Framed by stunning countryside and iconic landmarks, the quaint town of Settle is an ideal stop for walkers, outdoor lovers and those looking for peace and quiet. Nestled in the shadow of the striking Castleberg Crag, this sleepy town is famous for its lively outdoor market, breathtaking railway line and Victoria Hall.
Guests at Settle’s Falcon Manor Hotel this spring should check out some of the finest bluebell displays in the area. According to Jane Gara, general manager of Falcon Manor, the breakthtaking carpets of blue at nearby Oxenber and Cleatop woods are a “Must See” in May. Said Jane: “Cleatop Wood, near Settle, offers a lovely circular walk of around four miles from the door of Falcon Manor. A stroll along a green lane and across farmland brings guests to the woodland, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.” It is 10 minutes in the car to the village of Austwick from where Oxenber Wood can form part of a three to four mile circuit. Jane said: “Stroll along bridleways and make your way uphill through this pasture of bluebells into the woods where the flowers continue in abundance. “This is also an excellent wood for seeing primrose and orchids, which are typically out just before the bluebells.” Bluebells are usually in flower between late April and late May and two different species are commonly found in the Yorkshire Dales – the native bluebell identifiable by its white-cream coloured pollen, and the Spanish bluebell. Some bluebell facts: The Latin name for bluebells is Hyacinthoides non-scripta. Bees love bluebells and sometimes bite a hole in the bottom of the bell to get to the nectar. Bluebell bulbs were crushed to provide starch for the ruffs of Elizabethan collars and sleeves. Meanwhile, back in the Bronze Age, bluebells were used to set feathers on arrows: a process known as ‘fletching’. Bluebells are long associated with fairy folklore – they are said to have been used to lure children into woods. Half the world’s population of bluebells grow in the UK. It’s illegal to pick, uproot or intentionally destroy bluebells. Jane added: “Falcon Manor’s dinner, bed and breakfast offers are particularly good value for enjoying a break and experiencing the bluebells while relaxing in stunning surroundings. Keep an eye on our events & offers page for April/May offers.”…
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Wedding cars allow you to arrive at your venue in style, and are a great way to add that extra touch of glamour to the start of your special day. However, depending on your venue, the plan for the day or your budget, a wedding car might not be necessary. We’ve highlighted some of the key things to think about when it comes to wedding cars to help you decide whether you do or don’t need one.
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Yorkshire is set for a stellar year of cycling with the UCI World Championships and the Tour de Yorkshire expected to attract the very best riders from all over the globe. As the county prepares to welcome professional riders such as Geraint Thomas and Chris Froome to its roads, Jane Gara, manager of Settle’s country house hotel, Falcon Manor, has some tips for guests booking in to watch the action.
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When you first think of a wedding a lot of the images that come to mind will likely be fairly traditional. For many people, these images are exactly what they want from their wedding. But what if you want to do something unexpected, a bit different and, maybe, a little bit more you? Planning a wedding that’s outside of what people normally expect might sound daunting, even more so if you’re trying to tie everything into a specific theme. We’ve got some top tips to help you to get started when it comes to planning your themed wedding.
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A wedding takes a lot of careful thought and planning – not only to make sure you get everything you want from your day, but also to make sure you can afford it. One major part of organising your wedding is deciding on a budget, but where should you start?…
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In celebration of the Settle Flowerpot Festival, we have brought back our Flowerpot Afternoon Tea!…
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