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Welcome
We are so pleased you have decided to spend your holiday with us at Ford Wetley Cottage. We are sure you will love it.
Can we ask that you share this information with all guests in your party.
Any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us: info@fordwetleycottage.co.uk
or call Louise on: +44 (0)7736351257
How to get to Ford Wetley Cottage
Ford Wetley Cottage is situated I the grounds of Ford Wetley House:
Ford Wetley Cottage
Ford, Leek
ST13 7RP
The postcode should, on most sat-navs bring you to the cottage. But some systems do go a little off route.
To find us using What Three Words please use: ///basis.funds.norms
There are two routs into the village of Ford, from the Peak District to the north or from the A523 to the south. If coming from the north you will head down into the village, continue through the village and go over the bridge, turning immediately right after the bridge into Wetley Lane opposite the phone box. From the north you will come off the A523 opposite the Cottage Kitchen Cafe, take Ford Road about 1 miles into the village. Ignore Ford Wetley Farm half way down the hill on the left. As you come into the village turn left into Wetley Lane opposite the phone box.
Wetley Lane is a dead end lane. Continue up the lane and past the farm on the right. We are situated at the very end of the lane. As you arrive, go past Wetley House on your left and turn left into the gravel drive. You will see a wooden gate ahead with a Ford Wetley Cottage Sign on it. Go through the gate and you have arrived at the cottage. Feel free to park anywhere on the gravel in this area.
Arrival
Check in is any time after 4pm. If you could let us know when you might be arriving that is always good. We are not always around to great you, so to the right of the front door is a small Key Safe. The code for the safe is: 1538. In here is a key to the cottage.
The cottage is NO Smoking or Vaping inside. Once inside you can choose who has which bedroom. We would politely ask if you can remove shoes when going upstairs on the carpet. In the kitchen on the wall is the thermostat. This is pre set to come on and off at particular times. If you find it is too cold or too hot please use the up and down arrows to adjust. Please do not adjust the heating program. If you find a room too hot or cold you can adjust the thermostatic valve on each radiator. If the radiator in the kitchen gets too hot it can turn the heating off, so it can be worth turning this down a little if needed.
As we are remote the cottage is on a septic tank. Please only put toilet roll down the toilet, nothing else. Sanitary bags and bins are in all bathrooms. We have also provided ecological washing liquids in the kitchen. In the kitchen to the left of the sink is a rubbish bin, this is for general waste. Outside are bins which this smaller bin can be emptied into. Next to the bins outside, are recycling boxes and a box for glass. We can only recycle cardboard, cans and clean plastic. Please do not put food items, or dirty food wrappers in the recycling.
Check Out
Check out is at 10am, please be prompt so our cleaners can get in to start preparing for our next guests. At the end of your stay please can you strip the beds you have used, empty the fridge/freezer of all food and drinks and wipe out, place your rubbish in the bins provided and leave the cottage as you found it and replace the keys in the key box, code 1538. Thank you!
WiFi
We have free super fast guest WiFi. From your device please choose the ‘Ford Wetley Guest’ network and enter the password: cottageguest
Mobile Phones
Regrettably we do not have any mobile phone signal at the cottage. Most mobiles can now do WiFi calling so we would suggest you turn this function on if possible. It is possible to go into the field behind the cottage, about 100m up the field you might get a little reception. We are more than happy to take or make calls on your behalf if there are any issues.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on prior arrangement only. Please do not leave your dogs alone in the cottage, unless fully crated and secure, with water.
Also if you can please keep your dogs downstairs out of all the bedrooms for our future guests benefit. Otherwise dogs are very welcome here and can use our field off lead. Please collect poo and bin it and don’t allow your dogs to chase sheep in the farmer’s field behind the cottage, dogs must always be on a lead around livestock. We have an outdoor tap for washing dogs down, PLEASE don’t use the cottage showers! You will be charged. Ask for towels if needed. Dog fee payable at house or leave in cottage. We do have a Collie puppy ourselves who we will keep away at our house as she is dog reactive.
Electric Cars
We have a Pod Point 7kw charger available for all our guests to use. Please make sure you bring your own charging lead. Download the pod point app and create an account. Finally must register with us to gain access to the charger: Register Here
Outside
The cottage is situated in about 1.5 acres off ground, which in turn is surrounded by farm fields. The grounds have a fence all the way around, but for active dogs it possible to jump the style to the back. To the front and back are two lawns, perfect for relaxing in. The front has a picnic bench and relaxing swing seat. Please do not take furniture out of the cottage into the garden. If you go through the gates you can then get into our field which you are welcome to explore. We have two stream in this field so we ask that little ones are accompanied at all times. This field is perfect for making dens, playing in the stream and generally going wild. The camp fire is a must on a summers night. At times Storm and Breeze our miniature ponies will be in this field. They are super friendly, but can get spooked by little people running around and being noisy. Please pay particular attention to not going too close to their rear end as they can kick. As much as they would love a treat we would kindly ask you not to feed them. If they are not in this field, they will be just down the lane, just ask and we can direct you to them.
