Hall Hill Farm in County Durham, an award-winning visitor attraction, is showcasing its happy residents ahead of a busy summer season. The farm, which has won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards and Outstanding Educational Experience from Pride of Northumbria, offers a wide range of animal attractions and activities.
Bouncy Highland cattle steal the show
Among the farm's animals are Highland cattle, featured in a recent Facebook video that has delighted viewers. The clip shows two cattle bounding towards a new green field, seemingly jumping for joy, set to Dire Straits' 'Walk of Life'. Comments include "It's a wooly jumper", "bouncy cows!", and "Wonderful hop, skip and jump!" as the cattle enter the field.
One viewer remarked, "You have green grass!!!" while another wrote, "This is me when it finally rains too haha." Others noted the cattle "think they are lambs" and praised the "happiness the brown cow shows with his run and jump".
Activities and attractions for all ages
Run by Richard Darlington and his family since 1981, the farm near Lanchester offers animal feeding opportunities with cows, goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, wallabies, donkeys, and ponies. Visitors can explore the site on tractor-and-trailer rides, taking in countryside views and spotting alpacas and Highland cattle.
Highland calves were born about five months ago, and 'Farmer Richard' regularly posts about seasonal work, currently involving weaning lambs. There are also opportunities to 'adopt' animals, supporting them for a year and receiving treats including two free entry tickets.
Plan your visit
The farm is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm until the end of September. Attractions include an adventure play area, crazy golf, a 'barrel train', jeep safaris, sledges, a 150-ft 'Super Mega Slide', a Playbarn, and an on-site cafe. Visitors can currently enjoy a ticket price discount until September 1 thanks to a 5% VAT reduction.
General admission is £11.81 for adults and £10.94 for children aged 2-15. Family saver and membership options are available. Barrel train and mini jeep rides cost £1.50 extra, and animal feeding is £1. Bookings can be made online.
