The best farm shops in Northumberland

Shopping locally is becoming more and more popular, and local farm shops are places in which you can buy local produce, support local business and, more importantly, you can know where your food is coming from. Read on to discover the best of Northumberland’s food.

In Northumberland, you will come across farm shops in all shapes and sizes, selling everything from fresh vegetables to locally butchered meats. Quite often, they stock locally sourced sweets, ready meals, and puddings too, along with eggs, bread and local ales! They also make fine places to browse on a slow afternoon. Pick up some local produce and cook up a storm in your self-catering cottage.

Here are the best farm shops and markets in Northumberland…

The Alnwick Farmers’ Market

Held in the pretty and historic market square of Alnwick, the Alnwick farmers’ market brings oodles of atmosphere and character whilst locals sell their goods and wares. You can buy locally grown produce as well as home baking and crafts. The market takes place on the last Friday of each month and makes for a nice morning out. Follow it with a trip to Alnwick Castle and gardens, and a nice meal in one of the town's many pubs. Location: Market Place, Alnwick, NE66 1HW 

The Blagdon Farm Shop in Northumberland

For around 15 years, the popular Blagdon farm shop, butchery and bakehouse has been growing, rearing, cooking, and selling local food to its customers. With their handmade pies and quiches at the top of the menu, their food is popular for both the locals and visitors,and all can be purchased ready-made from their bakehouse and larder. Pick up a homemade pie, or a cheesecake dessert, and sample the kitchen ready meals which can be popped in the oven with ease. From the butcher, purchase some of the best meat in the county with everything from beef, pork and lamb to game and poultry on offer. Location: 16-18 Milkhope Centre, NE13 6DA 

Brockbushes Fruit Farm

Set just east of Hexham, Brockbushes pick-your-own fruit farm is a great day out for you and the family. Operating seasonally, of course, usually starting in June, you can pick strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, gooseberries, and pumpkins! The farm shop stocks all sorts of treats including fresh fruit and vegetables, much of it grown on the farm, and homemade meals, desserts, pies and baking. You can also pick up some logs for your cottage wood burner here as well as yummy cheeses, jams, chutneys, and bread. To make it even better, there is a tearoom serving hot drinks and home baking to refuel after a morning of fruit picking. Location: Corbridge, NE43 7UB 

Moorhouse Farm Shop

Moorhouse Farm Shop is a great family farm offering up a fully stocked farm shop and coffee shop which can offer a nice morning or afternoon out to those visiting Northumberland. Producing outstanding beef, pork, lamb, you can come and buy this lovely local produce from the farm shop and create delicious meals of your own. You can also pick up fresh bread, eggs, fruit, and vegetables as well as cheese, and honey from local bees. For a light bite, visit the deli counter for salad pots, scotch eggs and homemade cakes! If you are looking for a leisurely morning, the coffee shop has everything delicious on offer whether you are looking for a larger meal or a small snack. Location: Morpeth, NE61 6DX

Need more tea and cake breaks? Check out our guide to the top 5 spots for afternoon tea in Northumberland.

Sunnyhills of Belford Farm Shop

Just a short distance from Bamburgh Castle, Sunnyhills farm shop is a one-stop show also boasting a bistro, deli and gift shop. The deli serves hot and cold food to take away including pies, locally baked bread and even BBQ packs – the perfect offering for those al fresco evenings at your holiday home. This family-run business is a lovely one, offering both locals and visitors a friendly place to come and buy the best of the area. The bistro serves food throughout the day, so pop in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or even just a hot chocolate and home-baked cake. Why not go all out and try the seafood platter? Takeaway and home delivery options are available, including to holiday homes in the local area. Location: Belford, NE70 7DP 

Hexham Farmers’ Market in Northumberland

Set in the much-loved, historic town of Hexham, Hexham farmers’ market has been going for many years and has producers and sellers that come from miles around. The meat and veg you can find here is all locally produced and grown, and you will also be able to pick up other local products like soap, candles, home baking and crafts. Browse the many stalls and taste before you buy, chat to the local people, and find out about their business. This is a great way to soak up some Northumbrian culture and support local businesses along the way. Tie this in with a tour of the town, taking in old streets and shopping at the other residential boutiques and gift shops. It makes for a lovely, relaxed day out. Location: Hexham, NE47 0BY 

If you are a true foodie when on holiday you might be interested to get some more inspiration from our guide to the top ten pubs in Northumberland. Or how about the best places to eat in Northumberland, it lists some of the best cafes and restaurants to make eating out even more special. 

Stay in a country cottage in Northumberland 

We hope we have inspired you to visit some of these great farm shops and farmers’ markets in Northumberland. Come and stay in a country cottage and soak up the best of the Northumbrian countryside, some of them are even located on working farms!