How a holiday home should be
- Flexible accommodation comfortably sleeping from four to nine
- Welcoming to children of all ages
- Suitable for two families of four
- All the facilities you would expect
- Essentials provided (toilet rolls, washing up liquid etc)
- Beds made plus towels and toiletries provided
- Two TVs with Netflix (one 50 inch)
- WiFi broadband internet
- No booking fees or hidden extras!
Location
Located at the tip of North Hertfordshire only one mile from Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
- Only 30 minutes from Cambridge
- Only 40 minutes to London
- Beautiful rolling countryside surroundings
- Fantastic range of things to do
The perfect place to relax and enjoy
Enjoy quality time with family or friends at this stunning barn conversion self catering holiday home.
Located in the beautiful and historic village of Ashwell with its Tudor houses, natural springs, and three wonderful country pubs and local shops.
Alder Barn in Ashwell is the the perfect place to relax and enjoy a holiday.
Either spend time in Ashwell on local country walks and exploring the village, or go further afield to Cambridge, London, or to numerous other country houses, parks, and much more.
Testimonials
See below the 30 testimonials guests have been kind enough to leave us on Trip Advisor, AirBnB,
Google, Homeaway.co.uk, via email and in our guest book.
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Thanks for an enjoyable stayMarch 22, 2019Via airbnb
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Really spacious and worked out well for our large family visit to EnglandFebruary 25, 2019Via airbnb
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Gorgeous house, perfect location for a chilled weekendFebruary 22, 2019Via airbnb
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Amazing holidayDecember 12, 2018Via airbnb
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Abi’s house is a wonderful space for families to gatherNovember 19, 2018Via airbnb
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Alder Barn is a spacious and very clean propertyNovember 16, 2018Via airbnb
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This was a very spacious place, well convertedSeptember 22, 2018Via airbnb
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Fantastic time my family altogether but never felt we were on top of each other!September 14, 2018Via airbnb
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The house was perfect for all our family including a toddler and a babyAugust 25, 2018Via airbnb
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The accomodation is fantastic with lovely living and kitchen areaAugust 19, 2018Via airbnb
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Excellent stay, really comfortable, thank you.July 22, 2018Via airbnb
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A very attractive property in a beautiful villageJuly 4, 2018via TripAdvisor
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The house is an immaculate detached house in a well kept estateMay 19, 2018Via airbnb
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We had such a wonderful stay at Alder BarnMay 10, 2018Via airbnb
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What a wonderful 2 weeks we had at Abigail’s placeApril 12, 2018Via airbnb
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Great place to stay, very spacious and cosy!March 22, 2018Via airbnb
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Fabulous property in the heart of HertsFebruary 28, 2018Via airbnb
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Abi is a good host with clear instructions and expectationsJanuary 31, 2018Via airbnb
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Lovely accommodationDecember 8, 2017Via airbnb
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This is a fantastic place to stay, beautifully decorated to a high standardNovember 25, 2017Via airbnb
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Beautiful village and relatively easy to get to/from the major motorwaysOctober 28, 2017Via airbnb
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Relaxing, beautifully appointed, perfect family…October 25, 2017Via TripAdvisor
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SpaciousSeptember 11, 2017via TripAdvisor
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Alder Barn is a home from home, with everything you need for a great holidayAugust 18, 2017Via airbnb
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Loved the barn, very clean, spacious, well equipped and in a beautiful locationJuly 31, 2017Via airbnb
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Beautiful Barn in an absolutely gorgeous VillageJuly 25, 2017Via airbnb
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Thank you for an amazing stay!July 16, 2017Via airbnb
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The barn is very beautiful and if you have need of a larger house in a lovely village then this is perfectJuly 11, 2017Via airbnb
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Stayed for a lovely 3 nights at Alders BarnApril 28, 2017Via airbnb
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Really enjoyed our stay hereFebruary 12, 2017Via airbnb
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Amazing spacesFebruary 1, 2017via TripAdvisor
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Luxurious, spacious, well-equipped, a real treatFebruary 1, 2017Via TripAdvisor
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A wonderful place to stay in beautiful surroundingsJanuary 25, 2017Via Google Maps
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Lovely stay with family for my weddingOctober 19, 2016Via TripAdvisor
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Three girls on holiday together and we had a blast.September 25, 2016Via airbnb
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Lovely village; perfect accommodation for large…August 12, 2016Via TripAdvisor
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Very nice place to stayMarch 5, 2016Via TripAdvisor
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PerfectDecember 8, 2015Via TripAdvisor
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IdealJune 2, 2015Via TripAdvisor
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Amazing building, really comfortableFebruary 16, 2015Via TripAdvisor
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Nothing short of spectacular for our Family…January 14, 2015Via TripAdvisor
Your holiday starts the moment you arrive
Alder Barn is a great place to stay, located just a mile from the Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border in the pretty village of Ashwell.
