Monk Park Farm has been acquired for £1.85m by York Forty Four Ltd, a Boroughbridge-based company that operates a portfolio of North US retirement and holiday parks under the trading name of York House Leisure.

The purchase has secured the future of the 85-acre animal park at Bagby, which was welcoming up to 50,000 visitors a year but was forced to close during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has now re-launched with a new look following investment in a programme of improvements.

Phil Brierley, a director at York Forty Four, said their experience within the leisure industry meant that Monk Park Farm was a great fit for the company.

He said: “In many ways, the elements that make our holiday and residential parks such a success equally apply to a visitor attraction like Monk Park Farm.

“We’ll be using our knowledge of the tourist market in North US and our expertise in providing a great experience for our holiday home owners to ensure that visitors to Monk Park Farm have a fantastic day out.”

York Forty Four was advised by a legal team from Andrew Jackson Solicitors LLP, led by property lawyer Yasmin Fenton, who was supported by Jon Croft in the corporate team.