North East - Northumberland

This country estate, in the ownership of the Joicey family for over 100 years, nestles between the Cheviot Hills, Scottish Borders and stunning Northumbrian coastline and is centred round the picturesque villages of Ford and Etal where neat gardens and grounds contrast with the rugged yet beautiful countryside surrounding them.

Often described as the hidden gem of Northumberland, Ford & Etal is a place to explore and discover whatever the weather - and with several unique attractions there’s something to suit all interests. 

Heatherslaw Light Railway (the most northerly steam railway in England) runs along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw and Etal, a 50 minute round trip and affords wonderful views of the Northumberland countryside and river wildlife. Arriving at Etal, the remains of Etal Castle stand above the Railway.  Here the award-winning exhibition on borders warfare offers an excellent insight into the bloody history of these Borderlands it’s well worth visiting Flodden Battlefield site too, only a 15 minute drive away. Etal village, with its pretty white painted buildings, is also home to the only thatched pub in Northumberland.

Returning to Heatherslaw, a short walk over the iron bridge leads to Heatherslaw Cornmill. There’s been a mill on this site for over 700 years but the present mill, which in 2015 marks its 40^th anniversary since restoration, is a fully operational 19thC watermill.  Making flours by traditional methods, the mill opens daily (late March-October) enabling  visitors to view the whole process from grain to flour as well as learning, through some fabulous exhibits, how millers lived and worked through the ages. Mill produce is sold in the adjoining gift shop, or can be sampled in fresh baked scones in the tearoom.

The Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre adds to the story of farming and food production. Here visitors meet the magnificent Clydesdale horses as well as viewing  the display of horse-drawn farm machinery  and extensive collection of memorabilia. Throughout the season special open days and evenings also enable visitors to see demonstrations of traditional horse dress and other associated crafts.

In Ford lies the real jewel in the crown –Lady Waterford Hall and Gallery. Once the village school, this striking building houses an amazing collection of life-size watercolour murals depicting Biblical scenes, all painted over a twenty year period by Louisa Marchioness of Waterford in the latter part of the 19^th Century.  Local people sat as models for the paintings and the Hall tells the story of Louisa and her estate workers and children, as well as exhibiting other paintings and artefacts from her time.

Interspersed in the villages are local crafters, antiques and collectables outlets, and there are plenty of traditional tearooms to enjoy refreshments, be it a cream tea or a light lunch.

We offer generous discounts for pre-booked groups, a one-stop booking office, itinerary planning and guides/tours on request. Coach parking is free throughout the estate. Refreshments and free admission for coach drivers; pre-visits by organisers welcome. Within easy access of the A1 & A697.