The Deck
We have created a large decking area where you can enjoy the sunshine all day, relax and enjoy the stream that runs in the valley below you. The main outside table is on the deck and cushions can be found in the plastic box, please put these away each evening or if it starts to rain. We kindly as that you DO NOT have BBQ’s and fire pits on the deck. If you require extra seating please ask and we can provide.
The Hive
On the deck is our garden cabin, which we call “The Hive”. It is the perfect spot to sit and enjoy nature. Whilst it is a garden room we kindly ask that you please remove muddy shoes & boots. Can dogs be kept off the cushions and seats. The Hive has power and multiple USB points, you will also find a Bose bluetooth speaker which you are welcome to take out onto the deck. We have a fan heater, simply press the bottom button to turn on and the top one to adjust the temperature, you have to cycle through the temps. Please make sure you turn this off before you leave and don’t have it running with the doors wide open. If you have the doors open, you must latch them open. A hook is on each side of the hive to do this. It gets windy and the doors are heavy and swing shut very fast. Can you also shut the doors in heavy rain. Please turn off the lamps and fairly lights when you leave.
Log Burner & Fire Pit
We provide you with a basket of logs and kindling. If you require any extra, these are stored in the in the log store opposite. They are charged at £6 per basket and this can be left on the table at the end of your stay.
To light the burner, get a couple of loosely screwed up balls of newspaper. Place about 10 bits of kindling on the paper and light. Keep the door slightly open, about 1cm and both air-vents open. Once the kindling is alight, start to add a couple of smaller logs. You can shut the door now and keep an eye on the thermometer on the flue. Once it is in the green, close the bottom vent. It will be hot so use the glove and handle to do so. You are looking for a good bed of burning embers, not a single smouldering log! Once going you should only need a new log every now and again. You might find when putting a new log on, that the bottom vent needs opening a little.
There is a camp fire in the field and a garden fire pit. Please only use logs and sticks lying around in the field for this. Help yourself and don’t forget the marshmallows!
Safety
In the unlikely event of a fire, please close all door and exit the cottage as quickly as possible. You will find a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the upstairs landing, a fire blanket is also provided in the kitchen. Only use these if it is safe to do so. Please dial 999 and come and alert us at the house. The cottage is fitted with “linked” smoke alarms and fire-doors.
Stay Social
We do hope that you will enjoy your stay with us so much that you will tell your friends and family. If you wish to return we would recommend contacting us directly. Please call Louise or email us to book your next stay. We are also active on social media and from time to time have special offers or cancelations. Please follow us and tag us your posts @fordwetleycottage
Thing To Do
You are spoilt for choice for things to do at or near Ford Wetley Cottage. Here are just a few examples for you to be getting along with and some useful resources. Please feel free to ask us for any further suggestions.
From the cottage it is possible to walk in pretty much any direction on a network of footpaths. Wetley means Wet Lands, so as the name suggests the ground can be very damp and boggy in places. Walking boots or even wellies are essential. We have a large OS Map on the wall in the lounge as well as maps you are welcome to borrow and take out. Please ask for suggestions of walks as there are too many to list here!
Here are some suggestions for other places to visit. Please click on the underlined text for further information:
The legendary theme park is just a 15 min drive away. Experience the thrill of the rollercoasters or have a more relaxing day at Splash Landings water park.
Just 5 min away is the fantastic Peak Wildlife Park. Spend the day hanging out with Penguins, Lemurs, Wallabies, Meerkats and any more interesting creatures. With options for experiences like being a keeper or feeding the penguins available (Pre booking required). This is the perfect treat for all the family.
The Peak District National Park
Ford Wetley Cottage is inside the National Park on its southern border. The Park covers a huge area with so much to visit and see you could keep returning for years and wont scratch the surface.
Our closet town is one of the last remaining towns with predominantly independent shops. Famous for its antique shops you will also find an array of interesting gift shops, cafes and Misco, our local artisan chocolate shop is a must visit! Wednesday is Market day and you can find a wide range of fresh produce. Saturday is another market, along with antique stalls in the market place. The 1st Sunday of every month is “Totally Locally” a fantastic market of all the local craft makers and artisan food producers. You will also find all the main supermarkets, Sainsbury, Morrisons, Asda, Aldi & Lidl as well as petrol stations Esso, Shell, Sainsbury & Morrisons.
Why not visit the famous Spa town of Buxton. Just 30 min away, the market town have a nice mix of shops and stunning architecture. Why not check out what is on at the stunning Opera House and see if you can catch a show?
