- Play Hard
- 3rd Jun 2026
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8 farms in Northumberland and County Durham with free open days and events this weekend
Your Sunday plans, sorted. This weekend, over 250 farms across the country are throwing open their gates for Open Farm Sunday. If you’re wondering which ‘farms near me’ are taking part – we’ve got you covered
The free annual event from LEAF (Linking Environment & Farming) that gives you a chance to get up close with the countryside, meet the animals and find out exactly how our food ends up on our plates.
Now in its 20th year, every event is different – think tractor rides, machinery displays, nature walks, live demonstrations and plenty to keep the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults) entertained.
And the good news? There are some fabulous farms right here in the North East joining in this year.
Check back before you head out as more farms are being added and events may change. Find your nearest farm here.
THE FARMS IN NORTHUMBERLAND & COUNTY DURHAM TAKING PART
Cockle Park Farm, Northumberland
Thursday 4th June from 6pm – 8pm
Cockle Park Farm, Morpeth, NE61 3EA
Cost: Free
Can’t wait until Sunday? Cockle Park Farm is hosting an exclusive open evening showcasing research activity at this fascinating 271-hectare mixed farm – a rare combination of arable and animal resources. Sweet treats will be provided by The Running Fox. Spaces are very limited, so book your place quickly.
North Bellshill Farm, Northumberland
Sunday 7th June from 10am – 3pm
North Bellshill Farm, Belford, NE70 7HP
Cost: Free
Head to Belford to see a dedicated sustainable farming operation with a thriving herd of Aberdeen Angus crosses. Walk a small farm trail, see a variety of machinery and discover the wildlife projects the team has put in place to farm in harmony with the environment. There are also horses on site.
Thornington Farm, Northumberland
Sunday 7th June from 10am – 4pm (guided tours at 10am, 12pm and 2pm)
Mindrum, Cornhill-on-Tweed, TD12 4QH
Cost: Free
A working Arla dairy farm near the Scottish border with loads to see and do. Hop on a tractor and trailer for a guided tour of the milking parlour, calf shed, cow shed and grazing ewes and lambs. Try milking a cow, make your own butter, pin the tail on the cow (always a crowd-pleaser), and enjoy games and a bouncy castle. Free Arla food samples all day, plus light refreshments available. Bring a picnic if you fancy it.
Westhills Farm, Northumberland
Sunday 7th June from 2pm – 5pm
Rothbury, NE65 7XF
Cost: Free
A small beef and sheep farm near Rothbury with a big passion for wildlife. Learn what they’re doing to boost biodiversity, keep their animals and the environment healthy, and produce truly tasty meat. Join guided plant and insect species hunts around the farm – perfect for all ages.
Bowlees Education Farm, County Durham
Sunday 7th June from 10:30am – 2:45pm
Bowlees Farm, Newbiggin, Barnard Castle, DL12 0XF
Cost: Free
This upland Teesdale farm is a storybook day out. Meet the stars of the show: Tina Turner and Bella the Texas sheep, dairy goats (with homemade milkshakes), Quackers 1 and 2, the giant ducks, and Polly the pony cob. There’s a guided farm walk at 11:15am, story time for little ones at 11am and 1pm, plus live sheep shearing and farrier demonstrations. Drinks and snacks available on the day.
Dalton Moor Farm, County Durham
Sunday 7th June from 11am – 4pm
Off Truro Avenue, Murton, Seaham, SR7 9JY
Cost: Free (voluntary donations welcome)
Something completely different – Dalton Moor is a 24-acre regenerative wild veganic food forest and genuinely one of the most interesting farms you can visit. Learn how they grow and harvest food, care for the natural environment and promote sustainable living. You can even have a go at scything.
HIGH LIFE NORTH TOP TIP: Make sure to bring a refillable water bottle and plant-based snacks if you’re packing a picnic – the farm has vegan values and asks visitors to respect these.
Blakely Farm, County Durham
Sunday 7th June from 12pm – 5pm
Blakely Farm, Moor Road, Staindrop, DL2 3LH
Cost: Free entry – refreshments available to purchase
A proper family farm afternoon on a small family-run dairy farm. Watch sheep shearing, sheepdog demos and a live milking session from 3:30pm with their Holstein cows. Meet Gertie the pig, free-range poultry and rare breed Soay sheep. Refreshments include fresh milk, milkshakes, tea, coffee, cakes and hot lamb buns.
Hopper House Brew Farm, County Durham
Sunday 7th June from 11am – 4pm
Racecourse Road, Sedgefield, TS21 2HL
Cost: Small entry fee (in aid of charity)
A 450-cow dairy farm milked entirely by four Lely robots – so impressive to see in action. You’ll get a chance to see the machinery, all of the young stock and the inner workings of a modern dairy operation. There’s also an on-site brewery with the taproom open on the day, light refreshments and a small family fun day.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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