Find your perfect farm shop
Nestled in the heart of East Devon, Colyton is surrounded by rolling countryside and a rich farming heritage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, the area boasts some truly outstanding farm shops that champion fresh, local produce and warm, community-driven service. Here are five of the best within easy reach:
1. Greendale Farm Shop, near Farringdon
Located on the A3052 Sidmouth Road between Exeter and Sidmouth, Greendale Farm Shop is an award-winning destination for fresh, locally sourced produce. The shop features a butcher’s counter with meat from their own farm, a wet fish counter offering seafood from their fishing boats, a delicatessen, a fruit and vegetable section, a bakery, and a popular café. Visitors can also enjoy a free family-friendly farm trail showcasing various animals. Greendale has received accolades such as the Taste of the West Gold Award for Best Farm Shop in 2022.
2. Millers Farm Shop, Kilmington
Situated in Kilmington, approximately four miles northeast of Colyton, Millers Farm Shop is a family-run establishment offering a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meats from local farms, cheeses, breads, pastries, and French imports. The attached café, recently extended due to popular demand, serves breakfast, lunch, and homemade cakes, making it a popular spot for visitors.
3. The Garden Shop and Café, Colyton
Located in the heart of Colyton, The Garden Shop and Café provides a delightful experience for visitors. The shop features a diverse range of gifts, many of which are Fair Trade, as well as indoor plants, homewares (including locally handmade items), and greeting cards for various occasions. As well as a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and dairy products, their plant area boasts a wonderful selection of locally sourced shrubs, perennials, alpines, bedding plants, roses, and an extensive range of herbs and edibles. The café serves coffee from Cawardines, Somerset tea, soft drinks, breakfasts, light lunches, snacks, and a variety of cakes and ice creams from Baboo in Bridport. Seating is available indoors or outdoors among the flowers, and dogs are welcome in both areas.
4. Blackbury Honey Farm, Southleigh
Ok, not strictly a farm shop, but a must-visit destination for all honey fans. This fabulous honey farm is just a short drive from Colyton. A family-run establishment, it offers a garden designed to encourage bees, featuring a variety of shrubs, annuals, perennials, roses, and herbs.
There’s also wildflower meadows and orchards with apples, pears, plums, apricots, and peaches. You can also visit the tearoom, which serves homemade refreshments, including light lunches, cakes, and cream teas. Beekeeping courses are also available as well as opportunities to learn about honey production
The farm is open Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the premises.
5. Darts Farm, Topsham
Located in Topsham, approximately 12 miles southwest of Colyton, Darts Farm is a vibrant, nationally award-winning farm shopping experience with a working farm at its heart. The farm shop emphasizes food that is locally grown, reared, baked, or caught. Highlights include an on-site master butcher, fishmonger, and deli, as well as a florist, cider maker, and restaurant.
Attractions include a farm walk, animal corner, bird hide, wetlands, fishing ponds, and a maize maze (seasonal).