From the wilds of Exmoor to the rolling Mendip Hills, the vibrant county of Somerset boasts a rich and fertile landscape, making it one of the most prolific producers of home-grown delights.
So it’s no wonder that it is also host to a huge variety of farm shops that dot the landscape. These fantastic producers offer carefully-reared, hand-crafted food and drink that give a real insight into the heritage of Somerset, and provide the perfect foodie offerings for your holiday (especially around Christmas when the hampers turn fabulously festive). Here are some of the best farm shops in Somerset to delight all appetites…
Rumwell Farm Shop, Taunton
Wellington Road, Rumwell, Nr Taunton TA4 1EJ
One of Somerset’s largest farm shops, at Rumwell there’s so much to discover, with a food hall, gift shop, butchery, jam kitchen, bakery, wine cellar and café spread over 200 square metres. The butchery counter houses the 600-acre farm’s own free-range pork and Angus beef, home-cured bacon, burgers and sausages, whilst their award-winning beef wellingtons are perfect for a special night in. The bakery is hugely popular for their cakes and breads (the doughnuts are a real favourite with locals in the know), as well as their seasonal offerings. There’s also a café here for breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas and Sunday roasts with an additional children’s menu, making it great for all hungry tums - why not combine it with a visit to beautiful Hestercombe where you can meander through the historic gardens.
The Newt Farm Shop, Castle Cary
Hadspen, Castle Cary BA7 7NG
Within the grounds of country hotel The Newt near Bruton, (one of the best places to eat in Somerset) this farm shop is definitely one of the most glamorous in Somerset. Following the ethos of the estate, all of the artisan produce on sale here is inspired by Somerset’s unique heritage and sustainability. Everything is beautifully laid out, making it a feast for all the senses, whilst there’s a butchery and cheese room on site to delve into. This is a wonderful place to gather goodies for a celebratory picnic (maybe at nearby King Alfred’s Tower, which boasts incredibly scenic views over three counties) or to cook up a special feast back in your holiday cottage.
Teals, South Cadbury
1 Orchard Lane, South Cadbury, Yeovil BA22 7FS
Situated close to the North/South Cadbury junction off the A303, Teals is a great stop when out exploring for the day. The beautiful, wooden farm shop building blends in perfectly with the surrounding countryside, and it has a well-stocked food market showcasing the very best of Somerset fare. With vibrant fruit and veggies, oven-baked breads, a huge cheesemongers, a butchery offering local breeds from heritage farms, wine cellar, cupboard staples, deli and even a milk vending machine, you’ll find everything you could possibly need here. There’s also a great café with indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for gazing over the peaceful countryside, and a take-away service available for when you want to stock up for your day’s adventures. You’re not far from the fascinating Fleet Air Arm Museum which gives a unique insight into the flying arm of the Royal Navy, and is one of the best things to do in Somerset.
Barleymows Farm Shop, Chard
Barleymows Farm Shop, Chard TA20 3PS
Set half a mile west of Chard, this established family-run shop lies on a farm that rears cows and sheep as well as tending arable land. Barleymows offers exceptional local produce all from within a 25-mile radius, as well as a tempting café with lovely views over the rolling green hills. In addition to a butcher’s counter, deli counter (with a mountain of cheeses on display) and pickles and preserves, there’s a deli with sandwich and salad bar (perfect for a picnic), whilst ‘Phil the Fish’ opens for fresh fish every Friday all year round. Children can entertain themselves in the play area, whilst during the summer there’s a Maize Maze to find your way though, as well as an activity field. After all that, cool yourself down with a treat from the ice-cream shack.
Newton Farm, near Bath
Newton Farm, Newton St Loe, Bath BA2 9BT
Run by the same family for four generations, Newton farm shop is a part of the Duchy of Cornwall and found at Newton St Loe. Rearing a mix of cattle, sheep, pigs and grain that benefits from chemical, pesticide and fertiliser-free pastures, it’s a busy family business complete with an award-winning ‘emporium’ where you pick up tasty treats to take away with you. Selling locally-produced cheese, cream, yoghurt and milk, there’s also a mouth-watering deli counter and a pantry selling jams, jellies and pickles as well as fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan bread, ice cream and even flowers. The café is well worth a stop too, serving everything from afternoon teas to Sunday lunches - a great stop off after exploring the vibrant city of Bath.
