One of the joys of living in a rural area is the fresh produce available from local farms. Many corner shops and supermarkets are getting better at stocking local produce, and of course the farmer’s markets at Bude and Launceston are well worth a visit, but still the best bet for those of us wanting easy regular access to great food with a low carbon footprint is always going to be the farm shops. We’ve rounded up the ones we know of in the area. If we’ve missed your favourite, let us know in the comments below.
Chelsfield Farm Shop, Boyton (just off the Bude-Launceston road), PL15 8NU
This is a relatively new addition to the local selection of farm shops. Originally a small shop to serve the campsite, it now sells great local produce including some pretty special meats. It’s not a big shop, and it’s not always staffed, so you may have to ring the bell and wait for someone to appear.
Tues –Sat, 9am – 6pm, Sun, 9am-12.30pm
http://www.facebook.com/Chelsfield-Farm-Shop-and-Camp-Site-1052431164772682/info/
Providence Farm shop, Outside Holsworthy, EX22 6JW
This sneaky entrant is across the border in Devon, but is definitely worth a mention. Providence Farm can be found at farmers markets such as Tavistock, but now they have opened a small farm shop outside Holsworthy selling organic produce. Dairy products, meat, poultry and more, both fresh and frozen. This is another one that isn’t permanently staffed, so be prepared to ring the bell.
Wednesday – Saturday, 9am-5.30pm.
http://www.providencefarm.co.uk/
Killock Farm Shop, Outside Kilkhampton, EX23 9PZ
Killock Farm specialise in beef and lamb reared on their farm, fish from their freshwater lakes, and seasonal veg. However, they also source local pork and poultry, and even some pastry and bread goods. Regular customers may want to look into their vegetable box scheme.
Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm, Sunday 9am – 1pm
http://www.foodfromcornwall.co.uk/killock-farm-shop/
Bangors Organic Farm Shop, Poundstock, Bude, EX23 0DP
Just outside Bude, this little farm shop also boasts its own organic restaurant and B&B. It has a great range of organic vegetables and fruit, as well as homemade bread, tasty jams and relishes, and locally sourced cheeses and dairy products.
Thursday – Saturday, 11am – 4pm
http://bangorsorganic.co.uk/organic-shop/
Bray Farm Shop, Launceston Town Centre, PL15 8AW
This little farm shop just along from St. Mary’s church has a modest café attached, and is famed for the mouth-watering carvery baps on offer, along with various other hot and cold takeaways. Organic beef and pork, baked goods and pasties, and more! Always worth a look if you’re in Launceston town centre and a great place to grab a speedy lunch.
Monday – Saturday, 8am – 6pm
http://www.facebook.com/Bray-Farm-Shop-114498068570860/info/
The Cornish Charcuterie, Launcells, EX23 9LG
This is a farm shop with a difference. Rather than offering the typical farm produce, Norton Barton have established their own hugely successful charcuterie using meats reared on their farm. They’ve won a host of awards for their high-end treats, such as Duck Rillette with Cranberries, and Cornish Seaweed Salami, and are soon to open a distillery.
Monday – Saturday, 9am – 5.00pm, Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Lifton Farm Shop, Lifton off the A30, PL16 0DE
Yes, we know Lifton is technically in Devon but it’s only a stone’s throw from the border. One of the largest farm shops you’re ever likely to find, Lifton has grown from a simple pick-your-own-strawberries operation to a canteen restaurant and café and a large well-stocked shop, situated just off the A30 at Lifton. A very professional outfit, they have separate counters in different rooms selling everything from local meats, baked products, seasonal vegetables, gifts, cards, toys and more. It is now a popular spot not just for holidaymakers heading down Cornwall on the A30, but also for locals fancying a decent meal and farm produce too. As a farm shop, it’s very hard to beat.
Winter: Monday – Saturday, 8am – 5.30pm, Sunday, 8am – 5pm
Summer: Monday – Saturday, 8am – 6pm, Sunday, 8am – 5.30pm
http://www.liftonfarmshop.co.uk/
Boscastle Farm Shop, Outside Boscastle, PL35 0HH
This farm shop occupies a stunning vantage point on the hills above Boscastle overlooking the rolling Atlantic. Surrounded by National Trust land, this one is popular among walkers who come in for a light lunch or a cup of tea in the charming, dual aspect café. In fact, it’s so popular that in peak season you may need to book or wait a while to be seated. The main draw is the café but the shop is definitely worth a look too – it’s relatively small, but stocks meat and vegetables from the farm, baked goodies, as well as interesting gift items sourced locally. Well worth a visit – always a hit among our guests.
Café – daily 9am – 4pm
Shop – daily 9am – 5pm
http://www..boscastlefarmshop.co.uk
NEW ADDITIONS:
Hilltop Farm Shop, Slaughterbridge, nr Camelford, PL32 9TT
Thanks to Gary Down for flagging this one up – we’re ashamed not to have known about it. This farm shop looks like a great addition to the list, with seasonal produce from the area and even arts and crafts items in sale. A café restaurant with panoramic views serves up everything from Sunday roasts to all day breakfasts and offers takeaway too. You can even order your Christmas hamper! Definitely worth a visit.
http://www.hilltopfarmshop.co.uk/
So there you have it! No need to spend on that vacuum packed foreign produce when good Cornish grub is so easy to find!
Which is your favourite farm shop? Let us know below!
