Frequently Asked Questions:
Wildflower Holiday Cottages
We want our guests to have a really enjoyable stay in either of our two holiday cottages, Columbine and Foxglove, and part of that is making sure you choose the right place for you. Read our Frequently Asked Questions but if you can’t find the answer to your question on this page please get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.
How do we make a booking?
Booking is really easy. Check availability and special offers then decide how you want to contact us. You can book online or email using the contact form in the sidebar to make an enquiry. Alternatively telephone Sue on 07709 436727 or send a text message. We’ll get back to you quickly to confirm your dates and the price and to arrange for payment of the deposit.
What is included in the price?
We don’t like paying for hidden extras when we go on holiday ourselves so we think you probably don’t like it either! What you see is what you pay. The price quoted includes all bedding, towels, heating and power plus an initial supply of coal and logs for the open fire during colder months. We also offer free WiFi. We don’t charge extra if you wish to bring a dog to Foxglove Cottage.
Do you charge a booking fee?
Absolutely not. All bookings made through this website are made direct with Sue, the owner of Wildflower Cottages. You will not be charged a booking fee. Like many owners we also advertise some dates with Tripadvisor and Airbnb but these agencies add their own (sometimes significant) service charges/booking fees to the rental charged to guests.
What deposit do we pay and when is the final rental due?
We ask for a deposit of 25% in advance with the balance 8 weeks before your arrival date. For holidays which are to take place within 8 weeks of making the booking, the full rental is payable on booking.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment can be made by credit or debit card through PayPal (you don’t need to set up a PayPal account to pay by this method). We will not charge you extra to make a card payment. We can also accept payment by sterling cheque or by bank transfer on request.
Can I make a provisional booking?
Yes. We are happy to reserve your holiday dates provisionally to give you time to consult other party members and to finalise your travel plans. Just ask when you make an enquiry.
I’m worried about COVID-19 – will I get a refund if there is another lockdown?
We will give you a full refund if the UK Government introduces lockdown measures which require us to close our holiday cottages. We will also give you a full refund if you are unable to travel to take your holiday because of a local lockdown (this applies only to the booking address of the lead booker shown on the Booking confirmation and does not cover members of your party with addresses in other local lockdown areas). See our Booking Conditions for full details.
Where can we find Columbine and Foxglove Cottages?
Columbine and Foxglove Cottages are located in the farming hamlet of Alton, part of Ashover parish in Derbyshire. The market town of Chesterfield is 6 miles north and Matlock is 6 miles to the south. Hardwick Hall (National Trust) is 8 miles to the east and Chatsworth House (the home of the Dukes of Devonshire) is 8 miles to the west. Alton is on the eastern fringes of the world-famous Peak District National Park. See a map of Wildflower Cottages.
Nearest travel links?
- Railway:The closest mainline railway station is Chesterfield, 6 miles (10km), and from there you can catch trains to London (just under 2 hours travelling time), Manchester & Birmingham (1 hour), Sheffield (10 minutes). More local train services run from Matlock station, 6 miles (10km), and you can also pick up Peak Rail services from there.
- Bus:There isn’t a bus service in Alton – the closest is from Ashover & Littlemoor about a mile away. From here you can travel into Chesterfield or Matlock.
- Airport: Nottingham East Midlands airport is 34 miles (55km), Manchester airport is 48 miles (76 km) and Birmingham airport is 65 miles (105 km).
- Ferry Port: Hull is 77 miles (124km) away.
To make the most of your visit we recommend a car for getting to some of the main Peak District attractions: for example, the drive from here to Chatsworth across Beeley Moor avoids major roads and towns and takes around 15 minutes through beautiful scenery. Of course you can always leave your car here once you arrive and enjoy the many walks around Ashover Parish.
Where are the nearest shops?
The cottages are just over a mile from small local shops. There is a Nisa mini-market within 1.5 miles for basics like bread, milk and newspapers. In Ashover, a mile away, you will find a butcher/grocer, post-office and cake shop. There is a large Tesco and an Aldi just under 3 miles from here. There are also supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons) in Chesterfield, 6 miles away, around 10-15 minutes by car or in Matlock (Sainsbury’s & the Coop), about 6 miles away in the other direction. We highly recommend Highfield House Farm Shop, 3 miles from here which sells an excellent range of local produce, including meat, cheeses and honey.
How far is it to the nearest pubs for something to eat? Can you walk there?
