Farm Shops… the modern day Holy Grail. Every weekend sees hordes of people make the pilgrimage to stock up on ‘ugly’ organic vegetables, salted root crisps and nut butters in a bid to be more healthy and support the UK’s hard grafting local producers. On the weekend you will often find the guys and gals from Unique HQ exploring the country in search of the best farm fodder so we’re ‘in the know’ when our guests want advice on stocking up for their self-catering holidays - it’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! We’ve rounded up our favourites so you don’t miss out.
Daylesford
A firm favourite with the whole team as well as our property owners, Daylesford Organic Farm in Gloucestershire has got to be our number one stop. These fresh food fanatics have a passion for growing, producing and cooking seasonal, organic food and boy is it good! You can easily spend a whole day - maybe even two on the trot – taking part in cookery classes, lazy lunching in the café dining on all the farm delights and stocking up on baskets full of goodies. This place is good for the body and good for the soul. Also, check out Daylesford’s upcoming events as they have a whole host of great things going on; from interior design workshops to floriography and brush lettering master classes.
Where to stay: Midsummer Wood, Little Scarlet, Honeystone Manor, Burcombe House and The Find.
Boscastle Farm Shop
Think ocean views, warm Cornish pasties and generous homemade puddings topped with rich clotted cream by the bucket load. Being surrounded by National Trust farmland and a mere stone’s throw from the coastpath makes this the perfect walker’s pit-stop. Run by Robin, Jackie and their fabulous team; try their home-reared award-winning beef, lamb and barbecued pork (and don't leave without taking a slice of cake to enjoy back at your Unique Homestay!). The ethos here is ‘food from around the corner and not from around the world’ and we couldn’t agree more. If you’re staying in the area then this place is not to be missed, it is Marketing Manager Francesca’s favourite too!
Where to stay: Aphrodite, Gypsea Rocks, Worthyvale Mill, Valency Wood, The Retreat, Seapink Cottage, The Beach Hut
Brecons Farm Shop
A family-run business in Bwlch, famous for its venison and high-quality meats, there’s no better place to refuel with a hearty lunch or cup of tea and slice of the cake after a day stomping the hills. You’ll find fresh eggs, proper bacon, delicious wines and Welsh cheese at this Brecon Beacons favourite. There is a smorgasbord of fresh Welsh produce and deli delights on offer, perfect for stocking the cupboards during your unique escape in the Welsh mountains.
Where to stay: Charity, Faraway House, The Wilds
Gloucester Services
For those who know, you know! Naturally, a service station wouldn’t usually be on our hit list but this is like none other before it. John and Barbara are the kind of people we like to surround ourselves with - sparky, passionate and taking a huge amount of pride in their product. When the new M6 was cut through the Lune Gorge they stood firm and didn’t let a ‘Moto’ services take the spot in which they wanted to continue farming to offer weary travellers fresh home-cooked food. John and Barbara started and still own the only family run motorway services in the UK; food is their business and they now boast an incredible farm shop, butchers and canteen, working with top-class farmers and producers from the area. The couple is way ahead of the curve and also offer pre-order shopping, so if you’re heading to a Unique Homestay you can stop off for a coffee in the gorgeous café whilst picking up your fresh goods en route. It’s time to say good bye to meal deals and peperoni sticks on your travels and hello to farmy goodness!
Where to stay: Bartholomew, The Polo Farm, The Find, Pollyanna, Burdock Fox
