Thorpe Farm Centre, located near Barnard Castle, has welcomed its fourth-generation family member into the management team. At 26, Harvey Barkes has joined his parents in overseeing the multifaceted enterprise, which boasts a farm shop, gift shop, restaurant, reclamation and antiques centre, and a holiday park offering accommodations for lodges, static and touring caravans, and tents.
Reflecting on his new role, Harvey remarked, “I love developing Thorpe Farm year on year. I strive for it to become a place where locals and those holidaying here can enjoy the experience of being on a farm, appreciate the surrounding area and all it has to offer, and also be well served by everything we’re developing on site.”
The Barkes family’s association with Thorpe Farm began in 1936 when Harvey’s great-grandfather, Percy Barkes, purchased the property. Initially a mixed livestock farm, it underwent significant diversification under the stewardship of Harvey’s parents, Paul and Jo. In 2001, they opened a farm shop and coffee shop to the public, marking the beginning of the farm’s expansion into retail and hospitality.
The year 2006 saw the introduction of the caravan park, starting with just five pitches. Harvey, then eight years old, fondly recalls the excitement of welcoming new visitors to the farm. He reminisced about assisting his father in expanding the touring park, even in challenging weather conditions, stating, “I look back now and see areas of the park where I can vividly picture helping my dad do something to assist with the progression of the site and it’s really gratifying.”
Over the years, the holiday park has grown to include static caravans, seasonal pitches, and areas for touring caravans and tents. In 2018, The Courtyard shop and restaurant opened, further enhancing the farm’s offerings.
Harvey’s journey to joining the family business included education at Barnard Castle School, followed by a four-year degree in Business with International Management, which featured a year-long industry placement at Cranswick plc, a FTSE 250 food production company. He credits this experience with providing valuable insights into business processes and structure, which he now applies at Thorpe Farm.
After completing his studies during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and earning a first-class degree, Harvey took the opportunity to travel, visiting countries including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Bali, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Since returning to Teesdale in 2022, he has been dedicated to the continuous development of Thorpe Farm Centre.
Looking ahead, Harvey envisions Thorpe Farm as a destination for both locals and tourists. He aims to enhance the reputation of The Courtyard Restaurant and Shop, expand attractions like the Maize Maze, and develop areas such as the heritage woodland and wetlands to offer more diverse experiences for visitors.
Reflecting on his role in the family business, Harvey stated, “Every day is different! But I love the development, the opportunity to take an idea from paper, to plans, to reality. My great-grandfather, my grandfather, and particularly my dad have put years of graft into Thorpe Farm Centre. My aim is to continue that journey, to grow and evolve the business further, and in doing so, to make my parents and their parents proud.”
