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Plan a Visit
A trip on the Heatherslaw Light Railway is just the beginning of a wonderful day out. Nestled within the beautiful Ford & Etal Estate in Northumberland, the railway sits among a collection of historic attractions, independent businesses and countryside experiences waiting to be explored.
From heritage sites and traditional crafts to welcoming cafés, local shops and peaceful walks, the estate offers something for every visitor. Whether you’re planning a relaxed afternoon or a full family day out, there’s plenty to discover before or after your journey by steam.
Take time to explore the estate’s many attractions including historic landmarks, artisan workshops, places to eat and unique local businesses — all within easy reach of the railway. The surrounding countryside along the River Till and nearby villages adds even more to enjoy during your visit.
Below you’ll find helpful guides to other attractions, places to eat, shops, and places to stay across the Ford & Etal Estate, helping you make the most of your visit.
Places to Eat
Cheviot Tap
Cheviot Brewery is a micro brewery on the Ford & Etal Estate in North Northumberland producing traditional cask and bottled ale. Offering brewery tours and tastings at our Cheviot Tap onsite tap bar and an onsite Glamping and self catering accommodation.
Brewing with the best ingredients and creating ales inspired by the history and landscape of North Northumberland.
Etal Village Shop
Elaine & Rob welcome you to the Tearooms, Village Shop & Post Office that are open all year round for morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon teas and cakes. Local specialities are also served which include Border tart and “Singing Hinnies”. Why not try a slice of home-made Lavender cake or Teabread?
An abundance of essential grocery items and local products from around North Northumberland are on display in the shop.
Ford Village Shop
Nestled in the heart of the Ford & Etal Estate, Ford Village Coffee Shop, Post Office and Bed & Breakfast is a welcoming stop for local and visitors alike.
Whether you’re calling in for a freshly brewed coffee, loose leaf tea, slice of cake, posting a parcel or enjoying a peaceful overnight stay, you’ll always find a warm Northumbrian welcome here - and four-legged friends are very much invited too 🐾
Surrounded by rolling countryside, historic charm, and friendly faces, our family run spot is more than just a business - it’s part of village life at Ford
Attractions
Northumbrian Earth
Have you ever wondered what has shaped the landscape here? Northumberland and the Borders have a treasure chest of rocks telling so many different stories in a landscape of extraordinary beauty. Northumbrian Earth has been set up to explore and tell these stories, to the local communities, to visitors and to businesses. You can explore these stories, walking out into our beautiful coast and countryside, and looking at the rocks in the company of Dr Ian Kille, an expert and enthusiast on all things geological.
Lady Waterford Hall
There are no entrance charges for parties under 12 in number, but donations are welcome.
Groups over 12 are requested to make a formal donation of £3 per head, to be paid by the organiser. Coach parties wishing to visit must book in advance, please email: tourism@ford-and-etal.co.uk
Canoeing
Active 4 Seasons
Flooden Battlefield
Ford & Etal Estates
This famous battlefield, just outside Branxton village, was the scene of one of the bloodiest battles ever to take place in the British Isles. On 9th September 1513, over 500 years ago, 14,000 soldiers from Scotland and England died within a few hours. James IV of Scotland was heavily defeated and became the last British monarch to die in battle in Britain.
Ford Moss Nature Reserve & Colliery
Ford & Etal Estates
Set in a hollow at the top of the hill to the east of Ford village, with stunning views over the Till Valley and the Cheviots, Ford Moss is an area of wild landscape, exciting flora and fauna, and historical remains of an abandoned mining community.
Ford Moss extends to over 60 hectares (150 acres). It is an area of bog and scrub known as a lowland raised mire. A deep layer of peat, formed by rotting vegetation over many thousands of years, overlies the carboniferous limestone bedrock. Seams of coal were mined on the site from the late 17th to the early 20th century. This coal mine largely operated along the northern and western edges of Ford Moss, where the ruin of an old engine house and a large brick chimney are the most obvious features.
Etal Castle
Ford & Etal Estates
Set in the charming village of Etal by a ford over the river Till, this Northumberland castle is the ideal location for a family day out.
Built by Robert Manners as a defence against Scots raiders in the mid 14th century, it fell to James IV’s invading Scots army in 1513, immediately before their catastrophic defeat at nearby Flodden. The Flodden Battlefields are just a stones throw away from the castle so make sure to include it in your visit.
To complete your day out, bring along a picnic to enjoy in the surroundings of the Ford and Etal Estates.
Bird Watching
Ford & Etal Estates
Ford & Etal is fortunate to have a wide range of habitats for birds and birdwatching opportunities are many. This brief guide offers some suggestions for walks along public footpaths and bridleways from where it should be possible to observe or hear some of Northumberland’s best birds.
Fishing
Ford & Etal Estates
Come to fish the River Till on the beautiful Ford & Etal Estates waters in rural North Northumberland.
