• We are a seasonal attraction, open to the public, between Spring to the end of October each year. Located just minutes from the A690,  Down at the Farm offers stacks of outdoor fun . There are many hand washing stations around the Farm, including gels. (only really recommended for in between proper hand washing).
  • For Sat Nav systems, please use the postcode DH5 8JG.  Please note this postcode is also shared by our next door neighbour’s premises, so please look for our signage. For full details and maps of how to reach us, please see the directions section of our website.
  • The nearest bus route is the 20, 20A, X20 which runs between Sunderland and Durham. This stops at Stoney gate, outside what used to be the Jaguar garage or the new Landrover garage on the other side. Down at the Farm is then a short walk up the lane. Please be aware that there is limited access to paths up this lane.
  • Down at the Farm is a completely outdoor experience. We have outdoor play areas, picnic areas and a cafe. Our marquee cafe is situated at ground level and can be accessed by a ramp with double doors. We are always happy to help or assist your needs.
  • Car Parking and Arrival. Car parking is free at Down at the Farm.  We have disabled bays at the front of the car park. We have a gravel car park for 80 cars on the farm and an overflow car park in our field for 200. We also have spaces for coaches but please let us know you are coming by emailing us at bookings@downatthefarm.co.uk before you arrive so that we can arrange a suitable space for you. There are 4 accessible car parking spaces at the front of the main car park.
  • Main Entrance,  Ticketing Kiosk The Main Entrance is situated at ground level with step free access.  The paths around the farm are gravel. The area is well lit with natural daylight. Hand washing facilities are located in the toilets and various places around the farm.
  • Are we wheelchair accessible? Yes in the sense that everything is on one level however the outdoor part of the farm has gravel paths which may not be suitable for all wheelchair users, however we do get plenty of buggies and wheelchairs throughout the season. Unfortunately our play equipment is not wheelchair adapted. If you are unsure, we are happy for you to come and have a brief look around to get a feel for the layout before your visit. The tractor ride has a ramp for wheelchair users to access it and we have a transcript available for hard of hearing users on the tractor ride.
  • Public Toilets. There is a toilet block on the farm. We have 5 female 2 male and 1 with disabled access.  Both the female and disabled have baby changing facilities. Sorry we don’t have adult changing facilities.
  • We have a no smoking policy on the farm. We do however provide two smoking areas in our car parks.
  • Unfortunately dogs are not permitted on the farm for health and safety reasons unless they are a fully trained assistance dog. Please see the information at the foot of this page about assistance dogs.
  • First aid. First aid facilities are located in the cafe. All staff are happy to assist should help be required.
  • Catering. Our Cafe is open from 10.00am each day we are open. We serve a selection of food according to the season from sandwiches, bacon sandwiches, home-made soup, burgers, jacket potatoes, vegetarian burgers and hot dogs, toasties. We also serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, chocolate, snacks, ice creams and cold drinks. We have picnic areas on the farm but we do ask all visitors to save our bins by taking any picnic rubbish home on the day.

Can I bring my Dog?

Pet Dogs are not permitted on site at Down at the Farm. Some assistance dogs can be permitted if they meet the criteria outlined below. Due to our Zoo licencing requirements we have a duty of care to adhere to strict biosecurity measures put in place to keep our animals and visitors safe.

The information below outlines which assistance dogs we can admit, including some important information about what to do prior to your visit. Please ensure you have reviewed the information below to ensure you are fully aware of your responsibilities when visiting. (We regret we are unable to allow assistance dogs in training).

Which Dogs are permitted?

Your dog must be registered and trained by one of the 8 accredited members of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). These are all member organisations associated with Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK). All ADUK dogs adhere to the highest health, behaviour/training and welfare standards as set out by Assistance Dogs International and the International Guide Dogs Federation. It is essential that we are able to guarantee specific standards to fulfil our biosecurity regulations, which is part of our Zoo Licencing requirements, and why we do not permit access to animals not registered with one of the below organisations. 

  •      Canine Partners - Registered Charity No: 803680 
  •  Dog A.I.D - Registered Charity No: 1098619
  • Dogs for Good – Registered Charity No: 1092960
  • Guide Dogs – Registered Charity No: 209617
  • Hearing Dogs for Deaf People – Registered Charity No: 293358
  • Medical Detection Dogs – Registered Charity No in England and Wales: 1124533
  • Support Dogs – Registered Charity No: 1088281
  • The Seeing Dogs Alliance – Registered Charity No. 1156790. 

Before you book:

  • Please inform us by email at bookings@downatthefarm.co.uk that you are bringing an assistance dog to the farm from one of the above organisations.
  • Things to include in your email: The name, date and time you will be booking under, insurance documentation, the breed of dog, your confirmation that it is fully trained and attach any paperwork relating to its training from one of the organisations above, confirmation of fully up to date vaccinations which we will need to see proof of on the day.

On the Day:

    • Please be aware we cannot admit assistance dogs in training.
    • Once you have booked and informed us of your visit you will be asked to meet with the Manager on arrival for an on-site briefing, to confirm acceptance of our full terms and conditions and discuss any special considerations for the day.
    • Please bring proof of vaccination status on the day.
    • Your dog must be fit and healthy when visiting the Farm and not shown any signs of ill health – including diarrhoea and vomiting – in the last 24 hours. They must have been resident in the UK for the last 6 months and have received all annual vaccinations.
    • Your dog must remain calm and quiet at all times and stay at least 2 metres away from any animal enclosure boundaries.
    • Our animals and dogs can react to each other – so we ask that you stay away from certain larger animals, particularly deer and reindeer.
    • Your assistance dog will not be permitted in any animal barns or activity barns.
    • You must clean up after your dog and never leave dogs unattended or off the lead.