There are several good pubs in the area which serve food – Bateman’s Mill is 1 mile away in one direction and the 3 pubs in Ashover – Old Poets Corner, The Crispin and The Black Swan – are just over 1 mile away in the other direction. If you go across the fields & footpaths to Ashover it’s less than a mile and a really pleasant walk. We don’t suggest walking back up the hill in the dark along country lanes but it’s a quick hop by car. There is also The Miners Arms in Milltown, within 2 miles of the cottages and the White Horse at Woolley Moor. You’ll find information in the cottages about all of these plus other local eateries, to suit all budgets.
Are there any walks from Wildflower Cottages?
There is excellent walking all around Ashover parish. We supply guests with a range of bespoke walks from the doorstep to help make the most of your stay here. We also provide several suggested walks of varying lengths around the village of Ashover together with maps and local walking books. Check out one of the local walks posted on our website.
Can we bring our dog?
You are very welcome to bring one dog to stay in Foxglove Cottage but we do not accept dogs in Columbine Cottage. For more information see our page about bringing a dog to stay. This area is very dog friendly and the private lane next to the cottage is a public footpath opening on-to open fields – great for dog walking and there is no through traffic. Our local pubs are dog-friendly too.
Are your local pubs dog-friendly?
Two of the pubs in Ashover, Old Poets Corner and The Crispin, welcome dogs in the main bar areas. Comments in the guest book made by previous guests with dogs include:
“If you eat in the bar area you are welcome to bring your dogs in too.” (The Crispin)
“Excellent if you have dogs, which we do, and want to take them in” (Old Poets Corner)
You will discover that Derbyshire is pretty good at welcoming dogs – you can even take them around the formal gardens and parkland at Chatsworth House!
Do Columbine and Foxglove Cottages have gardens?
Each cottage has its own private garden with a lawn, patio and garden furniture. Please be aware that there are 7 steps up to each of the main garden areas so you must ensure that young children are supervised while they are outside.
Is there a real open fire?
Each cottage has an open log fire – wonderful on a chilly evening. During colder months we provide you with an initial supply of coal and logs plus kindling and matches. If you run out extra supplies can be purchased locally during your stay.
Is WiFi internet access available?
Both cottages have FREE fibre-optic WiFi but you need to bring your own wireless-enabled laptop, phone etc to use it. The password to access the network will be given to you when you arrive. The WiFi is reliable but we cannot guarantee its availability at all times. Guests are personally responsible for their internet use during their stay. This connection must not be used to access any illegal material.
Do you have a travel cot and highchair?
We have a travel cot which is available free of charge to guests in our cottages. It is suitable for babies from birth up to a maximum of 15kg in weight (generally up to 2 years). It comes with a mattress but you need to bring your own cot bedding with you. If you would like to use this during your holiday instead of bringing your own cot please let us know when you book. We can also supply a highchair and stairgate.
Is smoking allowed in the cottages?
No smoking (or e-cigarettes) permitted in either cottage. Guests are welcome to smoke outside and in the gardens.
What laundry facilities are available?
Each cottage has an automatic washing machine and a tumble dryer. There are washing lines in the gardens and we also provide clothes airers, ironing boards and irons.
What are the parking arrangements?
The cottages are located on a private lane which turns into a footpath so there is no through traffic. There is parking on the lane outside the cottages for guests and there is also designated off-lane parking a few metres away, solely for the use of guests staying in either Foxglove or Columbine Cottage. There is parking for 2 cars visiting each cottage, a maximum of 4 in total.
Can we arrive before 4pm?
Where possible we will offer you an earlier arrival time but there will be occasions where our cleaning team need extra time to thoroughly clean your cottage and get it ready for you. Out of the peak season an earlier arrival time is a possibility so please ask us.
What is the room layout of the cottages?
Each cottage has a traditional layout with bedrooms and bathroom on the 1st floor. The kitchen, dining area and sitting room are on the ground floor. To see floorplans for each cottage follow the links below:
Is there horse-riding nearby?
There is a riding school in our small village – 300 metres away from the cottages. Alton Riding School caters for all abilities and ages. There isn’t a website but telephone 01246 590267 to find out more.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
We don’t have on-site charging facilities and domestic chargers (commonly known as ‘granny chargers’ or ‘trickle chargers’) are not suitable for use in the cottages. There are a number of charging stations in the vicinity – the closest can be found at the Tesco Extra at S45 9SL or at the Six Halts pub at S45 9AG.
Are the cottages very close to Alton Towers?
Sorry this is a different Alton! Alton Towers is 31 miles from here, near Alton in Staffordshire. Our Alton is in Derbyshire, part of the award-winning Ashover parish. It takes just over 50 mins to Alton Towers by car and several of our cottage visitors make the trip. But if you want it on your doorstep then our cottages aren’t for you.
