be reached within a 5-minute drive at 2.5 miles. For family days out, Alton Towers is approximately 4.4 miles from the property and provides thrilling rollercoasters and attractions.

Churnet Valley Railway (Kingsley and Froghall Station) Churnet Valley Railway offers heritage steam train rides through picturesque Staffordshire 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 lets you get up-close with exotic animals like wallabies and penguins in a friendly setting. Wildlife park · 4.6★ · (5,590 reviews) · 2.5 miles · ~5 min Photo by Peak Wildlife Park
Alton Towers Alton Towers thrills visitors with its iconic collection of extreme rollercoasters and themed attractions. 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 within a dramatic natural cave high above the Manifold Valley. Attraction · 4.7★ · (2,690 reviews) · 5.9 miles · ~15 min Photo by kevin mills
Alton Towers Waterpark Alton Towers Waterpark features exhilarating water slides, wave pools, and family-friendly aquatic fun. 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, ancient woodlands, and a historic manor house. Park · 4.7★ · (4,361 reviews) · 6.6 miles · ~20 min Photo by Jane
Trentham Monkey Forest Trentham Monkey Forest uniquely allows you to walk amongst free-ranging Barbary macaques. 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 limestone 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 captivates with its Victorian extravagance and themed garden 'rooms'. 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 walking trails around a reservoir. Attraction · 4.6★ · (7,863 reviews) · 13.3 miles · ~35 min Photo by Carsington Water Visitor Centre

Getting there & essentials

Guests staying here will find a Tesco Superstore approximately 20 minutes away by car and enjoy on-site amenities including a swimming lake, BBQ hut, and games room.

Tesco Superstore Tesco Superstore provides convenient grocery shopping and essential supplies for visitors in the area. 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