Ford and Etal Estate

Enjoy a fabulous family day out at this privately owned country estate, just a short drive from the
historic town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Situated in the Till Valley and centred around the villages of
Ford and Etal, there are both outdoor and indoor activities and attractions, and regular events,
providing plenty to do for all ages and interests, whatever the weather.
For outdoor adventurers, canoeing on the River Till, horse-riding in the surrounding countryside and
cycle hire (from Ford Village Shop) can all be booked. Or simply explore on foot, following one of the
walks routes described in leaflets available at Heatherslaw Visitor Centre. Heatherslaw Light
Railway, the most northerly steam engine in England, links Heatherslaw and Etal village with trains
running daily from late March to the beginning of November, chugging along the banks of the River
Till. The railway carriages are covered so don’t let bad weather put you off.
Other attractions include the restored and working 19 th century Heatherslaw Cornmill still making
flour using traditional methods. The mill offers a fascinating experience for all, with children’s
baking sessions held in most of the school holidays. Mill produce is sold in the shop and can be
sampled in the Tearoom’s fresh-baked scones. In Etal visit the remains of the castle and learn of the
bloody history of Borders warfare. Here you can enjoy a picnic by the river, a pint of locally brewed
ale at the Black Bull or a cream tea at Lavender Tearooms, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of
this pretty village. Don’t miss Hay Farm Heavy Horse and Rare Breeds Centre, meet the animals
and have a horse-drawn carriage ride. In Ford, take a walk around this historic village and make sure
to visit the Lady Waterford Hall, once the village school and now a museum and gallery which tells
the story of Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, one-time owner of Ford Estate and a gifted amateur
artist whose legacy is the amazing murals inside the hall.
There’s so much to see and do you may even want to book into one of the quality guesthouses or
self-catering cottages to stay a while longer.