Sycamore Glamping Pods in Northumberland | A Review

Thanks to our writer Bethanie for this post. Photo Credits: Sycamore Glamping and Girl About Northumberland. Photos in this post are from both pods. 

Last May (2021), we had a fun family night away glamping in the beautiful Northumbrian countryside. It was everything I love about camping with the added bonus of a hot shower, microwave, hob and fridge. Oh, and a comfy bed to sleep in, plus no extra socks needed to keep warm. Amazing!

We stayed at Sycamore Glamping Pods, located just a twenty-five-minute drive north of Hexham. Here is my review from our overnight stay:  

Sycamore Glamping Pods

The glamping pods, as well as Sycamore Cottage, are run by power couple Debbie and Mark, from their Northumberland farm. Debbie came to say hello shortly after we got settled into our pod and made us feel very welcome straight away. 

Debbie and Mark are third generation livestock farmers, and live on the farm with their three children, who rather impressively were up early on the Saturday morning helping with the farm duties. 

There are two pods situated on the farm. The Willow and Cedar pods overlook fields and the most breathtaking views. On the farm you will find sheep, cows, chickens and a beautiful pony which was exciting for the kids to be able to see from the pod decking area. 

As it is a working farm, it is important to adhere to the farm rules and not go into any fields or wander around the farm without permission as there will be machinery operating at times. Pet dogs are not permitted in the glamping pods but are permitted in the farm cottage mentioned at the end of this post. 

Our Review

From the moment you book your glamping pod, you are provided with all the information you could need about your stay. There is an app to download which acts as your visitors’ book and has all the checking in and out information. 

This was our first night away as a family of five, having had our third baby during lockdown. I was a little apprehensive as to how the five of us would be comfy staying in a glamping pod, and whether we would all be able to have a decent night’s sleep or not.

I really needn’t have worried as we all slept deeply, even our six month old who dozed happily in the travel cot at the foot of our bed. The pods are designed in such a way that they really make good use of the space.

We stayed in the Cedar pod, which sleeps two adults and up to four children so perfect for those with bigger families. It can sometimes be a struggle to find accommodation that caters for a family of five, so it was great to find somewhere that does and comfortably too.

There are just two glamping pods on site - ideal to hire together with grandparents or friends. Together they can sleep up to 10 guests. 

Bedding and towels are provided, and the pods come with everything you would need for a comfortable stay. Fridge, hob, microwave, shower and toilet, travel cot, TV and WIFI.

I loved this part of our glamping experience. In the past when we have gone camping, the car has been packed with plates, cooking stove, layers of clothes and sleeping bags etc. When glamping at the Sycamore Pods, we didn’t need to bring any of this stuff. It was all there waiting for us. 

We took ready meals with us to cook on the Friday night, which was perfect. Minimal amount of dishes (which went in the dishwasher anyway!) and meant we had longer to spend playing family games on the decking and taking in the view with a glass of wine in hand. 

It all felt very relaxed and was a great place to unwind while knowing the kids were happy and safe playing out the front of the pod. 

Take a look at the website (https://www.sycamorecottage.org/aboutus) for further information on how to get there and what else there is to do in the local area. Vindolanda and Sycamore Gap are both a short drive away, making the pods a perfect base for exploring this area of Northumberland.  

BBQ Hut

 While both pods are equipped for cooking your own meals, you may want to hire out the BBQ hut. A hobbit style hut that can be hired from £50 extra and would be great for family gatherings or special occasions whilst staying in the glamping pods. 

The padded seats and tables are all centred around the BBQ and there are fairy lights hung from the ceiling. We didn’t use this facility, but I did have a peek through the window, and it looked very cosy inside and I think it would be great if you were staying with a group of friends. 

Matches, charcoal, utensils and even a chef’s apron are all provided which again means saving on your packing space. You just need to provide the meats and accompaniments but if you are travelling from a bit further afield there is the option to request meat be delivered from the local butcher. 

Sycamore Cottage

Debbie and Mark also run a holiday cottage in the village of Barrasford, just north of Hexham. Sycamore Cottage sleeps three adults, plus a travel cot and two well behaved dogs. It provides the perfect retreat to kick back and relax, escaping the daily grind and is the perfect base for exploring Northumberland National Park. 

Coming soon…

Opening at the end of May 2022, The Black Hut. “A place to unwind, reconnect, engage with yourself and each other, the landscape, and the world around you.”

A hut with a difference, this is going to be a very exciting addition and perfect for star gazing and cosy nights watching the sun set from the window seat. 

Follow @sycamore_cottage_and_glamping on Instagram and Facebook for exciting updates on their latest addition. 

Find out more and book: https://www.sycamorecottage.org/

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