Best farm shops near Derby

Farm shops are a great way to try new products in many cases that are fresh off the farm

With murmurings of a mini heatwave around the corner, and arising to glorious sunshine most mornings, now is the time to put farm shops on your radar.

If a farm shop is good enough for royals - the Windsor Farm Shop hosted some very special visitors recently - then it’s also great for us!

You can easily spend the day at a farm shop, stocking up your larder, trying out new cheeses and even squeezing in a walk, as most farm shops’ locations have lovely views.

We’re big fans of farm shops and are lucky enough to have several amazing ones on our doorstep.

Here are five top farm shops that are all within 1 hour from Derby city centre.

Just don’t forget to pack a good old tote that you can stuff with all those goodies from the farm shop.

Top 5 farm shops near Derby to visit this spring

Watergo Farm Shop

Based in the village of Mickleover, this family-run farm sits in a 34-acre field.

Treats galore for foodies include free-range eggs, locally sourced cheese, baked goods, Aberdeen Angus beef, and locally reared lamb.

It is their chilled vending machine that is the talk of the town that offers fresh strawberries and raspberries (when in season), coffee beans and grounds, yogurts and cheese.

Address: Watergo Farm Shop, Staker Lane, Derby DE3 0DJ

Hackwood Farm Shop

This farm doubles up as a tea room serving up a range of delights such as themed afternoon teas, full English breakfasts, and more.

The on-site pumpkin patch is a big draw in the autumn too, and their calendar throughout the year has wicked events including evening drinks in the courtyard.

Address: Hackwood Farm Shop, Radbourne Lane, Derby, Ashbourne DE6 4LZ

Croots Farm Shop

Nestled in Derbyshire hills, this family run business has an onsite butchery, bakery, deli and café that is popular in all seasons.

As well as a wide range of fruit and vegetables, you can pick up everything from cheese, sliced meats, pâté, pasties, pies and more.

If you really feel like going all out, treat yourself to a pretty afternoon tea which is £20 per person.

Address: Croots Farm Shop, Farnah House, Farm Wirksworth Road, Duffield, Belper DE56 4AQ

Read more: Love Derby

Oakfield Farm Shop

Just a 20-minute drive from Derby city centre, this farm shop prides itself on offering seasonal produce.

As well as everyday food staples such as free-range eggs and locally grown fruit, you can treat yourself to Oakfield Farm Cider and acclaimed ice cream from Peak District Dairy and Bluebells Dairy.

Shopping can be thirsty work, so feel free to stop off the farm shop café for a seasonal hot chocolate.

Address: Oakfield Farm Shop, 2 Belper Road, Stanley Common, Derby DE7 6FP

Welbeck Farm Shop

Based in the beautiful Welbeck Estate, customers are in for a treat as you can browse artisan breads, milk and cheese from the estate’s pedigree dairy herd, plus handcrafted ales.

Make a day of it and be rewarded with stunning views of a sunset from across the rolling greenery of the estate.

Address: Welbeck Farm Shop, Welbeck, Worksop, Nottinghamshire S80 3LW

Benefits of farm shops

Farm shops are not just quaint spaces that make a great day out in the sun.

Their main aim of selling farm produce directly to the public, means they champion independent producers and support the wider farming community too.

Provenance, or knowing where your food has come from, is a topic that has risen in popularity this past decade.

At a farm shop, it is easy to track what you are eating, and the origins of food.

You could also become aware of how many ‘food miles’ a product has travelled before it lands in your hands, which is a good way of measuring its impact on the environment.