UK's best farm attractions - winners announced!

There was a standing ovation as Andrew Wolfe from Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire was named recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award
There was a standing ovation as Andrew Wolfe from Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire was named recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award

The winners of this year’s best farm and rural attractions were announced at the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) annual conference and awards ceremony held in Brighton last week.

The NFAN annual awards, the Farm Attraction ‘Oscars’ were held at a glittering dinner during the three day conference, hosted by Brighton comedian Stephen Grant.

The Winner of the Large Farm Attraction of the Year (over 75,000 visitors pa) was Odds Farm Park near High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.

The winner of the small Farm Attraction of the Year (under 75,000 visitors pa) went to Hall Hill Farm in County Durham.

Colin Evans, NFAN chairman said: “This year’s annual conference and trade exhibition has been the biggest yet. It is heartening to see the sector growing and developing.

“During the three day conference delegates visited two Sussex farm attractions, Fishers Adventure Farm Park, Wisborough Green and Knockhatch Adventure Park, Hailsham.”

Standing ovation

There was a standing ovation as Andrew Wolfe from Willows Activity Farm in Hertfordshire was named recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.

Presenting the award NFAN Chairman Colin Evans said: “Andrew Wolfe started Willows Activity Farm in the 1990’s and has been a father figure to many in the industry, offering his experience and advice and inviting countless numbers of farm park operators to visit his operation at Willows.

“He has been an active member of the NFAN committee for many years and his input will be greatly missed. He is stepping down as Chief Executive of Willows in September and we wish him all the best in his future plans.”

Other winners on the night were Thrift Farm near Milton Keynes who won Best Food & Beverage. Stockley Farm Park, Cheshire won Best in Education, Cannon Hall Farm near Barnsley, South Yorkshire won Best Digital Presence and Hasty’s Adventure Park in Essex won the Innovation Award for their outdoor play area housed under an agricultural roundhouse.

The Day Maker award for customer service excellence went to Adam Price at Cantref Adventure Farm in South Wales. The Best trade supplier award went to Kids Play Childcare.