THE world’s first dedicated Highland Cattle visitor centre is up for sale in Northumberland.

Owner Marianne Halford is reluctantly having to sell the business following a serious car accident last year.

She opened Dere Street Farm, near Stocksfield, to visitors three years ago since when thousands have enjoyed visits.

The centre is the only farm-based visitor attraction in Tynedale and has more than 54 acres of pasture land.

It is being sold as a whole or in three separate lots with an overall guide price of £300,000.

Mrs Halford has been passionate about her Highlanders since she introduced them on the farm in 1997 – today they are one of the finest award-winning herds in the UK.

She and her husband, Richard, opened the attraction so she could share them with the public.

She said: “We wanted to give other visitors the opportunity to get as close as possible to the animals. The type of interaction available, is extremely hands on, giving people a unique experience of farm and country life, and hopefully memories that will last a lifetime.”

The farm includes a visitor centre, gift and farm shop and 40-seat cafe with external seating. A log cabin provides an education or party room, and there is a pole barn and pig shed.

Live and deadstock, excluding the Highland Cattle, are available under separate negotiation.

The pigs include Gloucester Old Spots, Tamworth, Oxford Sandy and Blacks and Kune Kune, while sheep include Rylands, Grey Faced Dartmoors and Texel Cross.

Jessica Card, of George F White, is handling the sale. She said: “We are expecting the sale to particularly appeal to animal lovers as the centre could continue in its present form or be extended for equestrian or other agricultural pursuits.”

For details see www.georgefwhite.co.uk or call Jessica Card on 01388-527966.