The River Till is England’s only tributary of the mighty River Tweed; as such it is governed by River Tweed fishing regulations. It is particularly well-known for its run of sea-trout from the spring to summer month but grilse and salmon are also regularly taken, as are grayling during winter months.
Carriage Rides
Hay Farm Heavy Horses
Carriage Rides Timetable
Carriage Rides will commence from July through to September. They are running Wed, Thu & Sun afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm. Our prices are £5.00 per Adult and £3 per child. Dogs on leads can go on the carriage with owners for free.
Please be aware the rides are weather permitting. In the event of exceptionally high temperatures, the rides will not take place due to the welfare of the horse. Dogs are very welcome on the carriage.
Riding
Kimmerston Riding Centre
A one or a two hour ride through the fields and woods surrounding Kimmerston.
These rides take you down quiet roads to fields with wide riding margins, or to skirt the edge of woods, or to climb the higher fields with views towards the Cheviot Hills.
The views are spectacular whatever the weather. Keen eyes may spot deer, hares, buzzards, and the occasional glider from the nearby airfield at Milfield.
Folklore & Storytelling
Spindrift Stories
Come and discover the forgotten myths and legends of our wild county, from the coast to the hills, in a rich and immersive experience that combines my traditional storytelling performances with informative displays and visual art.
݀Discover the legends and folklore of Northumberland, with their history and context.
݀Stay for a live storytelling session and hear the tales told as they have been for centuries.
݀Browse the shop corner for books, local art by Gillian Joanne, and story-themed gifts handmade in the Bryneich Studio.
݀Bring the family and enjoy the children’s story corner, scheduled craft activities (during the school holidays), and special storytelling events for younger audiences.
݀Delve deeper by booking onto a storytelling or craft workshop (more dates to come; see Events).
݀Relax and enjoy a welcoming space surrounded by art, music, and story.
Places to Shop
Ford Village Shop
Nestled in the heart of the Ford & Etal Estate, Ford Village Coffee Shop, Post Office and Bed & Breakfast is a welcoming stop for local and visitors alike.
Whether you’re calling in for a freshly brewed coffee, loose leaf tea, slice of cake, posting a parcel or enjoying a peaceful overnight stay, you’ll always find a warm Northumbrian welcome here - and four-legged friends are very much invited too 🐾
Surrounded by rolling countryside, historic charm, and friendly faces, our family run spot is more than just a business - it’s part of village life at Ford
Handmade At Heatherslaw
John & Lorna Speight – Papercut Artist and Jewellery Maker
John and Lorna started their individual businesses in North Northumberland over 20 years ago and returned to the area in 2017, opening a new workshop and retail outlet in the old drying kiln directly opposite Heatherslaw Mill. Combining traditional methods with contemporary design, both John’s papercut silhouettes and Lorna’s hand-made jewellery make ideal gifts.
Browse John’s range of individually hand-cut papercuts which include framed and unframed pictures of animals, trees, places, views, sport and many other subjects.
Lorna’s “Spirit of Colour” jewellery features a fabulous array of colour, shapes and sizes and uses semi-precious stones, glass and charms. A wide selection of earrings, necklaces and bracelets are on sale.
Whether looking for an unusual and distinctive present or a treat for yourself, John and Lorna offer a vast choice of designs from which you can choose.
** Dogs welcome **
Old Forge Antiques
Situated in the unique ‘horseshoe forge’, this striking building with a horseshoe doorway was in use as a blacksmith’s forge until the 1970s.
Old Forge Antiques & Interiors offers a tasteful yet eclectic range of antiques, collectables, vintage clothing, jewellery, furniture and rare books, as well as beautiful Victorian garden plants. Pop in for a browse, a friendly chat and a complimentary cup of tea (if it’s not too busy!) Furniture and ceramic restoration is undertaken – contact Peter to discuss your requirements.
Meet John Marrin, a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association, who specialises in books on the history and literature of the Great War 1914-1918, gardening and fishing, books relating to the history of the Borders, and many other subjects from needlework to walking. Catalogues and lists on these subjects are also available and searches for books are possible. John is keen to purchase good books and happy to give advice where he can.
Payment by cash or cheque only – no card facilities.
Etal Village Shop
Elaine & Rob welcome you to the Tearooms, Village Shop & Post Office that are open all year round for morning coffee, light lunches, afternoon teas and cakes. Local specialities are also served which include Border tart and “Singing Hinnies”. Why not try a slice of home-made Lavender cake or Teabread?
An abundance of essential grocery items and local products from around North Northumberland are on display in the shop.
Clare Brownlow - Pheasant Feather Art
Clare has been drawing and painting since she was old enough to hold a pencil and brush. She was an Art Scholar at Uppingham and went on to study art at Edinburgh College of Art and Leith School of Art where she specialised in atmospheric oil paintings.
