Who We Are - FAQ's School

School

1.) Is Ford Castle a real castle?

Yes it is. A licence was issued by King Edward in 1338 giving permission to the Heron family to construct a fortification at Ford.

2.) What insurance cover does the centre have?

Public Liability Insurance to the sum of £30 million is provided.

3.) Can you cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes, special dietary needs are catered for, advance notice is required.

4.) Is Ford Castle privately owned?

Yes, Ford Castle has been leased by the current owners, the Ford and Etal Estates, to Northumberland County Council since 1956.

5.) What does having an AALA licence mean?

A licence to operate adventurous activities is issued by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, this means that Ford Castle, it’s staff, equipment, operating procedures, risk assessments etc are scrutinised on a regular basis and must meet the high standards required

6.) Will the castle be warm?

The castle is centrally heated, with back-up electric heaters if required

7.) Do you run evening activities for groups?

Evening activities are the responsibility of visiting staff although the overnight Duty Officer is available to assist with equipment etc

8.) Is there space for the children to play games/sports?

Lots. Ford Castle has five acres of private grounds at anytime, including a football pitch, volleyball court and croquet lawn.

9.) Is the castle haunted?

Quite possibly!!

10.) Will we be able to go into the dungeon?

Yes, each group is given a guided tour of the castle

11.) What type of food is provided?

Our cooks produce homemade food of a high standard

12.) Can groups do their own catering?

Our own staff provide all meals for guests staying in the castle itself. A self-catering option is available for groups staying in the Clock Tower Annex.

13.) Are the children covered for personal accident insurance?

Personal accident insurance is not provided by Ford Castle, this can be taken out, for a small fee, by the school through the Northumberland County Council School journey policy

14.) Is there mobile phone coverage?

Vodaphone and Orange provide the best mobile phone coverage