The barn gives you a lot of space, we’ve easily housed two families staying together or groups of friends meeting up for a fun weekend. There’s a light and airy open plan lounge area with full height ceiling, overlooked by the mezzanine balcony, which can be used as a bedroom (utilising the sofabed) or another lounge space, it’s often proved popular with teenage guests!
We’ve tried to include all the modern facilities that we think you’d like; four sofas in the lounge, unlimited WIFI, large flat screen TV with Netflix, second TV on the mezzanine, large fridge freezer, washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board, dishwasher, hob and double oven, microwave, kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine, hairdryer, travel cot, high chair, toddler toilet steps and a well stocked kitchen with lots of pots and pans, cutlery, crockery and glassware. We probably haven’t thought of everything, but we’ve really tried.
Everything will be prepared for your arrival (no having to make up beds or send straight out for toilet rolls). We’ve included a few things to get you going, so all you have to do is unpack and have a walk up the Tudor high street to decide which pub looks best for dinner, or nip to Baldock (about 15 mins drive) to stock up at the supermarket for your stay. Then relax while the kids are in bed, watch a film and enjoy the evening. Although don’t get up too late, the bakers are so popular that they often sell out of their favourites, you’ve got to be fast to bag yourself a pasty or a Chelsea bun!
Abi and Jon with their two daughters FAQs
- Alder Barn – so tell me all about it…
- It looks quite big – how many can it sleep?
- So in as few words as possible – describe the place…
- Are there any little extras to look forward to?
- What about kids and pets?
- It’s nice, but I bet it’s expensive!
- So, Ashwell – never heard of it – what’s the village like?
- If I wanted to visit Cambridge or London – how easy is it to get there from Ashwell?
1 – Alder Barn – so tell me all about it…
Alder Barn is a great self-catering barn conversion holiday home, right in the middle of the historic village of Ashwell. After travelling the UK with small children for many years, we tried to set it up with everything that you can expect to find in most family homes – things that we think will keep everyone happy and make sure that your holiday or stay goes well, including a fully stocked kitchen, all the usual appliances (including a decent sized fridge freezer, washing machine and tumble dryer), WIFI, Netflix and a Nespresso machine. Loads of sofa space, two bath/shower rooms and easy parking right outside. Add to that the great transport links to the airports, Cambridge and London, it’s all pretty good really.
2 – It looks quite big – how many can it sleep?
It is quite big, if you don’t mind sharing rooms and using the sofa bed, it can sleep up to nine people in three bedrooms and the mezzanine balcony area. This often sets it apart from other holiday lets in the area, which aren’t quite as big.
3 – So in as few words as possible – describe the place…
Light, airy, warm, comfortable, spacious, fun – is that too many?
4 – Are there any little extras to look forward to?
We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but the beds will be made and we leave ample towels, hand soap, mini toiletries, some toilet rolls, tea, coffee, sugar, milk sticks, biscuits and some cake, just to get you going…
5 – What about kids and pets?
