(Image: GOOGLE MAPS)
A County Durham garden centre that is home to alpacas, rescued donkeys and a popular lakeside tea room has received glowing reviews from customers.
Harperley Nursery & Gifts, near Stanley, has a 4.5-star Google rating from more than 450 reviews, with visitors praising its family atmosphere, animals and scenic setting.
Harperley sits in lakeside grounds in the County Durham countryside and describes itself as a place where "nature, wildlife, food and family experiences come together".
It has won six gold medals at the Chelsea Flower Show for its displays and plant-growing expertise.
The nursery sells plants and flowers, and has a gift shop, seasonal displays and a Lakeside Tea Room serving homemade food and drinks beside the water.
Traditional afternoon tea is available from £18.95 per person.
The animals are one of Harperley’s biggest draws.
Visitors can meet four alpacas, three pygmy goats, rescued RSPCA donkeys and black swans Hansel and Gretyl.
Its 30-foot aviary houses peacocks, mandarin ducks and golden pheasants, while herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers, red kites and buzzards can be spotted around the lake.
Owners Tony and Paul say Harperley is more than a garden centre.
They say visitors can "slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy quality time with family and friends" through seasonal events, animal experiences and lakeside walks.
One visitor, who awarded Harperley a five-star review, said: "A very well organised and interesting place to visit.
"Food and drinks from the cafe are delicious.
"You can sit outside, near the lake, or see the many ducks in the grassy area.
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"Plants are good quality and reasonably priced.
"Overall, a great experience."
Harperley Nursery and Gifts is open seven days a week from 9am.