Adventure Toys Northallerton marks 35 years in business

Adventure Toys in Northallerton has become a well-known toy destination of dreams described as "wall to floor" full of toys - selling everything from stocking fillers to slides, swings and more.

This year will be their 35th Christmas selling wares to the families of North Yorkshire after the store was dreamed up by husband and wife Belinda and Noel Metcalfe in 1989.

Adventure Toys, Northallerton. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Adventure Toys, Northallerton. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Their daughter, Louise Ingham, 40, now works at the store too - and they've been growing every year since.

Louise told The Northern Echo: "Now there are not many toy shops at all never mind independent toy shops.

"We’ve just kept trying different things and have been going out to Europe to get unusual toys as well as the classics."

Adventure Toys, Northallerton. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) The store has built up a reputation for outdoor things like slides climbing frames and swings but also does indoor toys like trains wooden toys and model animals.

Despite the large shift to online shopping, Louise says that business has still been thriving and many customers are making journeys from further afield.

She added: "95% of our business was online but recently that has changed with people actually wanting to come in, to come to the shop and see the toys.

Adventure Toys, Northallerton. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) "They say that there aren’t any toy shops anymore and that they like to see, choose, and handle what they want.

"More customers are coming through as it’s normal now to travel about an hour plus from places like Newcastle, and Sheffield.

"When people are spending several hundred pounds on big outdoor setup, they want to come and see if it will be worth it."

Adventure Toys, Northallerton. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

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Now heading into the festive season once again, Louise and her parents say they are filled with pride when it comes to what they have achieved and look forward to many more years in business.

She added: "We are incredibly proud of what we've done and what we continue to achieve. We are unique and we're known because of my mum and dad.

"People know us and say 'Oh yes, you're that toy place'."