You just can’t beat a visit to a farm shop selling “mouth-watering” goods and luckily, there’s plenty in County Durham selling local and fresh produce – do you have a favourite near you?

Whether you’re after bread that’s just been baked, rounds of cheese to try or “fabulous quality” meat, farm shops are a great way of shopping independently.

Some even have cafes and restaurants attached offering delicious food for those who work up an appetite after browsing the endless aisles and shelves.

Let’s take a look at some of the best in the area, according to Tripadvisor and Google reviews.

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5 of the best farm shops in County Durham

Broom House Farm Shop

Location: Broom House Farm, Durham, DH7 6TR

Tripadvisor rating: 5/5

One person posted on Tripadvisor: “An absolute gem of a farm shop, so lucky to have it close by.

“For me then butchery is the highlight. The meat is fabulous quality. We’ve enjoyed leg of lamb, bacon (both streaky and back) sausages, and local Durham honey and cheeses.”

Someone else said: “Probably the best field to plate butchers I have ever used and very reasonable prices, they also stock local artisan products - there is a separate coffee shop doing great food and an adventure playground- plenty of parking too.”

Knitsley Farm Shop

Location: East Knitsley Grange Farm, Knitsley, Consett, DH8 9EW

Google review rating: 4.8/5

A recent visitor shared: “I am so jealous of anyone who lives within ‘popping in’ distance of this amazing shop and cafe.

“It is first class with a capital F. I don't have enough characters to describe my joy of seeing what's on offer in their butchery and shop and then tasting the amazing breakfast in the well-run cafe. If you have the chance, stop and enjoy. You won't regret it.”

Hutchinson Hobbs Farm Shop

Location: Holdenfields Farm, Yarm, TS15 9PB

Google review rating: 4.8/5

This customer said: “We were trading at the recent craft fair, and it was a very well-attended event with a good selection of stalls.

“I must recommend a visit to the farm shop as the selection of goods is literally mouthwatering! You will be amazed at the range of produce and all at reasonable prices.”

Piercebridge Farm

Location: Piercebridge Farm, The Green, Piercebridge, Darlington, DL2 3SE

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

One user on Tripadvisor commented: “This is a great organic farm shop. We have rejected supermarkets and chosen to buy from independent shops, which makes this a brilliant place for us.

“The fresh fruit and vegetables are top quality and buying here means that we also generate virtually no plastic waste or even plastic recycling.

“Ecover refills are available, along with other eco-friendly cleaning and household products.

“Their own organic products, whether fresh or frozen, are excellent - we love the soups. The beef and chicken are also absolutely top-notch. The friendly and helpful staff are also to be commended.”

Cross Lanes Organic Farm

Location: Cross Lanes, Barnard Castle, DL12 9RT

Tripadvisor rating: 4/5

Someone revealed on Tripadvisor: “Stopped here for some lunch and a break on a long drive at the end of our holiday. The food was all fresh, home-cooked, and delicious. The building was light and spacious and our dog could sit by our table without getting in anyone’s way.

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“There is a lovely farm shop which is handy for last-minute holiday presents. We would not hesitate to stop here again if we are passing.”

Meanwhile, on Google reviews, another visitor wrote: “We were in the area for a few days visiting friends and popped in here for a quick coffee. By the end of our visit we had also bought some great food from the lovely farm shop including charcoal Cheddar (which was begging to be tried).

“We also bought a beautiful and very reasonably priced painting done by a local artist. My only regret is that this isn't my local farm shop.”