Just a short, scenic 15-minute drive from Coldstream Holiday Park, a trip on the Heatherslaw Light Railway is the perfect destination for a wonderful family day out.
Nestled within the beautiful Ford & Etal Estate in Northumberland, this charming 15-inch gauge steam railway takes you on a delightful riverside journey to the historic village of Etal. The railway sits alongside a fantastic collection of attractions, including a working traditional corn mill, a medieval castle, and local tearooms, making it an effortlessly accessible and memorable excursion to enjoy during your stay.
| Detail | What You Need to Know |
| Travel Time | ~15-minute drive from Coldstream Holiday Park |
| The Route | Heatherslaw Station to Etal Castle Station (approx. 20 mins each way) |
| Perfect For | Families, railway enthusiasts, and walkers |
Don’t just ride the train and head back! The Ford & Etal Estate is packed with things to do. We highly recommend this easy itinerary:
Step 1: Start at Heatherslaw. Park up, grab a coffee at the station, and explore the Heatherslaw Corn Mill, a fully working water-powered mill where you can buy freshly milled flour.
Step 2: Ride the Steam Train. Hop aboard the passenger coaches pulled by the steam locomotives, “Bunty” or “Lady Augusta,” for a relaxing 2-mile trip along the River Till.
Step 3: Explore Etal Village. Disembark at Etal, a gorgeous thatched-cottage village. You can explore the ruins of the 14th-century Etal Castle, grab lunch at Northumberland’s only thatched pub (The Black Bull), or visit the local tearooms.
Step 4: The Return Journey. Catch a later train back to Heatherslaw to finish your afternoon.
Ready to book your tickets?
To check timetables, ticket prices, and seasonal opening hours, visit the official Heatherslaw Light Railway Website to book direct.
