Binks Cottage

03/06/2026

May has been a month to celebrate at Binks Cottage, as we welcomed a wonderful host of guests from both near and far.

The weather has been kind to us farmers, and for that we are grateful. The grass is growing well, gardens are flourishing, and the Durham dales are beginning to look at their very best.

It has also been a year for the record books in our village. The annual plant sale enjoyed its most successful year ever, raising a remarkable £1,145.10 each for the church and the Village Hall Committee.

Thank you to everyone who has stayed with us in May and those that came along and supported this year's sale.

29/05/2026

Don’t miss this golden opportunity ☀️🇪🇸

Discover our Las Mozas digital guidebook and explore what it’s like to stay in Benahavís, including local attractions, restaurants, beaches, and things to do nearby.

23/05/2026

☀️ Sunshine is forecast for the annual Thornley Village Plant Sale tomorrow. We have collected an outstanding amount of plants ready for a splendid sale! The perfect excuse for a lovely morning out. 🌿🌸🍦

Come along and enjoy:

🌱 Plants, Plants & More Plants
🎨 Art Exhibition
🪴 Gardening Brick-a-Brac
🎟 Tombola
🍰 Homemade Cakes
🥓 Sausage & Bacon Butties
☕ Tea & Coffee
🍦 Ice Cream 99’s

Whether you’re looking for garden inspiration, hunting for a few bargains, or simply fancy a friendly morning in the village, we’d love to see you there. Everyone is very welcome!

📍 Thornley Village, DL13 4NU
🕙 From 10:00am
🛎 Last orders for butties at 12:30pm

Please share and help spread the word 🌼

19/05/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our much loved Binks. Many of our guests at Binks Cottage will remember him fondly over the years - often following not far behind Trevor at feeding time with Bella, finding a new unique place to sleep around the farm or quietly sneaking into the house to curl up in front of the fire.

Binks was a well loved part of staying at Binks cottage for so many visitors. He will be deeply missed by us all.

15/05/2026

Quick trip into Lanchester for ice cream at the old ice cream shop 🍦 Great selection, super friendly staff, and definitely worth the drive if you’re staying at Binks Cottage or in the area! The old ice cream shop Kings Cafe ices & confectionery

13/05/2026

We recently visited No.10 Café in Wolsingham, just a short 2.4-mile journey from Binks Cottage - close enough to enjoy as a scenic hike for those who enjoy walking.

We had a wonderful experience, with excellent real coffee and a lovely selection of freshly prepared food on offer. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, making it a perfect stop for guests exploring the local area.

Be sure to check out their page Number 10 for opening hours and details of their special guest food events SuperSmashburgers

01/05/2026

April at Binks Cottage has been a remarkable month.

We’ve been delighted to host a full calendar of guests. From two fantastic vet students at the start of the month to a lovely couple with a fascinating story. Rex and Kerry Vickers from NZ traced their family history back to weardale. Their ancestors emigrated from the dale to New Zealand in the 1800s, where they established a ranch and named it “Frosterly” in tribute to their origins. A small reminder of how far roots can travel, yet still remain connected. Further research found the link between their family and ours 7 generations ago!

The village is looking its best, thanks to the efforts of some green-fingered residents, communal troughs have been thoughtfully replanted and are now full of colour for all to enjoy.

On the farm, the busiest of lambing and calving has passed, and many ewes and lambs are now out on higher ground, giving the fields a chance to recover and grow on. We’ve made the most of the weather for a good spring clean around the farm and cottage. May is fully booked, and we’re looking forward to the weeks ahead.

01/04/2026

Another March slips away in Thornley village, the daffodils are out, brightening the lanes and announcing the arrival of spring.

At Binks Cottage, the garden is ready to burst into life, and the lambing shed next door is too! The surrounding fields will soon be dotted with lambs 🐑🌼

05/03/2026

February has been a beautiful month here at Binks Cottage.

We’ve been treated to a real mix of weather over the past few weeks. The flowers on the village green have looked absolutely stunning this month. Their colour has made every walk through the village feel a little more special. It’s a lovely reminder that spring is just around the corner.

A big thank you to everyone who came to stay with us during February. It was lovely to welcome you to the cottage and we hope you had a memorable visit. We’re also really grateful to everyone who has already booked to stay with us in March. We’re looking forward to welcoming you soon. 😊

Here are a few snapshots from February 📸

18/02/2026

Join us in Thornley for community events at St Bartholomew and Thornley Village Hall. Refreshments served after each service, everyone is welcome!

Read the schedule and event details: https://www.binks-cottage.co.uk/post/upcoming-church-services-and-pcc-events-in-the-village-2026

If you’re staying in Thornley, you are warmly invited to join the upcoming services and events at St Bartholomew and Thornley Village Hall. Refreshments will be served after each service.