A MUCH-loved farm park has now closed its gates for good.

Llandudno's Bodafon Farm Park opened to visitors for a final time on Sunday, September 24.

On its Facebook page, hours now state 'Permanently closed.'

The Pioneer reported in February that the farm - which has been popular with residents and visitors for more than two decades - had entered its final year.

Mark, who also runs the Penrhyn Arms in Penrhynside, said: "I have enjoyed farming the place, I have enjoyed developing the farm park, I have been very lucky really. I have enjoyed every minute of it. It is not just me, but all the staff as well. It is a nice place to work and it is family oriented as well."

Mark is semi-retiring. The lease with Mostyn Estates has also come to an end. 

He arrived on site, on the working farm, in 1990 and opened it as an attraction in 1999. 

He will leave the site in January 2024.

The farm park, home to The Owls Trust as well as goats, deer and llama and other farm animals, offered free entry to visitors during September 

He told the Pioneer earlier this year: "I’ve been here a long time so there is quite a lot to do to get the site spick and span.

“I will miss the farming aspect. I did really enjoy that. I will be 65 by the time I leave and it doesn’t get any easier. I’m looking forward to doing something a bit different and having a bit more time off possibly.”

Mark said that the Penrhyn Arms had "really taken off". 

“To be quite honest, travelling between the two is getting quite difficult really,” he said.

“I’m not getting any younger.

“Also, the lease had come to an end and there is not a lot we could do about it."

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One person posted on the Bodafon Farm Park Facebook page on Sunday (September 24): "Thank you very much for a lovely day at the farm yesterday. Girls loved every bit especially the tractor ride  All the best with your retirement, loved visiting this farm over a couple of years and watching the animals develop! No farm like yours."

Another person wrote a few days ago: "Loved visiting the farm over the years, hope you manage to enjoy your free time. Always the best place to visit by far."

Bodafon Farm posted in the comments: "Everyone's response has meant a lot to us and we are so happy that people have enjoyed visiting the farm over the years.

"We are still running the Penrhyn Arms and love what we do. Thanks again."