A POPULAR farm attraction has scooped a national award after being named the best in the UK.

Hall Hill Farm in County Durham was named Farm Attraction of the Year at the National Farm Attractions Network awards.

The family-run tourist attraction, on 290 hectares of farmland near Lanchester, has been providing families with a great day out for over 35 years.

The attraction, which employs around 50 people, welcomes nearly 75,000 visitors every year and gives visitors the opportunity to meet the animals at close quarters – including guinea pigs, chicks and rabbits.

Topping the list of attractions with under 75,000 visitors, Hall Hill Farm beat off stiff competition from a shortlist including farm attractions in Wales, Worcestershire and East Sussex to take the title.

Ann Darlington, Tourism Development Manager at Hall Hill Farm said, “We are absolutely thrilled.

"Last year we had our best ever year in terms of visitor numbers at Hall Hill Farm and I would like to thank all of our amazing staff who work incredibly hard at ensuring our visitors enjoy a great day out.”

Colin Evens, chairman of The National Farm Attractions Network said: “The NFAN annual awards celebrate the best of the best in the farm attractions sector.”

  • Hall Hill Farm will re-open for the 2017 season on Saturday, February 18 and will open daily from 10.30am until 4pm during the February half-term school holidays.