Farm Shop Cafes to Visit in Dorset

Dorset’s farm shop cafés combine fresh, local produce with inviting settings, perfect for families seeking a nature-inspired outing.

Below are ten of the best farm shop cafés in Dorset, selected for their quality food, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to nature reserves or scenic areas.

Find practical details to help you plan, focusing on locally sourced menus & kid-friendly features.

1. Pamphill Dairy Farm Shop & Parlour Café – Wimborne
• Why: Named among the UK’s best farm shops by The Times (2024), this family-run gem offers local cheeses, Allen Valley milk, and Pamphill Dairy ice cream. The Parlour Café serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea (£17/person) using on-site butcher’s meat.
• Family-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating, nearby Abbot Street Copse for bluebell walks, and a butcher shop for take-home treats. Flat paths suit pushchairs.
• Menu Highlights: Full English breakfast, homemade cakes, and Dorset Blue Vinney platters. Gluten-free and vegetarian options available.
• Nature Connection: Close to Upton Heath Nature Reserve (10 miles), ideal for post-lunch wildlife spotting.
• Access: Abbott Street, Pamphill, BH21 4ED. Open daily 9 AM–5 PM (café closes 4 PM). Free parking. Dogs on leads in shop; outdoor café seating pet-friendly.
• Tips: Book afternoon tea in advance. Try the duck eggs, praised on Tripadvisor (4.5/5, 809 reviews).
2. Duck’s Farm Shop & Café – Portesham
• Why: Located in West Dorset’s countryside, this shop stocks high-quality meats, eggs, and Dorset cheeses like Blue Vinney. The café uses shop ingredients for hearty dishes, open daily 8 AM–4 PM.
• Family-Friendly Features: Spacious outdoor seating, kid-friendly menu (e.g., smaller portions), and gluten-free/vegan options.
• Menu Highlights: Cooked breakfasts (8–11:30 AM), Ploughman’s lunch, and fresh scones. Dorset Tea and Full Circle Coffee available.
• Nature Connection: Near Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve (2 miles), perfect for coastal birdwatching after lunch.
• Access: Bramdon Lane, Portesham, DT3 4HG. Open daily 8 AM–5 PM (café 8 AM–4 PM). Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Try the café’s bacon, a Tripadvisor favourite. Buy recipe cards to recreate dishes at home.
3. The Udder Farm Shop & Restaurant – Gillingham
• Why: An award-winning family-run shop with a spacious restaurant, butchery, and deli, offering views of Dorset’s countryside. Known for legendary breakfasts and local afternoon teas.
• Family-Friendly Features: Children’s play area, outdoor seating to watch sheep and cows, and kid-friendly dishes (e.g., mini burgers).
• Menu Highlights: Full English breakfast, fish and chips (Friday/Saturday ‘Udder Nights’), and homemade cakes. Vegetarian options available.
• Nature Connection: Near Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve (20 miles), great for otter spotting.
• Access: Manor Farm, East Stour, SP8 5LQ. Open Mon–Sat 8 AM–6 PM, Sun 9 AM–4 PM (restaurant hours vary). Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Book restaurant tables for weekends. Online shop offers local delivery for souvenirs.
4. Gullivers Farm Shop & Kitchen – West Moors
• Why: An organic, biodynamic farm supporting adults with varying needs, offering a café with locally roasted coffee and seasonal meals. Stocks organic produce and zero-waste refills.
• Family-Friendly Features: Orchard play area, pushchair-friendly paths, and a welcoming community vibe. Inclusive for all abilities.
• Menu Highlights: Fresh milkshakes, organic veggie dishes, and homemade cakes. Vegan/gluten-free options.
• Nature Connection: Close to Studland and Godlingston Heath (15 miles), ideal for reptile spotting.
• Access: Station Road, West Moors, BH22 0JG. Open Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 10 AM–4 PM. Free parking. Dogs on leads outside.
• Tips: Won Best Independent Retailer 2019 (Dorset Food Awards). 
5. Washingpool Farm Shop & Farmer’s Kitchen Café – Bridport
• Why: A family-run shop in North Allington, offering local meats, ready meals, and baked treats. The café (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–4 PM) uses Dorset ingredients for fresh meals.
• Family-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating with countryside views, kid-friendly snacks, and a takeaway café (The Filling Station).
• Menu Highlights: Homemade soups, sausage rolls, and local ice cream. Vegetarian options available.
• Nature Connection: Near Tout Quarry Nature Reserve (12 miles), combining art and butterfly spotting.
• Access: North Allington, Bridport, DT6 5HP. Open Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 10 AM–4 PM. Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Try the café’s savoury pastries, a local favourite. Check for seasonal specials.
