Ford Castle: Outdoor Activity Centre & Accommodation
Officially recognised as a part of the border defences in 1367 Ford Castle was of a quadrilateral design. Two of the original towers are still visible today. In 1385 the Scots attacked and devastated the castle for the first time. Fighting feuds was the norm for many decades thereafter. In 1513 King James IV of Scotland moved south over the border with a large invading army. Reaching Ford Castle he delayed here for a few days before his fateful battle at Flodden Field on the 15th September 1513, where he and approximately 11,000 of his countrymen died.
The castle underwent major reconstruction in the 1790’s commissioned by the Delaval family. Lady Waterford made further alterations in the late 1880’s The current owners of Ford Castle are the Joicey family who purchased the estate in 1907 and used the castle as their home until the start of the 2nd World War. After a period as a recuperation hospital and then a training centre for the Boys’ Club Association it opened on the18th September 1956 as a residential centre for young people.
Since 1956 Ford Castle has assisted thousands of young people to reach their potential through a combination of residential educational courses and outdoor activities.
Whilst Ford Castle is primarily for the benefit of young people, over recent years it has developed a reputation as an excellent venue for conferences, adult functions and wedding celebrations.
The experience of staying in a 14th century castle is in itself memorable for young and old alike.
Contact Us
Ford Castle
Ford Village
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 2PX
Tel. 01890 820257
Fax. 01890 820413
