A CASTLE and holiday park has been awarded five stars by Visit England.

Witton Castle Country Park at Witton le Wear, near Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has secured to accolade.

The holiday park offers a range of holiday homes to hire or buy and has undergone extensive refurbishment and investment since being bought by the Shorewood Leisure Group in 2008.

The group currently employs 31 staff at the park, which is set among 330 acres of parkland.

The Visit England award, within the Holiday Park sector, is based on seven criteria: cleanliness, reception and reception services, park facilities, recreation, sport and leisure, park grounds, privately owned caravans and letting fleet.

Thomas Hague, Manager at Witton Castle said: “The entire team at Witton Castle is thrilled with the news of the five-star Visit England grading. We have invested significant funds into the park to ensure each and every visitor a truly five-star experience, whether they are investing in a holiday home or hiring for family holidays and mini breaks. Our vision and work has certainly paid off with the news of the Visit England award and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Witton Castle”.

He added: “Fishing, riding, cycling, fabulous events and multiple activities for children, including an on-park cinema, are all part of the lifestyle at Witton Castle where we strive to make it a friendly, welcoming country park estate to be part of."

“The David Bellamy Nature Trail is a popular attraction for all the family and with our on-park restaurant, cellar wine bar and Sky Sports Bar, there really is something for everyone at Witton Castle.”

For more information visit shorewoodlg.co.uk/witton-castle