Environmentally friendly holidays

We have done most of the simple things to reduce the environmental impact of holidays at Hargate Hall now. Such as introducing recycling, putting in new efficient boilers, adding more insulation, using local suppliers etc. We are now about to embark on using more renewable energy sources. As we work on the refurbished party room we are putting in hot water, underfloor heating and space heating all powered by a wood pellet boiler.

Initially we will be buying in the pellets but hope to be able to make our own in the near future.

This will also mean that in the event of a power cut (but with a small generator) we will still have an area that can be used comfortably

Liverpool Batala Samba band play Hargate Hall

As part of one of our guests wedding ceremony, we will be having an outdoor concert performed by the Liverpool Batala Community Samba Band. This will at 13:30 till 15:30 on Sunday 7th June. Tickets must be bought in advance and cost £5.50. A bar will be provided, and bring you own picnic. For further details please visit www.hargate-hall.co.uk/batala-liverpool.php

chickens, eggs and foxes

For 2 years we (and our guests!) have enjoyed seeing our chickens running around, and the delicious eggs they produced. Sadly a few weeks ago they were attacked by a fox, and were all killed. One of them made a brave escape and was found by a nearby farmer. The farmer brought the chicken back to us but it did not survive the night.

We are in the process of making a new improved run, and we will then buy some more chickens.

HaHa and other news

The HaHa is now dug out! We have taken it to about 3 feet deep. It still needs tidying up and wheel/track ruts from the digger and dumper truck need smoothing out, and the path ways that were damaged need to be repaired..... Trouble is we get a few nice dry days so that the ground almost gets dry enough to start doing these things and then it rains again! Well I guess that is the Peak District for you. I have another few hundred meters of fencing to put up and then we can get some sheep put in. We recently had a group here from Gripple who gave me some good instruction on how to fit up the fencing.

We now have a cover over the BBQ area so you can have that planned BBQ whatever the weather. It also doubles as a smoke shelter.

Hargate's HaHa

After investigating a few holes (small ones!) that have appeared in the grounds after recent rain, we have found the route of the old HaHa that ran across the grounds at Hargate Hall. In the early 1900's deer were kept in the lower part of the grounds and they were kept in by the HaHa and a dry stone wall.
At some point the wall collapsed and the stone and other debris were thrown into the ditch of the HaHa. thinking it would be a relatively quick job, I decided to start digging it out. In the process I have found all sorts of things - old ovens, zimmer frames (it was a care home for a while!), a car door, etc. After 2 weeks about half of it is now dug out but continual rain slowed progress to a standstill, so I have decided to let it all dry out before finishing it off.

I am only digging out 3 to 4 feet depth though it may go as much as 8 feet. Once done we will start keeping sheep. If nothing else it will save me a few hours a week cutting grass!

50% off list prices in January

Due to the fact that we are doing some redecorating in the Main Hall and some grounds works outside, we are offering 50% off all midweek and weekend breaks during January. Visit our short breaks page for further details.

Online guestbook

We have just added an online guestbook to our home page on the website. If any past guests want to sign it then plase do.

beer festival

The peak forest beer festival is now only 10 days away. If you want tickets or any further information please contact us or visit the beer festival website. On the site you will find information on the events and also entry form for the competitions. Donn't forget - it is cheaper to buy tickets in advance than on the day.

BBQs

We now have 3 new built in BBQ, which should give enough grilling space to feed all guests here. We have also just taken delivery of 6 new 8 seater pub style piknik benches, so with the 3 that we already had, you can now all sit outside as well.

last minute short breaks in the peak district

Last minute weekend breaks in the peak district seem to be very popular right now. Several of our summer weekends filled up well in advance, but suddenly there is a flurry of activity of people booking those much needed weekend breaks. Don't worry though, we still have some space left for both weekend breaks and midweek breaks. check our availability page for more information and for making a booking.

Peak Forest Beer Festival

On the 19th July there will be a beer festival and family fun day at the nearby village of Peak Forest. There will be a variety of activities, games and general entertainment during the day and in the evening there will be live music, disco, hog roast, BBQ, a bar and of course plenty of real ale. Have a look on the website for more information on the Peak Forest Beer Festival.

Tourist board grading

We have had our tourist board grading assessment. It was very nerve wracking for us as it was our first time. However all went well, and the recent improvements were all notice. We maintained our 3 start grading. The process is actually very useful as it help to ensure that we are putting our efforts into improving the things that matter, as well as being able to publicise ourselves on the peak district tourist board's website!

What's new at Hargate Hall

20th April 2006. We (Julie and Anthony Knox) bought and moved into Hargate Hall. Self catering accommodation was a completely new venture to us, so big challanges ahead. We are also new to the Peak District, so are really enoying the spectacular scenery and exploring the local towns and villages.