Song of the River B&B

If you want a break from traffic noise, streetlights and suburban life, this is the place. I loved listening to the river, trees and owls, and even heard the dawn chorus when I woke early. It’s a beautiful, peaceful, secluded B&B in a lovely part of the world, and I left feeling as if I’d made two new friends. I’ll be visiting again soon, and highly recommend it. Nick and Barbara make you feel at home and are happy to share their gorgeous house. They’re a lovely couple, cater to your needs and wishes within reason, and know plenty about the local area. Walkers can get ideas for some fabulous routes from them. Even as a non-walker, I found they had suggestions for places to go locally and where to have dinner. The house sits among lots of trees, by a river below a ford. Barbara also offers luxurious beauty treatments. I had a facial during my stay and fell asleep!

Nick and Barbara were such perfect hosts that when we left, it felt like we were saying goodbye to a couple we’d known for years. We stayed two nights at Song o the river, a fantastic, idyllic place to rest and recharge. The room had everything we needed. The bathroom wasn’t en suite, but it was right beside our room, so that was no problem. Breakfast was five-star, and whatever you could want, well cooked and presented. One tip: don’t follow the sat nav, use Google maps.

We were on the PUBLIC footpath behind this business with my kids and some children I look after, three of whom are autistic. The path is lovely for children who enjoy spotting gnomes and nature, and dipping their toes in the river. We stopped for a short break by the steps. Two children were moving stones to look for bugs, and another was making snow angels in the small stones at the bottom. They weren’t hurting anyone. A man I assume owns the business came out, said it was private property and told me to control the kids. They weren’t in anyone’s way, climbing, or throwing stones. His tone rattled them, so I called them back and helped them calm down. Then his Rottweiler of a WIFE came round the corner, shouting at us to discipline the children. I repeatedly asked them not to use that confrontational tone in front of the kids and said there was no need for the aggression she showed, but she carried on and stormed off. The man then explained that many children had fallen down the steps. Fair enough, but ours weren’t climbing or messing about on them. After they left, we gathered our things and went home because the incident had triggered some severe emotions in the children. It all happened in front of a seven-month-old, a three-year-old, and children aged five, six and eight. Disgusting behaviour from the owners. They don’t deserve to be close to that beautiful scenery.

A stay here feels like joining the family, and you can’t put a price on that. Quite simply, it’s the most peaceful, perfect B&B for miles around.