Learning and Adventure in a Real Medieval Castle
Ford Castle is an established residential centre for school and youth groups, providing exciting activities, excellent learning opportunities and fantastic excursions.
It was not always thus however. Built originally in the 13th century as a manor house, Lord Heron was granted licence to hold Ford as a castle in 1341. Sitting on the English/Scottish border as it does, the Castle has certainly seen its share of turbulence.
Owned by the Joicey family since 1907, Ford Castle was established in 1956 as an outdoor activity centre, run by Northumberland County Council. In 2012, the Castle was re-launched as a centre for residential school trips in a joint venture between NCC and Château Beaumont.
Now the Castle positively encourages attack, by invaders drawn to the new and daring activities that include Crate Stack, Leap of Faith, Jacob's Ladder, Zip Wire, Nightline, Knights' Quest and Initiative Exercises. Ford Castle provides a range of educational programmes across a broad spectrum of subjects from, of course, History to PRE; Biology to Art. With the fantastic setting of the Castle and the excellent resources that contribute to its surroundings, learning experiences are greatly enhanced. Excursions enable guests to uncover some of the region's wonders from as nearby as Ford Village itself, Flodden Field or Lindisfarne; to Edinburgh, York, Beamish, Durham, the Roman Wall, Cragside and many others.
During the school holidays the Castle welcomes young people from all over the world, who come to Ford Castle to learn, or improve their English.
This is a wonderful opportunity for children to sleep in the same castle, perhaps even the same chamber, as James IV did before the Battle of Flodden in 1513
'Exciting, challenging and fun! . . . beautiful, historic setting – an unforgettable experience for all!'
Ford Castle is not open to the general public but is available for pre-booked school and youth groups.