The pretty market town is always worth calling in on your travels. A fine selection of shops and a few bakers all claiming to be the original pudding shop. Don’t expect to find many Bakewell tarts though. The real deal is the amazing Bakewell Pudding, much better than the white iced tarts.
Stoke on Trent is world famous for its pottery. It is still the towns largest industry and whilst it is a fraction of its former glory it is still possible to visit a working factory. They all have factory shops, so it’s possible to pick up a souvenir or a nice bargain to remind you of you visit. We would particularly recommend visiting Emma Bridgewater for a factory tour and paint a pot experience. The World Of Wedgewood is a stunning site in the grounds of the original factory. The spectacular visitors centre has all the current ranges available to purchase, but in addition they have a very good factory outlet. The cafe is amazing and a lovely place to enjoy a high tea after a very impressive factory tour or maybe you fancy throwing your own pot? If you are after a little more history then Middleport is a must. The museum guides you through the history of the potteries and the pottery making process. Many of the rooms now home artisan craft people with a wide range of skills on show and available to purchase. Middleport is the home of Portmerion Pottery. It was also the location for Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown, until they moved to Gladstone in 2020.
Tittesworth Watersports Centre
Fancy learning to canoe or try Stand Up paddle boarding? Tittesworth Watersports centre is the perfect place to go and learn something new. If you already know what you are doing, you are able to hire the equipment and enjoy this stunning views whilst exploring from the water. All equipment is provided, but do book in advance.
If canoeing and getting wet isn’t your cup of tea then the main Tittesworth Visitors Centre is fun for all the family. Large playgrounds, gentle walks around the reservoir and bird hives to spend some time enjoying the local birdlife.
Rudyard Kipling was named after this lovely spot, after his parents holidayed here. You can see why they loved it so much. With rowing boats available to hire or take a more relaxing cruise you wont be disappointed with the views. There is even a miniature steam railway to take a ride on or just enjoy a walk.
Running from Froghall to Leek this beautifully restored steam train takes you through the local countryside.
Chatsworth House is one of the countries most famous stately homes. You can easily spend a day just exploring the grounds and gardens. But you can also visit the house itself, the farm park and adventure playground, a must for little ones. Or enjoy a snack or meal in the courtyard restaurant. On your way home pick up some treats at the Farm Shop.
Ice Cream and petting farm. Just 30min away and a must for ice cream fans. Little ones will enjoy the petting farm and nature trails as well as the craft barn.
If you fancy something a little quieter and away from the masses this is the perfect spot. Whilst the main tourist attractions will be busy Thorswood is a welcome place of tranquility. Just a few acres of wild meadow it is just nice to explore and enjoy the views.
The grounds of Ilam Hall and the iconic stepping stones of Dovedale are well worth the visit. Just 20 min away in the rolling hills you cant get a better place to explore. But do be aware it can get busy. A top tip if you want to get away from the crowds is to park in Thorpe and walk up onto Thorpe Pasture access land and enjoy the views down to Dovedale and Thorpe Cloud, but without a sole around.
Starting in Waterhouses, the next village along and ending in Hulme End the disused railway is reject for a walk or bike ride. It is possible to walk from the cottage and join the trail at various points making for some good circular walks. Why not hire a bike in Waterhouses and ride the trail to its end and back? A welcome cafe is situated at Hulme End as well as the Manifold pub! Along the way you will see Thors Cave, an impressive cave up on the hillside. Worth the steps up to explore.
The Tissington Trail is another disused railway perfect for cycling along. With many bridleways and lanes intersecting it, it’s possible to make some interesting loops. Bike Hire is available at Parsley Hay.
Private Massage at the Cottage
After all that exploring and walking in the Peaks why not book a relaxing treatment from Natasha. Natasha can come to the cottage or she is just 10min away at her treatment centre. She offers a range of treatments for individuals or small groups. Perfect for that girls weekend.
Paintballing, Laser, Quad Bikes, Axe Throwing and more!
Ashcroft Park offer a wide range of activities for the more adventurous! Paint-balling, laser tag, driving experiences, all delivered by their very professional staff. We can highly recommend them, having hosted our sons birthday get together on a couple of occasions.
Segways and Giant Harness Spheres
Another adventure centre for the adrenaline junkie! Climb into a giant inflatable sphere and roll down the hill or take a more relaxing Segway tour!
Ever fancied trying clay pigeon shooting? Cloudside offer several taster sessions. This spectacular location, just 30 min from us is the perfect place to have a go at shooting, under the watchful eye of there instructors. After enjoy a meal or a just a warm drink in the clubhouse by the fire.
True North Adventure at Upper Hulme offer various mountain bike course. Beginners to expert, adult to juniors, individual to groups and everything can be provided, E-bikes or normal. Booking would need to be made in advance.
Places to Eat
With all our recommendations below we would advice booking is essential!
