Close Icon
Fresh veg on sale at a farmers market

Renowned for its rural farmland and longstanding agricultural traditions, it’s no wonder that there are so many Lake District farm shops scattered throughout the region.

With shelves stacked high with fresh, organic and locally-sourced produce, an authentic taste of Cumbria awaits.

Read on to discover our favourite Lake District farm shops…


1. Plumgarths Farm Shop & Cafe, Kendal

The meat counter at Plumgarths Farm Shop

© Plumgarths Farm Shop

Settled on the outskirts of Kendal, Plumgarths is a family-run farm shop with a history dating over a hundred years. This Lake District farm shop finds itself on the land that was once farmed by the owner’s great-grandfather.

Primarily a butcher, Plumgarths Farm Shop has a wonderful array of locally-reared meats available, including their exclusive ‘meat for the week’ packs.

Stock up on hearty homemade pies, sausage rolls, Luxury Lakes ice cream or a selection of seasonal fruit or veg. You could even treat yourself to a bottle of Lakes Distillery gin, sure to warm you up following a day’s adventure through the fells.

Lakes Gin and Vodka on the shelf at Plumgarths Farm Shop

© Plumgarths Farm Shop

Adjoining this Lake District farm shop is the 2 Sisters Café. This wholesome café opens its doors for breakfast and lunch, serving traditional fry ups, paninis, and jacket potatoes.

There’s also an indulgent selection of freshly baked cakes and scones, perfect for those with a sweet tooth!


2. Hayton Farm Shop, Hayton

Sitting outside the Lake District National Park in the village of Hayton is Hayton Farm Shop.

Originally opening its doors as an ice cream parlour in 1996, Hayton Farm Shop has since developed to include a well-stocked farm shop, bakery and tea room.

Two hands holding ice cream cones

The ice cream parlour remains today, serving ice cream made using milk collected from the on-site dairy herd. There’s a plethora of mouth-watering flavours to choose from, along with sorbets and sundaes.

The shelves in this Lake District farm shop are brimming with treats. Expect locally-made preserves and chutneys along with a delicious selection of sweets and biscuits. You’re sure to find a gift to bring home to loved ones here!

The adjoining tea room serves an extensive menu prepared using fresh, locally-sourced produce. Choose from light bites, hearty meals and an ever-changing specials board.

To finish off, there’s an indulgent collection of cream cakes, tray bakes and fruit pies all baked in-house. Why not take one home to enjoy in front of the telly?


3. Tebay Services Farm Shop & Kitchen, Orton

A motorway service station like no other, a stop at Tebay Services Farm Shop & Kitchen is a must.

An external shot of Tebay Service Station

© Tebay Services Farm Shop & Kitchen

Tebay Services opened in 1972 when the M6 was built across the land of High Chapel Farm. Owners Mr & Mrs Dunning saw this as a chance to make use of some of the most uninhabitable farmland in England.

This Lake District farm shop prides itself on working closely with a variety of small producers located within a 30 mile radius. Expect handmade, local and traditional goods crafted by farmers, growers and makers.

As well as its farm shop, Tebay Services is renowned for its in-house kitchen. Sit back and enjoy a hearty meal of Cumbrian lamb, Sunday lunch with native-breed beef, or a traditional fry up served with delicious Cumberland sausages.

Grab a coffee to go, with beans roasted at Carvetti Coffee Roasters less than 30 miles away. If you’re feeling peckish, there’s a ‘quick kitchen’ stocked with sausage rolls, sandwiches and steamy soups, all homemade by the butchers and bakers on-site.

Your four-legged friends are welcome at this Lake District farm shop. With water bowls and walking trails available in abundance, you can truly make a day of it with a trip to Tebay Services.


4. Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop & Tea Room, Sizergh

This 17th Century award-winning farm shop is situated on a working dairy farm, just off the A591 outside of Kendal.