White Row Farm, Frome
Beckington, Frome BA11 6TN
White Row farm shop is proud to rear its own cattle, pigs and over 800 hens as well as seasonal fruit and veg. With a butchers, deli (where everything is made from scratch), bakery, dairy and fishmongers, what they can’t produce themselves they source locally from over 80 artisan makers, farmers, growers and suppliers in the area. There’s also a gift shop and florist, perfect for mementos to take home. Pop into their café for breakfast, lunch or snack in between, whilst their memorable Sunday lunches are available to take away – oh, and there’s a fish and chip shop for a classic meal! Alternatively, create yourself a picnic’s worth of goodies and head to nearby Farleigh Hungerford Castle - the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch followed by an afternoon exploring the atmospheric 14th century ruins.
Kimber’s Farm Shop, Wincanton
Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HD
The Kimber family have been farming for over 350 years in Charlton Musgrove, and their ingrained passion and experience shows in their fantastic farm shop and high quality meat and dairy. As well as the farm shop, which also sources other produce from local farms, there’s a deli, butchery and ‘Kitchen at Kimbers’, which serves delicious food and hosts events throughout the year, all housed in a gorgeously converted barn. The farm also hosts open days where you can go along and see behind the scenes of this long-running, heritage farm.
Goose Slade Farm, East Coker
East Coker, Yeovil BA22 9QJ
Idyllic Goose Slade Farm is the place to go for local meats. Here they rear and prepare beef, lamb, pork and their speciality, goose – making it a perfect place to visit to stock up if you’re staying in Somerset at Christmas! In addition, the farm shop offers game such as venison, rabbit, pheasant and partridge from their own farm and fields – perfect for the adventurous cook and all of which can be ordered online if preferred. In addition, they have a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes from nearby Evershot bakery, local cheeses, smoked and cured meats and fish, and a wonderful selection of cakes, puddings, jams and preserves which are all made on the farm itself. To make a day of it, head to nearby Barrington Court with its lovely gardens and beautiful Arts and Crafts house.
Farrington’s Farm Shop, Farrington Gurney
Main St, Farrington Gurney, Bristol BS39 6UB
25 minutes from both Bath and Frome, Farrington’s is an award-winning farm shop that prides itself on the 80-plus varieties of seasonal vegetables it produces. Totally organic, the 400-acre working farm has been growing since 2006 and their shop is also filled with organic and locally-sourced produce such as homemade jams, chutneys, pies and quiches. They even make tasty ready meals, perfect for when you don’t fancy cooking, and there’s a butchery too. The deli counter has plenty to offer with scotch eggs, pies, over 50 local artisan cheeses, fresh antipasti, as well as sandwiches and paninis to take away – perfect for a picnic on the nearby Mendip Hills followed by a trip to fantastic Cheddar Gorge. Alternatively there’s a welcoming café on site with a play barn for little ones.
Hector’s Farm Shop, Wedmore
The Borough, Wedmore BS28 4EB
Rather than being on the farm itself, Hector’s farm shop is in the heart of pretty Wedmore. Running for over 20 years as the village’s butcher, the focus is very much on high-quality meats such as Red Devon beef, pork, lamb, poultry, bacon and gammon, as well as eggs, pies, pastries, sausage rolls and salt beef. It also sells locally-sourced baked goods and dairy produce, as well as a host of pantry supplies that’ll keep you stocked up whilst on holiday. Afterwards, take a stroll through the village also known as the ‘Isle of Wedmore’ with its stunning views, interesting independent shops and award-winning pubs before heading on to the historic town of Glastonbury, where you can climb up the iconic Tor, stroll around the fascinating Abbey and taste the healing waters at the tranquil the Holy Well.
Sheppy’s Farm Shop, Taunton
Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton TA4 1ER
Sheppy’s is a magnificent 90-acre cider farm near Taunton and at its heart are the former apple pressing rooms which have been transformed into an award-winning farm shop, deli and butchery. As well as rows of bottled cider, you’ll find artisan cheeses and meats from their farm (including Longhorn cattle) on display under the huge cider barrels that are stored high into the vaulted ceiling. There’s a fantastic café in the old harvesting barn, whilst children can let off steam in the play area and enjoy encounters with animals. There are also some lovely trails and walks through the orchard and farm to explore, so why not pre-order one of Sheppy’s fantastic picnics on offer and make a day of it, or head further afield into the Blackdown Hills, a stunning Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Feeling peckish? Create your own feasts full of local produce at one of our wonderful self catering cottages in Somerset.
