The Bryneich Studio

NOW OPEN

A new, immersive space dedicated to Northumbrian Folklore and Storytelling opened April 2025.

Situated on the beautiful and historic Ford and Etal Estates in North Northumberland, the Bryneich Studio is a unique place to discover and explore Northumberland’s folktales and legends, and the ancient art of storytelling.

Why Bryneich?

Bryneich is probably the oldest known name for this region, the Brythonic (Celtic) forerunner of the later Anglian Bernicia, which was combined with Deira to the south to form Northumbria.

Read more about the history of the name.

Come and discover the forgotten myths and legends of our wild county, from the coast to the hills, in a rich and immersive experience that combines my traditional storytelling performances with informative displays and visual art.

  • Discover the legends and folklore of Northumberland, with their history and context.
  • Stay for a live storytelling session and hear the tales told as they have been for centuries.
  • Browse the shop corner for books, local art by Gillian Joanne, and story-themed gifts handmade in the Bryneich Studio.
  • Bring the family and enjoy the children’s story corner, scheduled craft activities (during the school holidays), and special storytelling events for younger audiences.
  • Delve deeper by booking onto a storytelling or craft workshop (more dates to come; see Events).
  • Relax and enjoy a welcoming space surrounded by art, music, and story.

All situated in the old visitor centre at Heatherslaw Mill, conveniently located for the mill and for Heatherslaw Light Railway. Public car-parking and toilet facilities available on the site, and a cafe directly opposite, so why not bring your tea or coffee into the Story Studio and enjoy it with some stories?

Open Mon-Thurs 10:30-4:30 and Sundays 10:30-3:00.

Wheelchair accessible, with disabled parking next to the building (please drop me a message if you would like a video tour of the premises to see accessibility).

Free entry except when a performance is on, with a donation box for those who can and want to contribute. Ticket prices apply to storytelling sessions, workshops and craft activities.

Find me at the Old Visitor Centre, Heatherslaw, TD12 4TJ. Main parking across the river via a footbridge, so follow GPS to Heatherslaw Railway to park.