Home Stay at Beechenhill Farm Trail Beechenhill Timeline Virtual Farm Visit Organic Lamb Artwork Events Contact Us
   
 
Garden & Things to Do

Our garden is for all our guests to enjoy, with its table tennis, garden chess and draughts, sculptures, swings, ponds and stunning views. Hidden corners abound, where you can sit, listen to the sheep bleat and try to spot the skylark soaring above.
Wildflower garden Beechenhill
 
The farm trail is a lovely way to spend an hour or so, just ask for a copy of the leaflet. We have binoculars and wildlife books to borrow. In winter we have sledges to borrow too!


Apart from the garden, walks, both easy and strenuous in every direction from the front door, there are dozens of things to do and see:
 
2 Electric bikes for you to hire from Beechenhill Farm.  

Electric Bikes at Beechenhill Farm

See What BBC News says: 

Electrically assisted pedalling allows you to  explore the lanes and byways of the White Peak.  The bikes have a range of 20-30 miles.  Set off for the day and rest up, chill out or eat at any of the charging points.  There are lots of places en-route where you can have a meal, a drink, a picnic or just a pause.
  • Book your bikes.
  • Cycle helmets, maps and suggested routes  are available.
  • A returnable deposit is requested.
  • Set off from Beechenhill Farm. 
  • Bikes can be hired for whole day, half a day or by the hour.
  • Explore the countryside in a 20 mile radius.
  • Be back at the agreed time (others maybe waiting).
Beechenhill's bikes at the George at Alstonefield Millway Lane, Alstonefield
 
Charges
Full day:
1/2 day:
Hourly rate:
£25
£15
£10
Lock and helmet free, insurance included
Minimum age: 14 yrs
Late return fee: £5 per hour or part thereof
Breakdown/rescue: Free if due to mechanical/electrical failure during reasonable use
Breakdown/rescue: Any other circumstance £20 per person
 

Elemental Experience
Nowadays we spend so long sitting inside, silently watching TV. Maybe there is another way to be…

Bathing in hot water, lit by flares
 
Come and experience the quiet, natural elements, Fire, Air, Earth and Water in the beautiful Peak District countryside.

A genuine Swedish, wooden hot tub, heated by burning wood, beside a small heated cave, lit by glowing candles and warmed by a little wood burning stove, nestled in a secluded corner of our garden looking South over the Manifold Valley in the Peak District National Park, on an organic farm.

Imagine being warm, sitting with friends under a starry night sky, gazing over a beautiful Peak District valley, you are wreathed in steam, and maybe sprinkled with rain drops. Bathed in hot water, lit by flares, warmed by fire, no electricity, you can enjoy the elements surrounding you; darkness, fire, water, the Peak District landscape, distant twinkling lights.

Simple pleasures bring well-being and renewal, glow with natural warmth and congenial company.

You need swimwear and towels for the hot tub, flip-flops are useful although we have some to borrow, and you can change in the cave. The hot tub was made by local company Forest Flame .
 
Please book your experience when you book your accommodation. Although we will always try to fulfil your requirements, we cannot guarantee availability if not booked well in advance.
 
Sunset over Bunster
 
The Simple Elemental Experience
An afternoon (4hrs) or evening (4hrs finishing by 11pm)
Hot tub seats up to 6 people, experiences offered for up to 8-12 people in one party, min age 14
  • We light the cave stove, the hot tub and heat the water, we supply a jug of fresh water
  • You bring your own towels, drinks.
  • £80 for 2 people plus £5 per person extra for residents at Beechenhill Farm
  • £100 for 2 people plus £5 per person extra for non-residents
    The Luxury Elemental Experience
    An afternoon (4hrs) or evening (4hrs finishing by 11pm)
    Hot tub seats up to 6 people, experiences offered for up to 8-12 people in one party, min age 14
    • We light the cave stove, the tub and heat the water, we supply a jug of fresh water
    • We supply towels and fluffy white dressing gowns
    • We supply complimentary refreshments; maybe Cava and chocolates or hot chocolate and cakes, then at Christmas and New Year– Mulled wine and home made mince pies.
    • £100 for 2 people plus £10 per person extra for residents at Beechenhill Farm
    • £120 for 2 people plus £10 per person extra for non-residents
    The cave
    Elemental Experiences (Hot tub) prices
    Number of people
    Residential Simple £
    Visitor Simple £
    Residential Luxury £
    Visitor Luxury £
    2
    80
    100
    100
    120
    per person extra
    +£5
    +£5
    +£10
    +£10
    Please book your experience when you book your accommodation. Although we will always try to fulfil your requirements, we cannot guarantee availability if not booked well in advance.
     

    The traditional Haybarn is a wonderful space for families, groups and parties staying at Beechenhill Farm.

    The Haybran roof
    The Haybarn roof and balcony

    Beechenhill guests have enjoyed small weddings in the Haybarn, (we have a Civil Ceremony Licence)
    Click to see more about weddings and events at Beechenhill.

    We also host small parties, conferences, team-building exercises and courses in the Haybarn.
     
    Food is local and organic where possible;
    • Beechenhill milk and dairy
    • Beef and lamb from the hills of the Manifold valley.
    • Local vegetables
    • What ever we can grow at Beechenhill.
    Colin serving food
    Mouth watering food in the Haybarn

    Emily and Sam's table settings


    Emily and Sam's table settings

     
    Scrabble on birdtable

     

     
     
     
    We felt fantastic, up high, peering over the walls”

    I haven’t cycled for 20 years but I have been 13 km today!”

    “A pheasant ran alongside me!”
    We heard the birds singing as we cycled past”

    “You can feel the bike kick in and help you up the hill”
     
    “I got to the pub and I wasn’t sweaty!”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

     
     
     
    Meet the Bees at Beechenhill Farm
     
    Unfortunately 'Meet the Bees' is not available at the moment. The Bee colonies have been devastated by colony collapse, climate change and pesticides. Please sign up to the Soil Association's petition to Government to protect our bees click here
     
    Bee keeper, Mark Dennison Daisybank Apiaries, (also a Peak District Environmental Quality Mark business) can take you to meet the Bees that produce Beechenhill Honey. You will put on full Bee keeping gear, and actually see how the hives work, you'll hear the different buzzes, experience the wonder of locating the Queen and hear stories about the contribution Bees make to the Peak District landscape. This is offered for up to six people at a time early evenings, May to October.

    Stately Homes - Chatsworth, Sudbury Hall, Kedleston Hall, Haddon Hall, Lyme Park, Calke Abbey, Eyam Hall and more.

    Gardens - Biddulph Grange, Lea Rhododendron Gardens, Dorothy Clive Garden, and more.

    Shopping - 'Peak District Products' a group of local artisans, mill shops and factory shops of the Potteries, Royal Doulton, Wedgewood, Spode, Tutbury Crystal.

    Foods - Fantastic delicatessens, smoke houses, local ice creams and more.

    Eating out - Wonderful country pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and more.

    Museums - Gladstone Pottery Museum, The Bass Museum, The Museum of Childhood and more.

    Caves - Pooles Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, Blue John Cavern and more.

    Cycling - Hire bikes at Ashbourne, Parsley Hay and Waterhouses (as well as other centres). Or bring your own bikes, we can store them for you.

    Parks - Alton Towers, The Heights of Abraham, The American Adventure and more.