Farm Shops and Farmers’ Markets to Visit in Suffolk
One of the great attractions of Suffolk is its food. Its growing reputation as a food-lover’s county has been helped by the increasing popularity of farm shops and farmers’ markets, as customers choose to buy produce which they know is truly local.
Here is our guide to the farmers’ markets and shops within easy reach of our base in the heart of the county. Not only do all our lodges come with hot tubs, they also have fully equipped kitchens so you can easily cook up a meal full of local ingredients at the end of your day out in Suffolk.
Framlingham Market – It’s not specifically advertised as a farmers’ market, but most of the stalls feature local produce, including fish, meat and game plus a variety of tempting cakes and pastries. The market runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays and is only three miles from our Saxtead base.
Marlesford Farm Café and Shop – This farm café and shop is on the A12, about eight miles to the south of Saxtead. The shop stocks fresh vegetables, meat, poultry and game, dairy products and plenty of pickles and sauces to accompany your meal. Daily newspapers, greeting cards and a selection plants and flowers can also be purchased here. The café serves breakfast from 7am-11.30am, lunch from 12noon-4pm, while coffee and cakes are on the menu all day.
Maple Farm Store, Kelsale – This farm shop is 11 miles to the east of Windmill Lodges, the other side of the A12 – so it could be the perfect stopping-off point if you want to cook something fresh for your evening meal. All its organic vegetables are grown to Soil Association standards and it also sells honey, flour and free-range eggs. Meat-lovers can choose between pork, lamb and game.
Emmerdale Farm Shop, Darsham – This farm shop is also close to the A12, near Yoxford, and is just a few miles north of the Maple Farm Store. Vegetables, dairy products, fish, cooked and frozen meats and pies are all available in the store, along with a range of pickles and spices. They also have a butchers’ inside, so you can order cuts of meat in advance.
If you need something to drink with your meal, it also has a selection of beers, wines and cider. The farm has its own herd of Red Poll cattle, and sells pork, lamb, poultry and game as well as beef. You can also enjoy breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea in the Red Poll tearooms.
Aldeburgh Farmers’ Market – This market operates on the third Saturday of every month, from 9am-12noon, in the Church Hall on Victoria Road. However, this picturesque resort, which is around 16 miles east of Windmill Lodges, is also notable for its supply of fresh fish. You can buy cod, sea bass, mackerel, crab, skate or plaice direct from the fishermen who have just caught them. Just look for the stalls on or close to the beach.
Southwold Farmers’ Market – The neighbouring town of Southwold also has a farmers’ market which runs every Friday, between 9am-1pm. It is held in Drayman’s Square in Victoria Street, close to the Adnams Cellar & Kitchen Store, so you can easily buy a bottle of beer or wine while you’re there.
Snape Farmers’ Market – As well as hosting world-famous concerts, Snape Maltings near Aldeburgh also hosts a market on the first Saturday of most months. Stallholders sell fresh vegetables, fruit and juices and locally farmed meat. The market runs from 9.30am-1pm, but you should try to get their early to get the best produce.
For all these farmers’ markets you are advised to check with the venue or organiser first to find out their current opening hours – and some are offering a delivery service during the current outbreak of coronavirus.
Windmill Lodges – Lodges with Hot Tubs in the Heart of Suffolk
As well as fully equipped kitchens, our range of four and five-star lodges also come with their own private hot tub, en-suite shower room, TV and free Wi-fi. We also have two pet-friendly log cabins, the Woodpecker and Wagtail lodges.
If you are interested in booking any of our lodges, you can email us to check our current availability by clicking on this link.