Pubs:
Our closest and our favourites this traditional country pub is owned and run by Hannah and Matt. Matt cooking amazing pub classics and Hannah giving a warm welcome behind the bar. It is possible to make a really nice circular walk to Butterton with many options or it’s a just 5 min by car. All the food is sourced from as close to Butterton as possible as well as veg and salad coming from their own greenhouse where possible. You can also enjoy a game of pool or if it’s not too busy a game of darts. Menu recommendations, everything!!
Now not a pub as such, but well worth a visit to the brewery tap. They produce some stunning beers, only found in pubs in the local area. So if you are around Winkle and fancy a drink or to take something home for later then do stop in.
Another country pub well worth a visit if you are around the Roaches or Tittesworth. Excellent beer and food.
To the north of us The Royal Oak is an award winning pub worth calling in on your way back from Buxton or Bakewell area. Situated on the Tissington Trail it is the perfect place to have lunch if you are biking or walking.
This is one of our special occasion pubs. Every time we have been it has been a real treat. The food, atmosphere and service has always been perfect. That all said the prices are slightly higher and hence it’s our go place to for a treat.
Fine Dining
The Flintlock is an up and coming fine dining restaurant run by Chef Thom Bateman. Thom rose to fame on the BBC’s Great British Menu. His restaurant just 20min from the cottage is a must visit for any special occasion or just for a nice treat. They off fine dinning with tasting menus in the evening, paired with exquisite wine flights or excellent value set lunches during the day.
For a truly unique dining experience book you places at Feasted’s Chefs table. Situated in the Spode Pottery works, Feasted bring together seasonal local ingredients in from of your eyes as you sit in the kitchen with the team of chefs. With a strong ethos of giving an opportunity to young people Chris and his team nurture local young adults and train them as chefs and give them an opportunity of a career. The food is simply amazing and the unusual dinning experience is something you will remember for a long time.
Wildhives at Callow Hall country house hotel is perfect for a romantic meal or a large get together. Their beautiful modern conservatory restaurant has views across the rolling hills. Or if you would like something more private for that special occasion you can book various rooms in the house (for an extra fee).
Lunar brings modern dining to Stoke! This stunning restaurant in the ground of the Wedgewood pottery is just simply stunning. Dinning under a giant moon you cant help to be impressed by the location and quality of food and service.
Cafe – Breakfast & Lunches
Just on the main road 1.5 miles from the cottage, this is the perfect place to walk to for a hearty breakfast or tasty lunch. In our opinions the afternoon teas are the best in the area and well worth the visit, just for one of those! They also have a well stoked shop selling lots of treats, jams, preserves and local produce.
Ramblers Retreat – Dimmingsdale
Nestled in the woods of Dimmingsdale is this quirky cafe/restaurant is something different. With inside tables available, it is the garden that is the real attraction. Tables are spread out around fountains and water features, with cabins also available to enjoy a well earned treat after walking in the local area. Their famous Lemon Meringue pie is something else and we can personally recommend it, along with everything else on the menu!
Sitting on the bank of the Caldon Canal in the Churnet Valley, the Team rooms are the place to go if you want to explore this wonderful area. The food is delicious and all home made, quiches and scones being the speciality!
Not so much a cafe, but if you are an ice cream fan you have to visit. Daltons Dairy produce the best local ice cream, which is always available, along with other farm products in their honesty shop 24/7. From April to Autumn they also run the Hatch, serving hot drinks and ice creams to be enjoyed in their garden or taken away.
Restaurants
Leek has many curry houses and they are all very good. There are also several Chinese take aways, all much of a muchness. Here are our a few of our favourite recommendations:
Our local curry house, just up on the main road and luckily for us the best in the area! As well as all the classic curry dishes they pride themselves on traditional Bangladeshi home cooking and it is delicious. You can choose to eat in or order a take away (20% discount on take away). They can get very busy as they are so popular, so we would advice ordering take away early and definitely booking a table. On Sundays from 1.30pm until 4.30pm they have a set meal Banquet! Poppadoms, selection of starters, two mains and one vegetable side, rice and nan bread all for a set price.
Angkor Wat Cambodian Take Away – Leek
This is our favourite take away for oriental food. With an amazing selection of Cambodian dishes it makes a nice change from your standard Chinese. The dishes are fresh and so tasty. It has always been cash on collection and we don’t know if they will deliver yet to us.
The Napoli Woodfired Pizza – Leek
Very good Italian pizzeria serving wood fired pizza made in their oven in the centre of the restaurant. They also serve a selection of home made pasta and other Italian dishes.
The Old Mill Smokehouse – Leek
Serving American style smoked and BBQ dishes. Something different!
Locally sourced fine dining experience, the Flintlock focusses on as much seasonal produce as possible. Serving elegant food in a relaxed and classy environment.
Run by a local couple, passionate about good food this relaxed bistro is perfect.