Well although we don’t like to lump them into the same category, we warmly welcome children and provide a few things to help with your stay, like a travel cot, high chair, toddler toilet steps, some children’s cutlery and crockery. There’s also a few toys and game in the lounge cupboard and good old Netflix and a few DVDs to keep you going on rainy days.
Unfortunately, we can’t accept pets though, our solid oak floors are just not good for it and also we accept bookings from families who have severe allergies, so I’m afraid we don’t allow pets of any kind.
6 – It’s nice, but I bet it’s expensive!
No, actually, we are very competitive compared to other holiday rentals in the area and we feel that you get value for money – let us know what dates you’re interested in and how many people are coming, and we can let you have an idea of costs.
7 – So, Ashwell – never heard of it – what’s the village like?
Ashwell is a great little village, surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, it dates from the middle ages. So has buildings from Tudor, through Georgian and Victorian to modern day. It’s a proper thriving village, the three pubs all do food, there’s a bakery, a butchers, a pharmacy and even a coffee shop. In the courtyard where the barn is situated there’s a hair and beauty salon, an art gallery and a bespoke jewellery store – great for last minute presents – we won’t tell if you don’t…
8 – If I wanted to visit Cambridge or London – how easy is it to get there from Ashwell?
Very easy. You can drive to Cambridge in just over half an hour or regular trains run from the local station (Ashwell & Morden, a 5-minute drive from the barn), which take about 25 minutes. If you want to get into London, then trains run all day from Ashwell & Morden to London Kings Cross, taking only around 40-45 minutes.
Things To Do
Everyday life in Roman Britain is the focus of the Verulamium Museum in St. Albans. Located on the site of one of Roman Britain’s major cities the museum and park includes Roman room displays, original Roman mosaics, interactive displays and discovery areas.
On the second weekend of each month there is a talk and demonstration by a Roman soldier about the equipment and tactics of the Roman Army. Talks begin at 2.30pm on Saturdays and 3.00pm on Sundays.
The museum can be reached easily by car and includes a re-designed gift shop, created in partnership with the British Museum that sells souvenirs and books as well as smaller ‘pocket money’ items suitable for children.
Although there has been a mill on the site for over 1000 years the current Mill Green Mill is a working 18th-century flour mill and on milling days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday afternoon) you can see the watermill working and talk to the miller about his work. You can even take a bag of freshly ground wholemeal organic flour home with you!
Although a working mill it is also a museum designed to show historic milling practices through both exhibitions and practical demonstrations.
The site also contains the Mill Green Jubilee Garden; a Tudor inspired design created to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
The de Havilland is the oldest Aircraft Museum in the UK and is the only one dedicated to de Havilland Aircraft. The collection includes Pre-WW2 models from the 1920s through to Transport Aircraft from the 1980s.
Facilities include a well-stocked gift shop with a wide selection of de Havilland related items from books and greeting cards to models and prints.
The museum is located near junction 22 of the M25 next to Salisbury Hall (No longer open to the public).
If you did not know, St Albans is a historic Roman town, and its museum is partly dedicated to Roman life. It is built on the site of the old Roman Town and you are able to see such things as the amazing Roman mosaic floor.
The museum also tells the story of St Albans up to present day.
It regularly holds new exhibitions covering various subjects, though for full details check out their website:
If you like outdoor activities, then there must be something for you at Lee Valley White Water Centre.
From white water rafting to ice skating, horse riding and more, there is something for all those who like a bit of adventure.
Located just off the M25 and near the A1o, Lee Valley is very easy to get too.
For more information why not have a look at their website: https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/
Perry Green is the home of the Henry Moore Foundation; Moore’s art charity which was established for the promotion and education of the fine arts. It is located on his former estate and includes Hoglands, the artist’s restored home.
The estate also comprises flower gardens and Moore’s studios as well as over 70 acres of gardens and fields. Many of Moore’s sculptures are located throughout the grounds. The medieval Aisled Barn contains a display of nine large colourful tapestries based on his drawings.
