We have been visiting Broom House farm for many years and in some ways you could say our family has grown up here.

From the moment we arrived we felt relaxed and as though we were miles away from the hustle and bustle of life. Its surroundings encouraged the children to play and us adults to relax, breathe and rest.

One of the things I loved was the huge, free car park. This started the morning off without the usual hunting for change or stressing over a parking space.

Upon arrival we were greeted with a huge field with sandpit, mini tractors, playhouses, swings and slides. perfectly situated next to the café. All this was free for the little ones to use while we enjoyed a drink and one of the amazing cakes from the Farm Shop. This in itself kept the children entertained long enough for us to enjoy our drinks and catch up without constant interruptions.

At the bottom of the field is the hidden adventure playground. An exciting, action packed collection of zip wires, tunnels, slides, toboggan runs and adventure trails all set beneath the giant trees. This is the ultimate in carefree, nature play. Before we knew it we were whizzing down the zip trails and adventuring through the walkways alongside our children. This place is guaranteed to bring out your inner child! There was plenty to entertain both younger children, teenagers – and the parents. It was lovey to stroll around the forest and stumble across new challenges and hear squeals of delight echoing through the trees.

There was a small charge to visit this part of the farm but tickets lasted all day so we could pop out of the forest for lunch and take a break to refuel and boost up our energy before heading back in for round two.

I loved our visit to the café and we sampled a wide selection of delicious farm food. From breakfasts, which also included vegan options to farm burgers and sandwiches, we really were spoilt for choice. The cakes were amazing and we shared a selection as we couldn’t decide which to order. The children’s menu was great and there was plenty to suit even the fussiest little foodies. I would recommend ordering your food in plenty of time as there can be quite a wait due to it being cooked fresh to order. It is well worth the wait and the service and staff are fantastic.

Another reason why you must visit Broom House Farm Durham, is the farm shop and butchery. We bought some fresh produce from the butchery and fresh from the garden vegetables to cook at home that evening. The staff were really helpful in the shop and were really happy to answer any questions we had about the products. I really liked the personal service we received and although it was quite busy while we were there it felt as though we were looked after and all our needs were catered for.

Whether you are looking for fresh produce or locally brewed ales and coffee, gorgeous natural candles or luxurious body products you will find all of that and more in the Farm Shop. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself or pick up a little gift.

After we had stocked up in the farm shop, we headed to the barn to see the new born piglets. This was a definite hit with the children and we spent quite some time watching them and deciding which was the cutest pig. Outside was a field of goats who loved an audience and the kid goats were really friendly and inquisitive. Our children spent quite some time watching and engaging with the animals.

We noticed there was a lovely designated picnic area within the farm, it looked like a gorgeous place to sit and enjoy a picnic but for me the food from the café is so delicious that I doubt we will be taking a picnic with us anytime soon.

Before we left, we had a lovely walk down the county lanes at the back of the farm and through the countryside. It’s hard to believe that this is only a few miles from the hustle and bustle of Durham City Centre.

I would highly recommend you visit Broom House Farm Durham – put it on your summer bucket list, you won’t be disappointed.