Work has begun to expand holiday accommodation at Thorpe Farm Centre in the Durham Dales near Barnard Castle. The family-run attraction is introducing new pitches for static caravans and lodges on fields north of its existing park, which already includes a farm shop, restaurant, soft play, animal rescue centre and a campsite.
Initial works have involved upgrading water supply, drainage, and installing gas and electricity to the new plots. Landscaping will follow, with plans to add holiday pods in the future.
Growing a holiday destination
Harvey Barkes of Thorpe Farm Centre said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming more people to Thorpe Farm Centre. We’re working hard to raise our profile with holiday makers who are looking for a rural holiday, but one with all the useful facilities and amenities that Thorpe Farm Centre provides. We’re very proud of the business we’ve grown. In 2008, my parents started with five touring caravan pitches. Since then, we’ve built a popular holiday destination, with additional facilities for visitors including a restaurant, farm shop and woodland walks, as well as soft play and a playground especially for the children.”
Long-term guests Mick and Edith Sutherland from Blyth have had a static caravan at the site for 11 years. They said: “It’s not just us who love a trip to Thorpe Farm Centre. We regularly visit with family, with our grandchildren, and with friends; there’s something for everyone. We particularly like that it’s open 12 months, that we can enjoy the caravan in winter as well as summer. The facilities on the site are great, as are the special events the staff organise. Also, the local area is another appeal of Thorpe Farm Centre, we really enjoy visiting places like Barnard Castle and Richmond.”
Boosting overnight tourism
The site is positioned as a base for Durham City, the Durham and North Yorkshire Dales, the North Pennines and the Lake District. Nearby attractions within 20 miles include the Bowes Museum, Richmond Castle and the Kyren experience at Bishop Auckland. A Visit County Durham study published last year found only 11% of visitors to the area stay overnight, with lack of accommodation cited as a reason for not staying.
Mr Barkes added: “Visitors to static caravans generally travel short distances from home, but in the coming years we’ll be growing the areas for touring caravans as well as introducing holiday pods to appeal to visitors from further afield. We’re keen to help to bring more holiday makers to the area, and in turn increase tourism revenue in the surrounding area.
“The beauty of Thorpe Farm Centre is that it is located with easy access to many places you might want to visit during your stay. However, if you don’t want to get in the car, you don’t have to. With facilities for children on site, with beautiful walks and cycle paths in the surrounding area, you always have the option of relaxing where you are and enjoying the South Durham countryside on your doorstep.”
