The Barn-Yard Farm Shops proudly proclaims itself to be "a collection of farm shops with day time restaurant, pick your own , tranquil woodland trails and an exciting summer maze, all nestling in the Kent countryside"

The Farm Shop provides the usual range of local and more exotic produce, usually fresh, some grown on the farm itself. The Dairy, as you would expect sells fresh dairy produce, much of it local in origin and The Pantry stocks a wide selection of juices, preserves, condiments and those other small food items that I am particularly fond of. The Barn also incorporates a Gift Shop, Dried Flower Shop and a Coffee Shop.

The concept of the Barn is excellent, you can get most of your food shopping under one roof as well as gifts and even stop for some refreshments. However the project doesn't stop there, on the same site you can pick your own produce all the year round; everything from Daffodils to Sweetcorn, visit the wildfowl or wander through the wildflower meadow or perhaps attend one of the events held throughout the year.

Even if you don't live in the area The Barn is well worth a visit, you may even leave as I did with a feeling that "one day all farm shops will be like this" 

Gore Farm is open 10-5 seven days a week in the summer but is closed on Mondays between September and May.

Gore Farm Country Foods & Gifts can be found at:

• The Barn Yard, Oak Lane, Upchurch, Sittingbourne, Kent.

• 01634 235059

• www.the-barnyard.co.uk

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