Take away: farm shops and markets
Many National Trust houses and gardens are now holding regular farmers’ and food markets. From the ‘Garden of England’ in Kent to the great estates in Wiltshire, the Trust is working to promote local and seasonal food to its visitors.
At Sissinghurst in Kent there is a regular market selling local organic meat, cider and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Stourhead’s market usually has up to 20 stalls with produce available including bison and elk meat, game, speciality cheeses and organic bread. Stourhead also has its own farm shop selling produce from the farmers, jam makers, bakers and brewers who work on the land. Also in Wiltshire, Lacock Abbey has a monthly market with the majority of meat, vegetables, preserves and cakes coming from within a ten mile radius. Dunster Castle and Montacute House, both in Somerset also have markets that are jam-packed with delicious food from the surrounding area, providing a delight for all the senses.
So wherever you find yourself around the country you can sample great food in fantastic surroundings, see how it’s grown and even get to take some of it home.
Out to lunch: fresh fruit and vegetables straight to your plate
Time for tea: great places to stop
Take away: farm shops and markets