Blagdon Estate

General information

Though not normally open for public access, during the course of each year, Blagdon Estate hosts a number of prestigious charity events. Please check website for more information.

Blagdon Estate has been in the White/Ridley family ownership since 1698.

The Estate currently covers approximately 15 square miles, comprising in-hand and tenanted farms, woodland, residential and commercial properties.

The tenanted farms support around 52 full-time workers and numerous part-time workers.

We have converted redundant agricultural buildings for commercial use and currently have 44 different businesses operating within the Estate, employing around 340 full and part time people. The Milkhope Centre has become a popular destination for visitors with a number of small privately owned retail businesses, including the Blagdon Farm Shop, which sells local produce from Blagdon and the surrounding area.

We have 142 residential properties accommodating around 320 people, many at low-cost rental.

Blagdon makes a large contribution to the local economy by direct employment, employment of subcontractors and the purchase of materials, services and goods. All goods and services are locally sourced whenever possible. Blagdon welcomes public access through maintained public and permitted footpaths. In addition, the Estate acts as host to charitable organisations which fund-raise through open days. Typically we have over 30 events a year with around 4,500 visitors. We also offer regular training facilities to the Police, Armed Services, Scouts and the Guides. The Estate encourages recreational activity and is currently host to four fishing cubs, four shooting syndicates, one cricket club, one clay pigeon shoot a paint-ball facilityand a Quad bike course.

Opencast coal mines have operated on Blagdon Estate almost continuously since 1943. H.J. Banks is currently producing coal from the Shotton and Brenkley sites Site. Coal from Blagdon is low sulphur and high quality. The majority of production is used locally, supporting businesses and jobs. Blagdon estate and Banks developments are joint sponsors of Northumberlandia, an iconic land form park adjacent to Cramlington.