It was with huge sadness that we noticed early on Thursday morning that the Sycamore Gap tree had fallen following storm Agnes. We were absolutely broken hearted to learn that this was actually the result of an intentional human act. We thank customers for their emails and calls – this is such a loss to so many, and it is so sad to see the landscape change for this reason.
This was not just a tree – it was so much more than the Layside Logo, or the view from our kitchen window. This living, breathing soul of Northumberland was our sense of place; our sense of belonging, and represented home. I can only hope that this absolute beauty can somehow regenerate, and our young son can watch it grow so that he, his children and his children’s children may recall this event as merely a chapter in the life of this amazing landscape.
Autumn is upon us but there is enough fair weather to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are walking the Wall and enjoying the National Park, visiting some fantastic local historical sites, or just taking it easy – there is always something interesting to see.
The bird feeders outside each room have certainly been a success and enjoyed by many of our guests. We have been enjoying regular visits from bullfinches and gold crests to name but a few – and of course the badgers have been out in the evenings to clear up the mess!
There are so many hidden gems in Northumberland – and this is a great one to visit. Just a short drive from Layside can be found this lovely waterfall and swimming hole – the perfect spot for a picnic on a warm sunny day like today. Enjoy a (bracing) swim, or just sit back and enjoy the beauty of this quiet spot!
In 1981, George R. R. Martin stood by Hadrian’s Wall, taking inspiration from the landscape and the history, subsequently creating the fictional “Game of Thrones” – and it is easy to see how this stunning winter landscape can capture the imagination. Bart is definitely enjoying the frost and snow underfoot!
Northumberland scooped the Gold at the 2018 British Travel Awards for “Best UK Holiday County/Destination”. We have come close before now, but have been pipped to the post by Cornwall for the past four years. It is fantastic that we have experienced record visitor numbers to the region, and that so many people have enjoyed the hugely different landscapes and experiences that Northumberland has to offer.
Scarecrow festivals are popular in the UK, where the use of the scarecrow as a protector of crops dates back hundreds of years. In medieval Britain, scarecrows were young boys who were tasked with the responsibility of scarring away birds, patrolling the fields with bags of stones to throw at the crows and starlings. The Great Plague of 1348, however, wiped out half the population and not enough boys could be found, so sacks were stuffed with straw and faces carved in turnips – and so was born the scarecrow as we know it today.
Every year, hundreds of villages all over Britain bring coolur, vibrancy and fun to the countryside by organising Scarecrow Festivals, where residents compete with each other to build the best scarecrow from whatever material they can lay their hands upon! Bardon Mill and Henshaw runs a scarecrow trail each year – a “scarecrow map” can be purchased from Mike’s Village shop in Bardon Mill, along with a voting form – a fun way to explore the Village and get to know the residents! For those wishing to participate, voting forms must be returned to the Village shop by 8th September, with the winners to be announced at the Presentation Night and BBQ at the Bardon Mill village hall on 15th September.
We have voted for our favourites – some of the best from past and present shown!