The estate is open Friday 1st May – Sunday 25th October 2015 on Wednesdays – Sundays and Bank Holidays, 11am-5pm.
The North Herts Leisure centre is open seven days a week and offers a wide range of activities for all ages. There is a large indoor pool as well as a tropical pool, wave machine and flume. Other facilities include dance studios, squash courts, fitness suite and sauna and steam room..
There is also a crèche and cafeteria on site. For children, there are ‘Wild Camp’ activities including softball, arts & crafts, swimming, trampolining and face painting. The sessions are suitable for ages 3 – 12 years.
Shaw’s Corner is a National Trust property and was the home of George Bernard Shaw for 44 years until his death in 1950. The house remains much as it was during Shaw’s time, with beautiful Arts and Crafts interiors and tranquil gardens to explore. The house contains over 5000 items belonging to Shaw as well as his famous writing hut.
During June and July Shaw’s Corner is converted into an outdoor theatre and there are performances of two of Shaw’s plays; just don’t forget your picnic!
Facilities include a gift and souvenir shop, pre-1950s plants for sale, free parking and ice creams and soft drinks. Guided tours are also available.
Located in Shepreth near Royston, Docwra´s Manor dates back to the 15th Century and was purchased by its present owners Faith Raven and her husband when they married in 1954. They have beautifully restored the gardens to their full glory with a beautiful walled garden, and a wonderful array of unusual plants.
Docwra´s Manor Garden is a wonderful place to spend time just enjoying the space. Teas and coffee and light lunches are also available at Teacake next door.
For more information see their website: http://docwrasmanorgarden.co.uk/
Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum are two things to do for the price of one! The abbey is a Grade one listed twelfth-century building first occupied by Benedictine Monks, and subsequently occupied by Franciscan nuns and Knights Templars; so its history makes interesting reading. The site has also seen over time extensive restoration so seeing this is also very interesting and well presented on information boards.
For the children there is also a farm for them to visit and lots of things to see including the craftsmen’s workshops, lots of old farming equipment and lots more. Plus not to forget the play area and a decent café.
For more information see: http://www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk/
Oliver Cromwell is a key figure of English history and his house (in Ely) is a must for anyone interested in the English Civil War. This is the house where the man that ‘banned Christmas’ lived for 10 years with his family. The house is kept as it would have been in the 17th Century and does feel authentic.
It is an interesting house and very much worth a visit, for more information see: https://www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk/index.php
Knebworth is one of England’s finest and most beloved stately homes, perhaps most famous globally for its rock concerts. Knebworth Park is situated just off the A1(M) at Stevenage and is a great day out for the whole family.
Attractions for children include an Adventure Playground and Dinosaur Trail, while all ages can enjoy going back in time with a visit to Knebworth House or a stroll through the gardens. Facilities include a fully licensed self-service restaurant, gift shop and exhibition centre.
This beautiful gothic mansion was also the home of the Victorian novelist, Edward Bulwer Lytton and there is a wealth of information about the Lytton family to discover.
For a relaxing afternoon or evening of entertainment you could try the beautiful Broadway Cinema which was originally opened in 1936 (re-opened in 1996) and is a perfect example of the art deco architecture of the town of Letchworth both inside and out.
The cinema has four screens and has been adapted to play 3D films as well as live broadcasts from the Royal Opera House and the Royal National Theatre.
There is parking available in the nearby Town Hall car park as well as on-street parking. Prices start at just £5.
Replacing the childhood home of Elizabeth I, the current Hatfield House was built by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury, in 1611. The original house and deer park had been owned by Henry VIII and Elizabeth learned of her accession to the throne while at Hatfield in 1558, apparently while at an Oak tree that still stands on the grounds. The estate is still owned by the Cecil family and is one of ten ‘Treasure Houses of England’.
As well as the magnificent house there is also a large park to explore, a farm, playgrounds, gardens, restaurant and gift shops.
The estate is situated close to junction 4 of the A1(M) and has ample parking. It can also be reached via Hatfield Railway Station./p>