Ford and Etal is one of our favourite places to visit in Northumberland. Not far from Berwick, there are three main areas to explore (as well as a few off shoots). It's the kind of place you could just walk around and take in the beautiful scenery/bring a picnic or spend £ visiting multiple attractions - the choice is yours.
The bus 267 Berwick-Upon-Tweed to Wooler stops at Ford, Etal and Heatherslaw (no bus on Sundays and Bank Holidays) and if you show your bus ticket, you will receive a 20% discount on some of the attractions (see here for a timetable). It's easy enough to catch the train from Newcastle to Berwick with several direct services taking less than an hour.
Sustrans Cycle Route passes through the estate and cycle racks are available.
This interactive map is brilliant for getting your bearings.
Ford
There is a free car park as you enter the village (use postcode TD15 2QG) and all attractions are within easy walking distance. Ford village is home to Ford Castle which is not open to the public (currently used as a place for Primary School Residentials). However you can catch a glimpse of the exterior.
Ford Playground
There is a children's playground behind Lady Waterford Hall. See the map above for location.
The Tearoom
There is the cutest tearoom in Ford Village which doubles as the village shop and post office. You can stock up on local treats and enjoy a brew on the lawn. There are two bed and breakfast rooms too. Find out more here.
The Old Dairy
Browse the antiques for sale at The Old Dairy. Find out more here.
Lady Waterford Hall
Lady Waterford Hall is FREE to visit and dog-friendly. No need to book in advance. The hall was a unique school for local children in the 1800s and is adorned with beautiful paintings. It's unlike any classroom I've ever seen.
Old Forge Antiques
Situated in an old forge, this place was still a working blacksmith up until the 1970s. Expect to find vintage clothing, Victorian plants, rare books, jewellery and furniture. Find out more here.
Heatherslaw
There is a customer car park at Heatherslaw Railway and a public car park just opposite. The postcode is TD12 4TJ. The Ford & Etal Visitor Centre is located in Heatherslaw which is a good place to start any visit. There are public toilets here from April-November.
Heatherslaw Corn Mill
Heatherslaw Corn Mill is a historic building where you can watch the milling process from start to finish. There is even a working water wheel which you get a good view of thanks to some glass walkways.
The mill also has hands on activities for kids and exhibitions around the process plus you can sometimes join in with making your own bread / pizzas (see their Facebook page for any upcoming dates). Flour which is produced at the mill is available to purchase from the mill shop and there is a tea room too. Find out more here.
Heatherslaw Light Railway
Heatherslaw Light Railway runs between Heatherslaw Station and Etal. It's a picturesque route and dogs travel free. Find out more here.
Ravn Clay Pottery
Ravn Clay Pottery offer a variety of workshops for all ages and abilities including a chance to make your own mug or springtime pot. Find out more and book here.
Etal
We usually visit Etal via Heatherslaw Railway but there is also parking here, use postcode TD12 4TN.
Etal Castle
Etal Castle is free to visit and a lovely picturesque spot for a picnic. It's a small castle and as it's so close to the Scottish border, has an interesting history which you can read about here. Dog friendly too.
The Black Bull
The Black Bull is the only thatched roof pub in Northumberland. I mean it is pretty cute. Managed by Cheviot Brewery, booking is strongly recommended if you'd like to eat here but walks ins are welcome. Dogs are welcome too. Find out more here.
The Lavendar Tearooms
The Lavendar Tearooms double as the village shop and Post Office and are a super charming place to stop for lunch. I recommend their Singing Hinnies - a local speciality. Find out more here.
Other
Flodden Battlefield
Over 15,000 people were killed on this field in the space of just three hours over 500 years ago during the Battle of Flodden. A day that changed history forever and worth a visit if you are interested to learn more. Find out more here.
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre
This not-for-profit centre is is the only rare-breed approved centre in the country which is dedicated to heavy horses. If you love horses. you must visit as there are some gorgeous animals here. It's not a big place but is packed with information on the history of heavy horses and the breeds.
The farm is a working farm and rare breed breeding centre too and there is a tea room on site as well as pigs and geese too.
Dogs are welcome here (on a lead obviously). Find out more here.
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| Credit : Cheviot Tap |
Cheviot Tap is a brewery with an adjoining bar. They run regular pizza nights, alpaca experiences and have glamping on site too. Sounds brill! Dogs, kids and even horses are all welcome in the Tap Room. Find out more here.
Walking & Geocaching
There are lots of opportunities for walking around Ford & Etal. This post shares maps for a few popular routes for all abiliites ranging from a 1 mile loop up to a seven mile circular. Ford & Etal is also a good place for Geocaching.
Want to read more? I recommend reading this post which shares our day at Ford & Etal a few years ago. There you will find lots more photos & more detailed info. There is also lots of info on the Ford & Etal website and they share regular updates and photos across their social media.
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