Popular farm park recognised as one of the best in the country

Family farm park, home to the UK’s longest Mega Slide, has been named one of the best rural attractions in the country.

The National Forest Adventure Farm, in Tatenhill, Burton, has been singled out in the National Farm Attractions Network (NFAN) large farm attraction of the year award.

The award champions farms and rural attractions delivering outstanding experiences to visitors. Brothers Tom and Ivor Robinson who own the attraction will travel to the ICC Wales in Newport in January for the national finals.

Tom Robinson, whose family has been farming in the area since the 1970s, said: “It is a real honour to be selected as one of this year’s finalists. As an independent attraction we work hard to offer families a fun way to enjoy time together in the countryside. Playing outdoors has many health benefits and we strive to make fun activities for all throughout the year.”

National Forest Adventure Farm started in 2004 when the Robinson family created a maize maze on their land. Since then, the attraction has continued to grow and in 2011 they refurbished their onsite barns to create an indoor soft play centre and restaurant with animal paddock and meet and feed animal areas.

The site now welcomes over 180,000 visitors a year and is home to the UK’s longest outdoor Mega Slide towering up to 30ft, jumping pillows, JCB big dig zone, outdoor go-karts, musical maze, barrel stampede ride, mini quad bikes, Jurassic sand play and fossil dig.

They are also home to popular seasonal themed events including Pumpkin Village with its 25acres of farm grown pumpkins, Christmas immersive winter wonderland North Pole Adventure and beach themed summer party Farmarama bringing seaside fun to landlocked Staffordshire.

This year a new £100,000 wooden play area has also been created with 18ft eagle tower and slide bringing a 30 metre by 15 metre assault course with climbing nets, balance beams and bridges.

The National Forest Adventure Farm is one of four attractions shortlisted for the prestigious award.

Tom Pearcy, NFAN Chair, said: “Each year, the standard across our industry gets higher.  Being shortlisted is a true testament to the hard work and creativity of our members. Every attraction on this list goes above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for visitors and we’re excited to celebrate their achievements in January.”

The National Forest Adventure Farm were highly commended in the NFAN Large Farm Attraction of the Year category last year.