Work has begun on a major expansion of the holiday park at Thorpe Farm Centre, creating new pitches for static caravans and lodges as the business looks to attract more visitors to the area.
The family-run attraction, off the A66, is extending its holiday park into fields north of the existing site, with the first phase of work already underway. Infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to the water supply, drainage, gas and electricity networks, are being carried out before the new holiday accommodation is installed.
Further expansion is also planned in the coming years, including the introduction of holiday pods aimed at attracting visitors from further afield.
Harvey Barkes, of Thorpe Farm Centre, said the investment would help the business build on its success since it first opened with just five touring caravan pitches in 2008.
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming more people to Thorpe Farm Centre,” he said.
“We’re working hard to raise our profile with holidaymakers looking for a rural break, while still enjoying all the facilities and amenities we have on site.
“We’re very proud of the business we’ve grown. Since my parents started with five touring caravan pitches, we’ve developed a popular destination with a restaurant, farm shop, woodland walks, soft play and a children’s playground.”
Among the site’s long-term visitors are Mick and Edith Sutherland, from Blyth, who have owned a static caravan at Thorpe Farm Centre for the past 11 years.
“It’s not just us who love coming here,” they said. “We regularly visit with family, grandchildren and friends because there’s something for everyone.
“We especially like that it’s open all year round, so we can enjoy the caravan during winter as well as summer. The facilities are excellent and the staff organise some great events. We also enjoy exploring nearby places such as Barnard Castle and Richmond.”
Thorpe Farm Centre is accessed from the A66 at Greta Bridge.
Mr Barkes said the expansion would also help support the wider visitor economy. He pointed to Visit County Durham research showing that only 11% of visitors to the Durham Dales stay overnight, despite overnight tourists spending almost £100 per person each day – more than three times the average spend of day visitors.
“We’re keen to bring more holidaymakers to the area and help increase tourism revenue for local businesses,” he said. “While our location makes it easy to explore the region, there’s also plenty to enjoy without leaving the site, whether that’s walking, cycling or simply relaxing in the South Durham countryside.”
