A number have their own farm shops where you can buy produce grown and reared there direct from the farmers. In many cases, there’s also a chance to meet the animals, see the produce being grown and learn more about the food we eat. And it makes a much better family day out than a trip to the supermarket.
We asked The Star’s readers to name their favourite farm shops near them and there were lots of great recommendations. Here are some of the best.
13. Thorpes Farm Shop
There were lots of recommendations for Thorpes Farm Shop, on Greaves Lane, in High Green, Sheffield. Gillian Goldstraw said it sells 'absolutely beautiful fruit, veg, eggs and loads more'. It also offers fruit boxes, veg boxes, salad boxes and even cake boxes. Photo: Google
14. Renishaw Hall Farm Shop
Farm shops don't come in much more beautiful settings than the one at Renishaw Hall & Gardens in Eckington, Derbyshire. It's open 10am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays, and it serves a range of meat, including meat boxes and BBQ packs, along with pies, fresh fruit and veg, and more. Photo: Brian Eyre
15. Highfield House Farm Shop
Highfield House Farm Shop, on Darley Road, in Stonedge, Chesterfield, has been running since 1996. Its website describes how all the products it sells are sourced as locally as possible, with the beef allowed to mature on the bone for 21-28 days so the full flavour can develop, the lamb, which is either home-reared or from Walton Lodge Farm also matured for at least 10 days, and the pork from Walton Lodge Farm 'reared to the highest standards'. Poultry is delivered twice a week from East Yorkshire to ensure it is as fresh as possible. Matt Prince said it was a 'proper family run farm shop on the farm, selling home reared and locally reared meats and produce'. Photo: Steve Ellis
16. Unstone Hill Farm Shop
Unstone Hill Farm Shop is on Chesterfield Road in Unstone, Dronfield. Jill Blanchard called it 'fab and great quality'. Its roast pork sandwiches get a lot of love on Google reviews, where there is praise too for the homemade pork pies and the other produce including jams, chutneys, locally produced honey, bread and rolls. Photo: Google