Animal Fun Farm (Downat the Farm)

Twenty-acre visitor farm on Stoneygate Lane between Sunderland and Durham, trading as Animal Fun Farm since 2007 on land farmed since the 18th century. The family-run attraction keeps traditional farm animals alongside donkeys, alpacas, meerkats, reindeer and giant tortoises, with hands-on sessions such as lamb feeding, donkey grooming and chick handling in the animal barn. Outdoor play includes a tractor ride, barrel train, adventure playground, giant sandpit and pedal tractors, with a cafe on site for visitors. The farm operates as a day-out attraction for families with young children rather than a working commercial farm, and runs extended hours through the school summer holidays. Sessions and busier holiday dates are generally best booked in advance.