VISITORS are shocked and devastated after the owners of a popular Worcestershire farm attraction announced it will close after 25 years.
Top Barn Farm Shop and Farm Park in Holt Heath said it will close on October 31, ending a business that has welcomed generations of families.
The announcement prompted an outpouring of reaction from readers, with many sharing cherished memories of visits with children and grandchildren.
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Georgina Pickett-Howarth wrote: “Noooo – I’m so sad to hear this.
“You’ve done so well – it is a fabulous shop.
“Thank you for everything.”
Sarah Hughes described the closure as “such a shame”, adding: “This was such a great family place to visit. We wish you good luck in your future endeavours.”
Many readers spoke of the impact the attraction had on their families over the years.
Christine Jones said: “My grandkids will be devastated. We love the hot pork rolls and the animals.”
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Yolande Doughty echoed those sentiments, saying she had enjoyed “many happy times” there with her grandchildren.
Others highlighted the role the attraction played for local children.
Christine Evans said: “That’s a real shame. Special needs children loved their visits from school.
EMOTIONAL: Owners of Top Barn Farm Shop and Farm Park Mike and Joanna Harper (Image: Top Barn)
“Such a lovely place for them to feel free and happy. We need these places to go to.”
Denise Gloster added: “I am really saddened by this news but totally understand. Nothing is forever.”
Owners Mike and Joanna Harper said they made the decision to close after carefully considering the investment required in the building and their future work-life balance.
Mr Harper said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to make.
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“Top Barn has been such a huge part of our lives, and we know that it has also become an important place for many families and members of our local community.
“We have made so many wonderful memories over the years, from seeing generations of families visit us, to watching children grow up coming to the farm.
“We are incredibly grateful to every single person who has supported us, visited us, shopped with us and helped make the farm what it is today.”
While the farm shop and farm park will close at the end of October, Christmas trees will continue to be sold from the site each year, with sales set to resume in December.