After the birth of her first son in 2009, in a quiet moment at her parent’s kitchen table in Norfolk, Pheasant Feather Art was born. She picked up a pheasant feather from her father’s stash, dipped it in his fountain pen inks and started “doodling”.
Heatherslaw Corn Mill
The power of the River Till has been recognised since the 13th century and there has been a mill on this site for over 700 years. Heatherslaw Corn Mill continues to be a working mill to this day – a place where the past really does live and breathe.
Explore this historic building and watch the milling process from beginning to end. On your visit you can learn how millers produce flour, from wheat grown in the local surrounding fields, just as they have done here for long centuries. Heatherslaw Corn Mill is the only place in Northumberland where you can experience the sight, sound and smell of a traditional mill and is a member of the Traditional Cornmillers Guild.
Please be aware that if the river is running too high, or too low, the waterwheel cannot operate. There is still plenty to see and do on a visit.
Registered charity number 502433
*Heatherslaw Mill is a Grade II listed building that is accessed by stairs so regretfully it is not accessible to people in wheelchairs.
Cheviot Tap
Cheviot Brewery is a micro brewery on the Ford & Etal Estate in North Northumberland producing traditional cask and bottled ale. Offering brewery tours and tastings at our Cheviot Tap onsite tap bar and an onsite Glamping and self catering accommodation.
Brewing with the best ingredients and creating ales inspired by the history and landscape of North Northumberland.
Ravn Clay Pottery
Established in 2021 and based in Ford Village, Ravn Clay offers a growing range of hand made functional and decorative pottery wares. We also offer courses, classes and workshops, and are proud to host a small gallery of craft makers from Northumberland and the Scottish Borders. If you can't make it to us - we are more than happy to travel to external venues for your convenience.
Art by Sam Folcarelli
Hello, I’m Sam. I am an artist based in the beautiful countryside of north Northumberland. I have a semi-feral rescue cat ‘Pepper’, who I’ve had since she was a kitten - she’s now 9 years old.
I produce pictures and paintings in a variety of different mediums which (so far!) have included; watercolour, oils, acrylics, pastels, ink and pencil. I also love to work with more three-dimensional materials and ever since being taught by my Grandma as a little girl, have loved to knit ! This love of wool has now evolved into needle felting and more recently spinning too.
I am inspired by the environment around me, which often results in pictures of animals and the natural environment. But I do also really love painting portraits of people and have been known to enjoy attempting a painting of a building every now and then.
I work to commission, but I also have original work, prints and other merchandise available at some other establishments in Northumberland.
Northumbrian Cider & Wine Company
NORTHUMBRIAN CIDER & WINE COMPANY are national & international award-winning cider, wine & juice producers. Making traditional craft cider & juice from 100% freshly pressed apples & fruit. Wine and fruit wine from 100% varietal grape juice from around the world. Situated in The Old Chapel Cidery next to Etal Castle within the beautiful Ford & Etal Estate in Northumberland.
Places to Stay
Ford Bridge Campsite
This family run camping and caravan site is based on the edge of the Northumberland & Scottish Borders in the heart of Ford & Etal Estates. Situated just off the A697, campers have beautiful scenic views of the Cheviot Hills and Ford Castle.
Currently there are 15 pitches available, some hard standing. Electric hook up is available.
Ford Bridge Campsite offers you a warm Northumbrian welcome with lots to see and do.
Ford Village Shop
Nestled in the heart of the Ford & Etal Estate, Ford Village Coffee Shop, Post Office and Bed & Breakfast is a welcoming stop for local and visitors alike.
Whether you’re calling in for a freshly brewed coffee, loose leaf tea, slice of cake, posting a parcel or enjoying a peaceful overnight stay, you’ll always find a warm Northumbrian welcome here - and four-legged friends are very much invited too 🐾
Surrounded by rolling countryside, historic charm, and friendly faces, our family run spot is more than just a business - it’s part of village life at Ford
Hay Farm House
Hay Farm House is a fine period building set in a peaceful location, just a short drive from the beautiful Northumbrian coast.
This welcoming bed and breakfast boasts glorious views across to the Cheviots, or across fields of magnificent rare-breed heavy horses. It has three spacious en-suite rooms complete with television, hairdryer, hospitality tray and much more.
An extensive breakfast menu is offered to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, a popular choice is the Aga-cooked Full English.
Children are welcome.
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs.
Hay Farm House lies in the heart of Ford and Etal Estates, just off the B3654, beside Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre, which is signposted from the road.
This is a no smoking establishment.
Cheviot Tap
Cheviot Brewery is a micro brewery on the Ford & Etal Estate in North Northumberland producing traditional cask and bottled ale. Offering brewery tours and tastings at our Cheviot Tap onsite tap bar and an onsite Glamping and self catering accommodation.
Brewing with the best ingredients and creating ales inspired by the history and landscape of North Northumberland.
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