Hay Farm
Dogs Welcome
Dogs welcome on leads
2022 Award
Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice
Disabled Access
Fun for the whole family
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre
Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre is run on a ‘not-for-profit’ basis, and all activities are carried out to raise funds which are ploughed back into the centre for running costs and continual development.
The centre is open
March – December
Tue – Sun 10 am – 5 pm
Closed Monday Except for Bank Holidays
We charge an entrance fee of:
Adults: £7.50
Children: FREE
We ask that visitors report to the shop upon arrival to make the necessary payment, whereupon they will receive a wristband and up-to-date information.
Anyone not purchasing a wristband will be restricted to the café area only and will be unable to visit the Museum, Stables etc.
Hay Farm is now the only Rare Breed Approved Conservation Centre in the country dedicated to Heavy Horses. Visitors can view and get up close to the Clydesdale Heavy Horses and other animals, which would have been commonplace in the era of the working horse. These include the now very rare British Lop-Eared pigs, including boar Dominic and sows Fleur and Letty, and the Sebastopol Geese.
The centre is a working farm with a full breeding programme for all the species of animals, especially the now rare breed Clydesdale, with its in-house Stallion. Hay Farm also makes itself available to any other horse rescue charity for the rehabilitation of heavy horses which may find themselves in need. The horses on “rescue” to us, even after convalescence, remain at the centre in comfort and safety for the rest of their natural lives.
Hay Farm is located on Ford and Etal Estate, Northumberland, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The farm is easily recognisable from a distance by its large brick chimney and is located between Ford & Etal on the B6354.
Hay Farm centre raises awareness of the importance that heavy horses played in our history before the introduction of mechanical power. Visitors can view the large collection of horse-drawn machinery, learn of their history and peruse other artefacts and memorabilia from the era of the heavy horses.
DELICIOUS HOMEMADE REFRESHMENTS...
We want you to spend as much time as possible with the animals, but you still need to take a break, relax and have a bite to eat – we know you will build up an appetite with everything there is to do on the farm!
We pride ourselves on our delicious food served daily in our on-site cafe, made from locally sourced ingredients. With indoor seating in our cosy “horse stalls” or soaking up the summer rays in our enclosed garden area, there’s always a place to sit and relax at Hay Farm.
Our refreshments are a big part of fundraising to help maintain the centre; therefore, we ask that you do not consume your own picnics on the premises unless it is a baby or toddler dinner.
Dogs are welcome on leads in our seated areas.
What's on Offer
Educational Visits
Schools and educational establishments are welcomed at Hay Farm. Please get in touch via email to discuss your requirements.
Social group Visits
Member of a club or social group? Join us for a visit! Discounts made for group bookings and lunches/carriage rides can be included in the price. Please get in touch to book your visit.
External Talks
We are available to provide talks about the centre and heavy horses at external venues. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Carriage Rides
Short carriage rides run throughout the school holidays; please check the homepage or Facebook for up-to-date information relating to the rides.
Filming Hire
Both horses and equipment are available to hire for film and production work. Both our horses and handlers have years of experience with heavy horses and would be happy to discuss your requirements. We also offer Hay Farms' historic setting and spectacular views as a film location.
We Will Help
Never let a disability stop you from coming to the centre. We will do our utmost to help you enjoy your visit. The majority of the areas are wheelchair accessible, but if you do have any difficulties we will sort them out.
These horses are extremely gentle and we have found in the past that children with a fear of horses or a disability do benefit from meeting them.
