The Old Croft House

The Old Croft House Guest House Accommodation in the Eden Valley

Meteorologically today marks the first day of Autumn. We prefer to eke out Summer as long as possible by celebrating its...
01/09/2026

Meteorologically today marks the first day of Autumn. We prefer to eke out Summer as long as possible by celebrating its arrival on the Autumn Equinox but there are signs that a change is afoot on our regular walk from the door. Later sunrises highlighting the retreating mist in the Eden Valley, the bursts of red in rose hips and the hawthorn berries, fungi magically appearing after much needed rain but most importantly of all the fleeting sightings of our local Red Squirrels busy preparing for winter…

Visit Eden Eden Viaducts

We normally miss out on seeing family during the summer, but this year we managed to squeeze Aunty Jan in for a couple o...
31/08/2026

We normally miss out on seeing family during the summer, but this year we managed to squeeze Aunty Jan in for a couple of nights, slightly disappointing that her highlight wasn’t spending time with us, but sneaking behind the bar at The La'l Nook… 🍻
but given she runs a similar small establishment back in Johannesburg, all in the name of creating that same sense of community, we’ll forgive her…

This week’s cake is a lickerous delight…A rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and crowned with a glossy, shiny ...
30/08/2026

This week’s cake is a lickerous delight…
A rich chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and crowned with a glossy, shiny ganache, inspired by the Austrian classic Sachertorte. Originally created by Franz Sacher in 1832 for royalty, our version is baked in 2026 especially for our guests. Everyone deserves a right royal welcome especially after a long day’s walking…

We’ve been busy creating Fred Wheatton, in memory of someone who gave so much to cycling. It’s been a real team effort, ...
28/08/2026

We’ve been busy creating Fred Wheatton, in memory of someone who gave so much to cycling. It’s been a real team effort, with family and friends all lending a hand from numerous trips to Barnardo's to find the perfect outfit, to plenty of stuffing, sewing and lots of laughs along the way although Ted isn’t quite sure what to make of these new additions to town.
Come along and discover Upper Eden Rugby Club Sports-Themed Scarecrow Festival. Pick up a map for a £1 from The La'l Nook Johnstone's Garage , The White Hare Cafe or Kirkby Stephen and Upper Eden Visitor Centre and set off to explore all the fantastic creations. And while you’re here, why not make a weekend of it? After discovering the scarecrows, head along to the Beer & Gin Festival and enjoy a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend in Kirkby Stephen…

Visit Eden


26/08/2026

Walking is good for the soul, but add a dog and you get the added benefits of companionship, calm and a wonderful way to ease stress both indoors and outdoors. It’s a wonder that not everyone on earth has one, but then perhaps they haven’t met Ted! 🐾
It’s two years since we adopted him and opened his horizons from a kennel to the wilds of Cumbria. Since then we have spent plenty of time peering down rabbit holes, hunting mice in stone walls and generally following his nose wherever it leads.
But every now and then we get to share views that are beyond even his wildest dreams.
Two years of adventures, here’s to many more…









Animal Rescue Cumbria

We have only ever experienced the central section of The Whinfell Ridge during the winter so the heather fringed walk to...
25/08/2026

We have only ever experienced the central section of The Whinfell Ridge during the winter so the heather fringed walk to Whinfell Beacon with the lush green Borrowdale Valley stretching out below us was a stark contrast to our last visit, especially when the last few miles were fuelled by super sweet blackberries. The far reaching views, however, remain just as impressive in any season. Whichever direction you turn, from Kendal and the Kent Estuary to the Lake District fells, the Howgills and the North Pennines and even Blackpool on a clear day…

We have had a slight change this year by swapping our breakfast themed attire for a brighter look. Paired with a freshly...
23/08/2026

We have had a slight change this year by swapping our breakfast themed attire for a brighter look. Paired with a freshly made fruit salad and the glorious summer weather we’ve been having, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Hawaii rather than Kirkby Stephen.
It’s even inspired Nick to work on beating the world record of 11.43 seconds for peeling and slicing a pineapple in Wisbech. We can only dream of headlines in the Herald next year ‘Pineapple Express! B&B Owner Nick Chops His Way Into World Record Books’…

When rain has become a novelty, and so desperately needed, it’s surprisingly enjoyable to get soaked to the skin. Even T...
21/08/2026

When rain has become a novelty, and so desperately needed, it’s surprisingly enjoyable to get soaked to the skin. Even Ted didn’t seem to mind. Watching the heavy showers roll across the purple, heather covered Westmorland Dales and Howgill Fells was the perfect distraction on our lunchtime run on the Coast to Coast around Sunbiggin Tarn…
Visit Eden

20/08/2026

The Royal Show was always the highlight of my year when I lived in Warwickshire, and it might have been bigger, but it wasn’t a patch on Brough Agricultural Show
They may have had the prize-winning sheep, but there was definitely no tallest thistle competition, red rosette for a novelty tie, or edible monster. We are already planning our entries for next year chocolate cake with filling but definitely not walking sticks, as Norman Nelson has that one well and truly covered…

Since our last trip up to Nine Standards 11 years ago, our niece has not only grown a lot, but she’s also become far mor...
19/08/2026

Since our last trip up to Nine Standards 11 years ago, our niece has not only grown a lot, but she’s also become far more useful! 🙂
We’ve had the pleasure of her company for the last few days while she’s been doing her work experience with us. There’s been bed making, cleaning, mopping, polishing, ironing, breakfast cooking, bread baking and cake making. When you’re dreaming of a career in costume design, a few days of bed and breakfast life might not sound terribly exciting but it’s all part of learning that whatever you do, it’s about putting your all into everything and taking pride in your work….

Address

Market Street
Kirkby Stephen
CA174QW

Telephone

+441768371638

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Old Croft House posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Old Croft House:

Shortcuts

Share

Category