Woof & Wild

Woof & Wild sits just outside Bishop Auckland in County Durham, and it's the sort of place that gets dog owners genuinely excited. This is a working farm that's opened its gates to visitors keen on seeing animals - think alpacas, sheep, goats, and various other livestock you can actually interact with rather than gawp at from behind a fence.

The whole operation feels properly hands-on. You're encouraged to feed and pet the animals, which means even restless kids tend to settle into it for a good couple of hours. The farm setting means there's space to roam about, and the staff clearly know their stuff about the creatures they're looking after.

It's the sort of attraction that works brilliantly if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Stag Park is practically on the doorstep, while Country Glamping and High Farm Holiday Park are both within easy driving distance. Nobody's going to pretend it's a full day out on its own, but paired with a walk around Bishop Auckland town centre or a visit to nearby Witton Castle, it slots nicely into a Durham holiday.

Bring wellies even if the forecast looks dry. You're on a farm, after all. Worth checking ahead on opening times and admission fees before you head over, as details are sparse, but if your family's got animal-mad kids, it's worth the detour.