The shelves at Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop are stocked full of wonderful, locally-sourced produce. Take your pick from cheese, chutney, bread and meat. There’s also indulgent locally-baked cakes and fresh, farm-grown veg courtesy of Growing Well.

The on-site cafe is open daily between 9am-5pm, serving ingredients produced across the region.

The Sizergh breakfast is served with local back bacon, Cumberland sausage and farm eggs, whilst the Low Sizergh Barn rarebit is made with Kendal Crumbly cheese and local beer.

If you’re in a rush, the deli counter offers a takeaway service, meaning you can enjoy a treat as you explore the delights of the surrounding countryside.

The true cherry on top of this Lake District farm shop is the cafe window, where you can catch sight of the cows being milked daily at 3:30pm.

What’s better, you can purchase a litre of the dairy herds fresh raw milk from the vending machine!

A glass bottle of raw milk at Low Sizergh Barn

© Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop & Tea Room


5. The Sawmill Café & Farm Shop – Nether Wasdale

The Sawmill Cafe & Farm Shop is idyllically positioned on the banks of the River Irt, in the heart of the Wasdale Valley.

A working waterwheel and millrace take centre stage in the middle of the building, offering a unique backdrop to enjoy a slice of cake and a cup of coffee in the afternoon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Sawmill (@wasdalesawmill)

If you’d prefer to dine alfresco, there’s an outdoor seating area overlooking the river, where the meandering water provides a calming soundtrack to mealtimes.

The Sawmill Cafe offers a seasonal menu, with vegan and vegetarian options available if preferred. You can expect Wasdale lamb, Lakeland beers and local dairy farm ice cream alongside homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes.

The ethos of this Lake District farm shop is to “support small, local, Lake District based producers”, and that’s exactly what they do.

Cheese on display at a local farm shop

The farm shop is full to the rafters with a fabulous collection of products sourced from across the region. Sample a range of local beers, stock up on preserves, jams and chutneys, or take your pick from locally-sourced meats and cheeses from the deli counter.

There’s also a wonderful range of crafts & gifts to choose from, many handmade by local manufacturers or small businesses.


6. Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre, Ings

Settled on the outskirts of Windermere, the Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre is much more than your regular farm shop. The Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre promises an authentic Lakeland farm experience.

A highland cow and a farmer at the Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre

© Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre

A schedule of activities give you a fascinating insight into farming, and some of the more traditional methods that are still used today.

You can come face-to-face with the friendly farm animals, try your hand at farming yourself, or head to the Lakeland Farm arena to watch the daily livestock show.

After all of the excitement, the Lakeland Farm Kitchen serves a mouth-watering menu using fresh and local ingredients. Enjoy a farm reared beef burger or homemade cottage pie made using fell-bred meats sourced from the Lakeland Farm itself.

A large picture window overlooks the surrounding fields, providing a truly delightful backdrop to enjoy an afternoon tipple.

Before you head home, be sure to browse the shelves of The Lakeland Farm Shop. Here you’ll find an array of food, drink, crafts and gifts from producers local to the Lake District.

Along with local, independent suppliers, the shop stocks branded items as well, so you’re sure to find something to take home!

This Lake District farm shop goes above and beyond, offering a unique hamper building service.

These one-of-a-kind hampers are brimming with a wonderful selection of high-quality, locally made Lake District goods. Contact the team at The Lakeland Farm Shop to discuss your hamper here.


Where are these Lake District farm shops?

To help you find these Lake District farm shops we’ve compiled a handy map below.

Plan your journey through the lakes ahead of time so you can visit as many as possible along the way!


Tempted by the flavours of Cumbria? Browse our wonderful range of holiday cottages and secure your base from which to discover the delights of these Lake District farm shops. 

For more inspiration on how to spend your time in the lakes, give our guide on the best walks in the Lake District a read.  And if you’re looking for an action-packed itinerary of events, take a look at our guide on what’s on in Cumbria!