6. Felicity’s Farm Shop & Takeaway Kitchen – Morcombelake
• Why: A family-run shop since 2010, known for free-range pork from Bellair Haye Farm, local cheeses, and chutneys. The takeaway kitchen offers quick bites with coastal views.
• Family-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating, kid-friendly treats, and a relaxed setting near the Jurassic Coast.
• Menu Highlights: Pork sandwiches, homemade cakes, and Dorset Tea. Gluten-free options available.
• Nature Connection: Close to Durlston Country Park (20 miles), perfect for seabird watching.
• Access: A35, Morcombelake, DT6 6DJ. Open Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 10 AM–4 PM. Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Pair with a visit to nearby West Bay for a full day out. Buy their award-winning chutneys.
7. Gold Hill Organic Farm Shop & Café – Child Okeford
• Why: A Soil Association-certified organic shop since 1987, offering farm-grown vegetables, local meats, and cheeses. The café serves simple, wholesome dishes.
• Family-Friendly Features: Picnic areas, kid-friendly snacks, and a small shop for crafts. Flat terrain for easy access.
• Menu Highlights: Organic soups, fresh bread with local cheese, and homemade scones. Vegan options available.
• Nature Connection: Near Arne Nature Reserve (25 miles), great for birdwatching.
• Access: Gold Hill, Child Okeford, DT11 8HB. Open Wed–Sat 9 AM–4 PM. Free parking. Dogs on leads outside.
• Tips: Limited hours; plan for midweek or Saturday. Aunt Fanny’s Farmshop & Café – Wimborne
• Why: A quirky, retro café and shop near Wimborne town centre, stocking unique local produce like artisan breads and jams. The café offers a home-from-home feel.
• Family-Friendly Features: Indoor/outdoor seating, kid-friendly light bites, and a welcoming atmosphere. Pushchair-friendly.
• Menu Highlights: Dorset Tea cappuccinos, homemade quiches, and local ice cream. Vegetarian options.
• Nature Connection: Near Kingcombe National Nature Reserve (15 miles), ideal for wildflower walks.
• Access: Long Crichel, Wimborne, BH21 5JU. Open Mon–Sat 9 AM–4 PM, Sun 10 AM–3 PM. Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Try the homemade scones, a Tripadvisor hit. Small shop, so arrive early for seating.
8. Round Chimneys Farm Café & Shop – Glanvilles Wootton
• Why: A countryside café and shop offering local cheeses, Sherborne-roasted coffee, and farm produce. Known for simple, quality breakfasts and lunches.
• Family-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating with views, kid-friendly menu, and nearby lanes for short walks.
• Menu Highlights: Full English breakfast, seasonal soups, and fresh cakes. Gluten-free options available.
• Nature Connection: Near Lorton Meadows (18 miles), perfect for insect spotting.
• Access: Glanvilles Wootton, DT9 5QQ. Open Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–4 PM, Sun 9 AM–3 PM. Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Book for weekend brunch. Buy local bread to take home.
9. Modbury Farm Shop & Café – Bridport
• Why: A charming shop near Burton Bradstock, known for organic milk, fresh eggs, and sustainably farmed meats. The café offers freshly baked goods and local coffee.
• Family-Friendly Features: Outdoor seating, kid-friendly cakes, and a relaxed vibe. Flat paths for pushchairs.
• Menu Highlights: Sausage rolls, organic veggie salads, and homemade brownies. Vegan options available.
• Nature Connection: Near Tout Quarry (10 miles), great for butterfly watching.
• Access: Burton Bradstock, DT6 4NE. Open Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 10 AM–4 PM. Free parking. Dogs welcome outside.
• Tips: Try the local sausages, a customer favourite. Check for seasonal veg specials.

Planning Your Visit

• Budget Tips: Cafés are affordable (~£10-15/person for lunch). Shops offer local produce for picnics, saving dining costs. Book self-catering cottages (e.g., www.dorsethideaways.co.uk, ~£100/night) for family stays. Free parking at most sites.
• Accessibility: Pamphill, Duck’s, and Gullivers offer pushchair-friendly paths and accessible toilets. Modbury and Gold Hill have flat outdoor areas but limited indoor access. Call ahead for mobility needs (e.g., Gullivers: 01202 871171).
• Dogs are welcome at outdoor seating but restricted indoors.

Recommendations

• For Young Kids: Gullivers (play area) and The Udder (animal views) are engaging. Stick to flat, pushchair-friendly spots like Pamphill.
• For Older Kids: Felicity’s and Modbury offer coastal proximity for post-lunch walks. Duck’s recipe cards inspire teen cooks.
• For Foodies: Pamphill’s cheeses and Duck’s deli are Tripadvisor standouts. Gold Hill’s organic focus suits eco-conscious diners.
• For Nature Lovers: Pair Duck’s with Chesil Bank, Pamphill with Upton Heath, or Modbury with Tout Quarry for wildlife-rich days.