Rand Farm park is a fully functional farm, which has attracted families to see, and interact with all sorts of animals since 1996. As well as all the other plethora of things to do while you're there, you can now also visit their newly opened farm shop.

It has a varied range of produce, including a butchery counter, fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables and jams, chutneys and sauces. It's a pleasant shop, with lots of nice products, but for me, it was bland. There were no outstanding products which would make me go back specifically, however, I'd be more than happy to pop in and have another look any time I'm passing in their direction.

In fairness, I didn't try the produce in the cafe, and neither was there a menu to be able to judge the range of food on offer or the prices... however, this was mainly because after looking around the farm shop, I was inclined not to bother with the cafe. As it presents itself as an organic farm shop, I expected the prices to be a little higher, but I found the range of produce on offer was almost identical to other farm shops in the area, and even produce purposely marked up as "non-organic" was extortionately priced, meaning that I didn’t purchase anything while I was there. I felt the store was badly laid out - all crushed together, and I felt as though the staff were glaring at me all the way round. I didn’t find any unique selling points of this shop, and would not recommend anyone to visit it. It was not what I expected of a farm shop, having been to several others in the area, and I found the overall experience very disappointing.

Located close to the A15, this farm has some gorgeous views over the Lincolnshire countryside, and the farm feels so homely and welcoming. The farmshop is clearly laid out, and although compact in places, it doesn't feel crowded. There are all the usual products, and all reasonably priced, as well as a decent range of non-food products. We had intended to have a cuppa while we were there, but the cafe was packed... which to me is a positive thing as it suggests it's all good stuff. The smell of the home-made gingerbread caught me while we were there, and it is an absolute taste sensation... I can't wait to try more of their products. Fantastic!!

Located in the shadow of the beautiful Doddington Hall, is one of Lincolnshires newer Farm Shops. It is keen to support local businesses such as the Trueloaf Bakery, Fenella's Garden of Gainsborough, and FC Phipps butchers from Mareham-le-Fen and also grows produce in the walled garden which has recently been restored. The aim is to be as environmentally friendly as possible, as reducing food miles is a key part of this. The shop itself is compact, but filled to bursting point with all manners of delicious lovelyness, and also sells a few gift items. Overall, well worth a visit.

A homely little tea room, where you can also buy organic flour and products made with organic flour, certified to the Soil Association standard. The twist... the 10 different types of organic stoneground flour are ground at the onsite windmill. The products are delicious, and if you're not sure what to buy, why not have a little taster at the tearoom. A little gem, well worth a visit.

The Ice Cream Parlour is owned and run by Claire Dennett whose family have been making quality ice cream in Lincolnshire for more than three quarters of a century.
The outside of the Parlour gives no indication of the wonderful vaulted room downstairs which was originally the cellar of a 14th century inn. The ribbed arches and an exposed stone wall make this a unique setting in which to enjoy the superb ice creams, yogurts and sorbets on offer. They are all made with fresh milk or cream, completely natural with no artificial colours, and if ice cream isn't your thing, there are a range of other goodies to choose from. If you don't fancy hanging around, you can buy ice cream to munch on the hoof - heartily recommended for a hot summers day. The ice cream here really is a taste sensation, and being locally produced, it can't get much better.