9 Farm shops & foodie experiences to enjoy this autumn

As far as settings go, Balgone Estate is pretty hard to beat. The farmland is perched on the coast of East Lothian, offering up views of the churning North Sea and the iconic hill of Berwick Law. If you’re visiting in autumn, pick your own pumpkin in an idyllic setting, with a 10-acre patch packed with 27 distinct varieties of pumpkin and squash to choose from. For more seasonal events, take the Haunted Trail around the small lake and finish up with a visit to the Crooked Cauldron for toasted marshmallows. The farm is a great day out for all ages, but foodies will particularly enjoy the range of food and drink on offer. Throughout pumpkin picking season there are pizza vans and street food trucks on site, or you can visit the Balgone Estate-run Herd Café to get a real flavour of the farm, with produce from the fields available to try or take home with you.

The autumn harvest is a great opportunity to slow down and get in tune with seasonal produce. Westerton Farm is an arable farm in Aberdeenshire, passionate about reconnecting people with nature and farming. Their ‘pick your own’ scheme lets you get your hands dirty with a chance to harvest your own veg, including pumpkin picking in October. Alternatively, you can visit their Farm to Table shop and refillery to restock with goodies grown on the farm and the wider local area, including jams, honey, cereals, eggs, coffee, high-quality meat, dairy products, baked goods and more. The shop also has a takeaway food area and seating to enjoy hot drinks, fresh pastries and toasties beside an atmospheric log burner to complete the comforting autumn aesthetic.

Bowhouse is situated on the Balcaskie Estate in the East Neuk of Fife. It’s an area renowned for its picturesque fishing villages and expansive farmland, so it’s no surprise it’s a hub for local produce from land and sea. Bowhouse was borne out of a desire to connect people with the natural ingredients grown all around this region. They host market weekends every month to showcase the best producers in Fife, where you can visit their stalls and try the freshest local produce. In addition, they also host a programme of engaging events, from wild cocktail foraging workshops to spoon carving.

Glenforsa is one of the newest places to visit on the Isle of Mull and their excellent foodie offerings are well worth a detour. Inspired by the fresh ingredients found on the island, chefs India Radford and Max Kinder have set up this refined but welcoming café and farm shop on the Benmore Estate on the east coast of Mull. Try their Isle of Mull Rarebit for a comforting lunch after an autumnal walk, or share a West Coast Fish Plate to sample mackerel pâté and smoked salmon sourced from just down the road. Their farm shop is the ideal place to pick up something special for your larder, stocked with gifts, condiments, preserves and plenty of local produce from across the island.

The Scottish Borders has some beautiful countryside to discover, from rich farmland and gentle hills to peaceful valleys and coastal viewpoints. Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen is in the heart of the region, just outside the market town of Kelso. The farm has been home to the Wilson family for three generations, so you know you’re in good hands with their expert-led farm tours and food experiences. Start with the Field to Fork tour for a deeper insight into the history and produce of the farm to fully appreciate the produce you can sample on one of their themed food experiences! As well as their famous curry nights, don’t miss their 25-mile BBQ or roast lunch where all ingredients are seasonal and sourced within a 25-mile radius.

Escape to the Hebrides and get a real flavour of the islands on South Uist with Long Island Retreats and Larder. They’re based in a spectacular location near Loch Skipport, with views across to Skye and even Harris and Lewis on a clear day. The farm is run by 6th-generation crofters, providing authentic farm experiences with a deep knowledge of wildlife, livestock, history, landscape and Gaelic language. Immerse yourself in the island way of life and meet their friendly Shetland ponies, Highland cows, pigs and sheep. Make sure you incorporate their foodie offerings in your visit, whether that’s booking their Field to Fork experience or taking a picnic basket along for a tour of the island.

Set within 260 acres of woodland and pasture, Solsgirth Farm is over 100 years old. The quaint 18th century farmhouse is surrounded by diverse grassland and wildlflowers, with native breeds of cattle and poultry around the wider farm. Their ethos centres around conservation and healthy food, aiming to engage visitors with farm tours, hands-on experiences and hosting monthly farmers markets with like-minded producers. Autumn is a special time of year on the farm, when the team gather and press the apples they’ve harvested from the orchard for fresh apple juice. The team also run courses and workshops throughout the year for the chance to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life and learn more about farming tradition and crafts, including stick carving, willow working and beekeeping.

Perthshire is particularly eye-catching in the autumnal months, when Scotland’s Big Tree Country shifts its colours to deep green and russet orange. Errichel Farm is just outside Aberfeldy, where you can meet their rare-breed sheep, Shetland cattle, Highland ponies, chickens, geese and ducks on their Farm Tour & Feed Round on Fridays and Saturdays. After meeting the animals, it’s a must to stop off at the deli and farm shop in their rustic farmhouse kitchen to pick up meat reared on the farm alongside other local produce and treats. They're also a Thistle Award-winner, running Thyme Bistro in Aberfeldy, which aims to use produce dishes inspired by global locations, but with the fewest food miles possible.

Dumfries & Galloway is in the south of Scotland and well-known for the exceptional quality of its dairy farms, so it's a great spot for an autumn break. Ernespie Farm is a family-run farm in this restful part of the world where you can learn more about dairy production, browse the garden centre, or get active in their indoor and outdoor play areas. The Farmhouse Kitchen at Ernespie is a lovely place to rest and recharge with a cuppa, or fuel up for your activities with hearty breakfasts and lunches. They run fun family events throughout the year, including Open Farm days and the iconic pumpkin patch - an obligatory visit for the October holidays!