Farm Shops and Local Produce near Havant

Fresh food from Hampshire's farms and growers

Havant sits on the boundary between the urban south coast strip and the agricultural countryside of Hampshire and West Sussex. While the town itself is built up, the farmland of the Meon Valley, the South Downs and the coastal plain around Emsworth and Chichester is within a short drive, giving Havant residents access to a good range of local produce.

Farm shops in the villages to the north and west sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, free-range eggs, locally reared meat, Hampshire cheeses, honey, jams, preserves and baked goods. Some also stock local cider, apple juice and wines from the Hampshire and Sussex vineyards that have expanded steadily in recent years. The quality is generally high, and the produce is noticeably fresher than supermarket equivalents.

The Stansted Farm Shop, in the grounds of Stansted Park near Rowlands Castle, is one of the better-known options in the area. It sells a range of estate and local produce in an attractive setting, and a visit can be combined with a walk in the parkland. Other farm shops and farm gates are scattered through the villages along the downs and in the valleys to the north.

Farmers' markets are held periodically in Havant and nearby towns, bringing local producers together in one place. These markets are a good way to discover new suppliers and to buy directly from the people who grow, rear or make the food. Emsworth is particularly well known for its food culture, and the food festival held there each autumn draws visitors from across the region.

For everyday shopping, Havant's supermarkets provide convenience and competitive prices. But for quality meat from a local butcher, seasonal vegetables at their peak, artisan bread, local cheese and the kind of provenance that a supermarket cannot match, the farm shops and markets within reach of Havant are a genuine asset. Seasonal highlights include asparagus in spring, strawberries in summer, game in autumn and root vegetables through winter.