Opening Times

1000-1700 daily 14.03.11-30.10.11. Winter visits by prior appointment.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

This is a unique venue, being one of the only working watermills in the country which uses restored 19th century machinery to mill locally grown wheat, producing our own stoneground wholemeal flour. Situated on Ford & Etal Estates, a 16000 acre traditional agricultural estate in North Northumberland, Heatherslaw Cornmill is one of a number of attractions and places of interest to visit on the Estate. Children can learn about food and farming, the power of water, and life in Victorian times. Nearby is is15" gauge light railway, a gallery displaying unique watercolour murals and a castle with exhibiton room.

What are the activities?

Guided tour of the mill; see/help use the sackhoist to lift huge bags of grain; become a junior miller (general knowledge about the mill); family backpack activities; quiz sheet (literacy); colouring and drawing for younger children; Victorian home corner including handling objects; visitor centre displays 17 minute DVD about the Mill and the wider Estate (

What is the age range of the activities?

from pre-school to KS4 - miller makes tour and talk age appropriate.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

no minimum size. Max 25 (larger groups can be catered for but must split into 2 halves.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have risk assessment for school visits

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

Teachers are welcome to come and see round the mill and adjoining site - please phone to make an appointment.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

gift shop and tearoom on site. Picnic area outside; if weather poor there is an inside area where children can eat packed lunch. Pre-booking for all is required.

Is specific clothing required?

no

Do you have first aid on site?

yes

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

No

Additional information.

As well as the Mill, tearoom and gift shop there is also a visitor centre on site, showing a DVD about Ford & Etal Estates and with interpretation boards giving a taster of the history and current day activities on the Estate. Over the bridge (approx 200 yards) there is a 15" gauge steam railway that runs along the banks of the river Till to Etal village. There are many other attractions and activities on Ford & Etal Estates, all in close proximity to Heatherslaw Mill.