Residential Centre in north Yorkshire for Youth Groups

About Ford Castle

Try your hand at bridge abseiling and explore an ancient secret dungeon at our Medieval Castle in Northumberland.

Ford Castle was built to help defend the English border and as such was the backdrop for skirmishes and noble family feuds throughout the centuries and even hosted James IV of Scotland before his final battle.

A truly unique setting and experience to inspire your group!

Take a look around Ford Castle, Northumberland (NEW!)

Accommodation

Not many people can claim to have slept in a castle! Your group will be in comfortable dormitory style rooms – either in the main castle building, or in the castle courtyard.

Castle Main Building

Groups - Rooms sleep 6-24, either en suite or with a bathroom close by
Leaders - Rooms sleep 1-3, either en suite or with a bathroom close by

Castle Courtyard

Groups - Rooms sleep 6-14, en suite
Leaders - Single rooms, either en suite or with a bathroom close by

Facilities

The castle has plenty of indoor and outdoor space – including grand halls, a comfortable leaders’ lounge and even an oubliette under the Flag Tower! Views to the Cheviot and Lady Waterford’s garden add to the charm of the castle grounds.

Historic rooms
Common / games rooms
Disco / indoor areas
Drying rooms
Large playing fields
Leaders’ lounge
Shop

Activities available

Archery backdrops don’t come more traditional than a castle keep! But we have far more available for your group than that – a host of activities are dotted around the castle grounds and you can even try your hand at fencing in a room with traditional sabres as decoration on the walls!

Activities are led by our trained instructors, who can help you achieve group goals – whether that is to promote group bonding or develop leadership and teamworking skills.

See the evening activities available at Ford Castle.

Select an activity for a full description

Food

Enjoyable mealtimes with nutritious and tasty food.
Our meals are freshly prepared, balanced and will give your group plenty of energy to keep them going throughout the day.

A mix of hot and cold meals with vegetarian options
Self-service salad bar
Fresh fruit with every meal
Allergies, intolerances and special diets catered for - see our Leader Guide
Support for fussy eaters

View our sample menu

Sample Day

Schedule	Activities
07.00 - 08.50	Get up, get ready and fuel up for the day ahead with a hearty breakfast.
08.50 - 12.00	Morning activities - 2 sessions with a 10 minute break in-between.
12.00 - 13.50	Enjoy a fresh and tasty two-course hot lunch and some free time.
13.50 - 17.00	Afternoon activities - 2 sessions with a 10 minute break in-between.
17.00 - 19.00	Time to eat again - a different dinner menu each day.
19.00 - 21.00	Discos, campfires, quizzes and more - our evening activity programme keeps everyone engaged until bedtime.
21.00 / 21.30	Bedtime. Catch up on some zzz's ready to do it all again tomorrow!