Best Isle of Wight farm shops for local produce

One of my absolute favourite things to do on the Isle of Wight is to spend a leisurely day hunting down some of the incredible local produce the island is famous for.

Whether you want a bustling high street shop, a charming village store, or a farm tucked away in the countryside, you’re truly spoilt for choice on the island.

Sounds tempting? Then read on to discover some of my favourite places to shop. You can treat the categories a bit loosely, as there is some crossover with certain shops selling a wide range of products.

I also recommend reading this alongside my lists of favourite local producers and top island tipples too.

One of my favourite island shops is the magical Rosalie’s of Cowes. It’s always a colourful showcase of seasonal produce, from local cherries and apricots to asparagus, new potatoes and cauliflower. There’s also a wide selection of local sauces, dressings, jams, biscuits and specialities from France. Be warned, though, it’s the sort of place you “pop in for one thing” and leave with a bag full of others!

Blink or you’ll miss it, Five A Day is a cute little shop on Ventnor’s High Street, specialising in locally-produced fruit and veg. You’ll find it all here in season, including island tomatoes, cherries and apricots as well as asparagus, sweetcorn and chillis.

Farmhouse Fayre in Newport is a traditional greengrocer, and one of the best-stocked on the island. Alongside a bounty of fruit and veg from the island and beyond, there are plenty of other local grocery and dairy items too, and baked goods from the island’s Grace’s Bakery.

Did you know that the island climate is perfect for growing chilli peppers? House of Chilli is a fun little shop in the quirky Holliers Park selling produce from their farm in Branstone along with other producers. Expect sauces, chutneys, jams, chocolate and a selection of gifts. Why not make your way through all the 20-or-so tasters, which range from mild to excruciating?

My first port of call for seafood is Captain Stan’s in Bembridge – something of an island institution. Their focus is on catches from local waters, but you’ll find everything from salmon and sea bass to lobster, crab, and even jellied eels here. Their fish boxes are brilliant, and the staff are happy to give advice and prepare your fish how you want it.

The little Nunwell Farm Shop near Brading is another must-visit for me. They sell their own pasture-raised beef, pork, and eggs as well as local lamb and other products from other island producers – including the excellent White Knuckle Brewery and Wight Whisky who are also based on the farm.

Just outside Ryde, Island Foods is a butcher that proudly traces its meat from farm to fork. Much of it is sourced directly from island farmers, including grass-fed beef and lamb. They make their own sausages and usually have a tempting range of prepared and marinated meats, sauces, and frozen goodies too.

Over in Cowes, The Butchers Shop is a friendly, family-owned store on the High Street known for its high-quality meat and commitment to local sourcing. Look out for island beef and lamb (including a great selection of steaks) and the homemade burgers and sausages (try the maple & chilli or minty lamb).

Harvey Browns is the island’s biggest farm-style store and a real one-stop shop for local goodies. There’s an impressive display of fruit and veg, shelves brimming with cheese, jams, sauces and condiments, local bakery products and a range of frozen meals. There’s also an excellent deli counter and a spacious café. Just bring a big bag – you’ll need it.

When God gave us garlic, I doubt he anticipated the range of creations that The Garlic Farm near Newchurch would some up with. There’s a range of bulbs for eating or growing at home, and a huge selection of chutneys, relishes and condiments (I love to give their onion relishes and garlic mayonnaise as gifts). There’s even garlic beer, and the farm is now home to Wild Island who make amazing oils, vinegars, and dressings guaranteed to make any salad or bread interesting (my favourite is the Spiced Fig).

Radcliffe’s Farm Shop has to be the quirkiest greengrocer I’ve ever come across. Housed inside an old tin tabernacle in Blackwater, this rustic little spot sells fruit, veg, and eggs at reasonable prices. Oh, and the potatoes need a specific mention – there are lots of potatoes.

If you’ve ever spotted the cows grazing near the Needles and wondered who they belong to, chances are it’s Warren Farm. Stop by their adorable self-service shop, for the farm’s own beef (and beef-based ready meals), homemade preserves, and island milk, cheese, and eggs. You can even help yourself to a coffee or make your own milkshake using fresh local milk!

Did you know that charming Quarr Abbey near Fishbourne has its own farm shop full of items lovingly grown and made by the monks? Expect allotment-fresh fruit and veg, homemade jams and chutneys, and their own ale and gin. The gin and tonic marmalade and ale chutney are both worth looking out for, and there’s a great tearoom too.

For a full-on countryside vibe, head up the gravel lane to Wild Oak Farm Shop, not far from Wootton. The farm has sheep, goats, pigs and hens, and sells its pasture-raised meat, homemade sausages and free-range eggs. There’s a small café area too, where you can sip on a cup of coffee and just enjoy being out in the sticks.

The Farm Shop in Bembridge is a real Aladdin’s cave, its shelves stuffed with seasonal fruit and veg (including plenty from the island) and high-quality cupboard staples from pasta and crackers to condiments and whole foods. There’s a cracking café upstairs too, serving lunch and homemade cakes and pastries.

One of my favourite shops in Shanklin’s Old Village, Cavanagh & Baker is a mini emporium of island produce. You’ll find booze (including local beer, wine, cider, spirts and mead), cheese, garlic, preserves and even craft and gift items too. You’re unlikely to leave empty-handed.

Finally, the quirky Godshill Cider Barn in the heart of Godshill village is a perfect stop for anyone who enjoys a tipple. As well as its own-branded local cider on tap, you’ll find a superb range of locally-produced wine, spirits and beer. But there’s much more than just booze here – you’ll find a wide range of island preserves, chutneys, condiments and sweet treats too.

Island goat meat is one of the more unusual items you’ll find at It’s About Thyme in Shanklin. This deli is a fabulous combo of many things – butcher, greengrocer, cheesemonger and bakery. Or simply stop for a while and enjoy an Italian coffee from IOW Espresso Company with creamy Briddlesford Guernsey milk and a slice of cake, baked onsite or nearby.

In the centre of Ryde, Pickle & Dill is a very welcoming vintage-style deli. The shelves are lined with locally made jams, chutneys, fruit and veg, cheeses, and boozy treats such as gin. It’s a fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch – and it’s home to regular evening events too, from quiz nights to live music and cheese and wine evenings.

When it comes to stocking up on sweets, The Rock Shop is my top choice – the island’s oldest sweet shop, with outlets in Shanklin and Sandown. It’s a bright, cheerful space and always a pleasure to browse. Colourful sticks of rock cost from 50p, while there’s a wonderful selection of island-made fudge, biscuits, preserves – and good old-fashioned sweets of course!

Last but not least, I can’t decide whether I love the chocolate or the architecture most at Chocolate Apothecary, a chocolate-and-coffee shop on Ryde seafront. Set in a beautifully restored former pharmacy, I nearly always stop here for a hot chocolate when I’m in town. The other great reason to visit is to buy the handmade chocolates (you can even create your own selection box if you like!)