Funding support enables expansion for leisure business

The country park is located at Thornton-in-Craven and was previously owned by Chris Harrison’s parents John and Sandra Harrison.

The estate offers hands-on animal encounters on a traditional working farm together with 4×4 experiences, tea rooms and a play barn. Most recently, work has been completed on a high specification event and wedding venue, boasting views of the Yorkshire Dales. The funding from Barclays has enabled the Harrisons to complete on the purchase of the estate where they have both lived and worked for many years.

Emma Harrison, Partner at Thornton Hall Country Park, said: “It’s great that we’ve been able to complete on the purchase and very exciting that we are now the full owners of the estate and the business.

“We’ve also added some new attractions for our younger visitors, including our jumping pillow, and we’re looking forward to welcoming all to our Halloween experience during October. We’ve banked with Barclays for many years so it was great that they were able to support our growth ambitions one again.”

The pair employ 35 people locally and plan to expand the headcount as their turnover grows. Further plans for the play barn include making the area a warm and insulated space for inclement weather and expanding the café area for visitors.

Nicola Macgregor, Barclays Business Relationship Director put together the funding package for the deal. She said: “Chris and Emma have really impressed me with their growth plans and we’re delighted to be able to support the completion of the full purchase of the business.

“Thornton Hall Country Park is a fantastic visitor attraction for people of all ages and we look forward to seeing the business develop and grow over the coming years.”