Hall Hill Farm, near Lanchester, which first opened to the public in 1981, will welcome visitors back on Saturday (February 21), marking the start of a landmark season.

Hall Hill Farm heated play barn with more seating (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Hall Hill Farm new undercover toy tractor area (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Hall Hill Farm new animal barn (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Hall Hill Farm, County Durham (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

The family-run attraction, now led by Ann Darlington and son Richard, started as a simple lambing event and has grown into one of the UK’s most beloved farm experiences.

With more than 100,000 visitors last year, Hall Hill Farm has now become a must-visit destination for families seeking hands-on farm experiences.

Hall Hill Farm Highland Cattle (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Hall Hill Farm highland calf (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Hall Hill Farm, County Durham (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Ann, tourism manager, said: “Our biggest development in 45 years is now complete, and we couldn’t be more excited.

“From new animal barns and a Playbarn Café to an undercover toy tractor area, music space, and upgraded accessible facilities, there’s something new for every visitor.

Richard Darlington with goat (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

“Celebrating our Sapphire anniversary this year makes it even more special, and we can’t wait to welcome families from across the North East to enjoy all the farm has to offer.”

The improvements include new animal barns, a new undercover toy tractor area, a dedicated music space, more seating in the heated play barn, and a brand-new Playbarn Café.

Hall Hill Farm Valais lambs (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

The farm has also upgraded its toilet facilities, providing improved accessibility to ensure comfort and access for all visitors.

The old barn in the farmyard, originally constructed in 1934, the year Farmer Jack Gibson was born, has been replaced with a modern 21st-century building, while former polytunnels have been upgraded with permanent structures.

Richard Darlington with goats (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

Ann Darlington with Highland Calf (Image: HALL HILL FARM)

The new season brings plenty of adorable arrivals, too.

Tiny pygmy goats, striking black-nosed Valais lambs, and cute piglets are already on the farm, with baby chicks expected any day.

Farmer Richard said: “We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back for half-term and to share our popular Highland Experience, where families can hand-feed and stroke last year’s Highland calves.

“The experience will also run on the following weekend, and we’ll be open on weekends throughout March before moving to daily openings from March 28 through to the end of September.

“We want to say a huge thank you to all our visitors, past, present and future – for supporting the farm over the years and helping make our 45th Sapphire anniversary so special.”

Over the years, Hall Hill Farm has won numerous regional and national tourism Awards and continues to receive national recognition, having been named Large Farm Attraction of the Year and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards in 2025.