A HOLIDAY PARK in County Durham which has its roots in a family’s 90-year-old farm has welcomed the fourth generation of its founders into the fold.
Harvey Barkes (26) has joined his parents in taking on the management of Thorpe Farm Centre Holiday Park near Barnard Castle.
The business comprises not just the acclaimed park, but also a popular visitor attraction with retailers offering locally made food and gifts, a farm shop, garden centre and a café-restaurant.
Thorpe Farm was originally bought by Harvey’s great-grandfather, Percy Barkes, in 1936, and has subsequently been farmed by three generations of the family.
Harvey’s parents, Paul and his wife Jo, took over the reins in 1983 and afterwards began to diversify the livestock enterprise with a farm shop and coffee shop.
In 2006, the seeds of the holiday park were sown with pitches made available to guests visiting the surrounding countryside of County Durham and North Yorkshire.
The park’s picture-postcard location and tranquil character drew increasing number of visitors each year, and Paul and Jo decided to begin developing its full potential.
Today, the park – which has a 12-month operating licence – provides holiday lodges and holiday caravans to own, plus pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents.
Harvey joined his parents to help manage the park and visitor centre after completing a degree in international business management with a year-long placement at a major food production company.
He will now play a role in taking both the park and the visitor centre forward, expanding still further the facilities available to guests and the attractions on offer.
“There is absolutely no doubt that Thorpe Farm Centre has a very exciting future ahead of it, and I’m delighted to be able to help steer its development,” said Harvey.
“I’m committed to taking forward my father’s ambitious growth plans for the business, and to ensure that we continue putting the emphasis on maintaining the highest quality standards.
“We have a large and loyal customer base, and aim to ensure that everyone will enjoy the best possible experience every time they visit,” added Harvey.
There is more information about the park and visitor centre at www.thorpefarm.co.uk