County Durham’s ‘hidden gem’ farm shops this bank holiday

From a nationally crowned butcher near Durham City to an organic farm on the edge of Teesdale, these are the places worth adding to your bank holiday plans.

Broom House Farm Shop, Witton Gilbert

There is no better place to start than Broom House Farm, which last week was named the best butcher in the North of England at the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards, known in farming circles as the “Rural Oscars.”

The organic farm sits above the Browney River Valley overlooking Durham City, and has been selling its own Aberdeen Angus beef, lamb, mutton and rare breed Saddleback pork since 2004. Everything on the butcher counter is reared on the farm itself.

TripAdvisor reviewers are full of praise. One visitor wrote: “We go mainly for the shop and butchers.

The butchers are very friendly and knowledgeable and the meat is always top quality. As older people on a limited budget we are selective about what we eat and prefer to pay a bit more for the best quality.”

Another said simply: “What a delightful place. Food delicious.”

The farm also has a coffee shop serving breakfasts, brunches and homemade cakes, with outdoor seating and a forest adventure play area for families.

It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit for Saturday at the latest.

Broom House Farm, Witton Gilbert, Durham, DH7 6TR

Knitsley Farm Shop and Granary Cafe, Consett

A short drive from Lanchester and Consett, Knitsley Farm Shop sits on a working farm and holds a TripAdvisor rating of 4.7 out of 5 from more than 640 reviews, making it the second highest-rated restaurant in Consett.

The farm shop is known in particular for its homemade produce. One reviewer described it as “a culinary journey,” praising the butcher as “so helpful and knowledgeable” and the cheese and onion quiche as “the best I’ve ever tasted.”

Another regular simply called it a “hidden gem,” writing: “The ham broth and fruit scones are to die for.”

It was Highly Commended at the Countryside Alliance Rural Oscars in 2023 and the farm also starts baking at 3am, with the bakery producing fresh bread, scones and pastries that regularly sell out before lunchtime.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Knitsley is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

East Knitsley Grange Farm, Consett, County Durham, DH8 9EW

Broom Mill Farm Shop and The Mill Kitchen, West Auckland

Not to be confused with Broom House Farm near Durham City, Broom Mill Farm Shop is a family-run farm near Bishop Auckland with a restaurant open seven days a week from 8.30am.

On TripAdvisor, one recent visitor wrote: “This is a fabulous café, where all meat is produced on their farm. The staff are extremely friendly.

Considering food is all local, the prices are very reasonable. This is the place to go if you are passionate about where your food comes from.” Another described it as a “gem of a place,” adding: “The staff were very friendly and courteous and our food was served quite quickly.”

The farm shop stocks traceable, zero food miles meats, local vegetables, cheeses and cakes, and the on-site Mill Kitchen is open for breakfast through to lunch every day of the bank holiday weekend.

Broom Mill Farm Shop, West Auckland, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 9PJ

Cross Lanes Organic Farm Shop, Barnard Castle

For those heading into Teesdale, Cross Lanes Organic Farm sits just off the A66 on the outskirts of Barnard Castle and makes an ideal stop whether you are heading into the Dales or breaking a longer journey.

It was previously named as one of the best in the country, and one TripAdvisor reviewer called it “a little gem of a café on the A66,” writing: “I had the special lamb kofte and it was absolutely amazing.

Everything was homemade, which I think goes for all things on the menu.”

Another noted: “The food is home made and freshly prepared while you wait and the portions are plentiful. You will find no processed food here.”

The site includes an organic restaurant, farm shop, butchers counter and deli, with the menu running from a full breakfast through to lunch specials.

Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, with Sunday hours also available.

Cross Lanes Organic Farm, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 9RT

Field and Fodder, Bearpark

One of County Durham’s newer food destinations, Field and Fodder at Aldin Grange near Bearpark won the Deli category at the 2026 Countryside Alliance Awards for the North of England at the same ceremony at which Broom House Farm won its butcher title.

Early TripAdvisor reviewers have been enthusiastic. One wrote: “Such an amazing selection of fresh ingredients. You can tell so much thought and passion goes into each dish.

“My new fave place for brunch.”

Another described it as “a must see,” adding: “The service is fantastic and the atmosphere is lovely.

I always feel so warmly welcomed into this shop and never leave disappointed.”

The shop operates as a café on Mondays and Tuesdays, and as a fully licensed bar all day on Saturdays, with charcuterie boards available for dine-in or takeaway throughout.

Field and Fodder, Aldin Grange Fishery, Bearpark, Durham, DH7 7AR

Have you visited any of these? Let us know in the comments.