Brooklyn Farm Shop

Brooklyn Farm Shop brings together a traditional working farm, a relaxed campsite and a well‑stocked fishery in one rural setting, appealing to visitors who want fresh produce, open space and time by the water. The site operates as Brooklyn Milk Barn, Farm Shop, Campsite & Fishery, so people can pick up local food, stay overnight and enjoy access to the lakes without needing to travel between different venues.

The farm shop focuses on locally sourced produce, with shelves and chillers regularly stocked with fresh meat, seasonal vegetables and preserves, which many visitors describe as high quality and full of flavour. Alongside the core groceries there are treats such as crisps, sauces, baked goods and a small selection of magazines, allowing campers and day visitors to top up on both essentials and snacks during their stay.

Fresh milk is a particular highlight, served through a vending machine that also dispenses flavoured milkshakes in popular varieties such as strawberry, chocolate, banana, chocolate orange and raspberry, giving families and younger visitors something fun and different to look forward to. Customers often single out the taste of the milk and the novelty of drawing their own drinks as part of the appeal, and this emphasis on dairy links closely with the farm’s own herds in the surrounding fields.

The shop’s counters frequently feature locally reared beef, lamb and other meats, along with free‑range eggs and what some customers describe as “earth‑smelling” vegetables, suggesting very short journeys from field to shelf. This approach suits people who prefer to know where their food comes from and who enjoy putting together meals from ingredients that reflect the local area, although the range can vary depending on the time of year and recent demand.

Staff interaction is one of the strongest aspects of Brooklyn Farm Shop, with many visitors commenting on warm welcomes, helpful explanations and a relaxed, informal manner from the team working both in the farm shop and around the campsite. Several reviewers mention being shown around on arrival, given tips on local walking routes and allowed to use facilities such as toilets even when they were only stopping briefly to buy a few items, which adds to the sense of hospitality.

As a campsite, Brooklyn Farm Shop appeals to people who want straightforward pitches on a genuine working farm rather than a heavily commercial holiday park, with views regularly described as stunning from the fields overlooking the surrounding moorland. Guests talk about waking up to see livestock in nearby paddocks, watching the light change over the hills and enjoying a feeling of space that comes from being away from built‑up areas and main roads.

The facilities on the camping side are generally regarded as basic but improving, with a toilet and shower block that has been undergoing renovation, giving the impression that the owners are investing gradually as funds and time allow. Some visitors mention that while the core essentials are in place and looked promising from the outside, the overall feel remains more simple than some larger sites, so people expecting hotel‑style washrooms may find it more rustic than they would like.

Families and animal lovers tend to appreciate being on a working farm, with chances to see cows, donkeys and friendly sheepdogs, and occasional opportunities for supervised petting, which can be particularly memorable for children. This close contact with farm life does mean there can be the usual countryside sounds, smells and occasional mud underfoot, which most guests accept as part of the experience but may not suit those seeking a polished, purely landscaped environment.

The presence of an on‑site fishery is another key attraction, especially for visitors who value easy access to water without long walks from their tent or vehicle. The lakes offer plenty of room, and regular social posts highlight “loads of space for fishing and camping”, giving anglers the chance to settle into their own area along the bank rather than feeling tightly packed in among other people.

Reviews from anglers describe the water as well stocked, with a variety of species providing interest for different skill levels, although catch rates can of course vary with weather and technique like any other fishery. Access to toilets and showers within reasonable distance of the pegs is often mentioned as a positive, particularly for those making a weekend of it and combining fishing with overnight stays on the campsite.

For some visitors, the fishery’s relaxed atmosphere is a major plus, with a sense that they are not rushed, micro‑managed or subject to excessive rules, which suits casual anglers and families trying out the sport for the first time. More experienced or competition‑focused anglers might find fewer formal facilities or stocked‑fish guarantees than at dedicated commercial venues, so expectations should be set around a laid‑back farm‑style set‑up rather than a highly structured complex.

The combination of camping and fishing makes Brooklyn Farm Shop an option for short breaks where time by the water is the main focus, and some reviewers highlight the ease of waking up, grabbing breakfast from the farm shop and then heading straight down to the lakes. Having provisions on site reduces the need to drive elsewhere for food, which many people find convenient when they want to maximise time on the bank or simply stay within the peaceful surroundings of the farm.

Brooklyn Farm Shop’s location also gives access to well‑known walking and climbing spots, such as the Roaches and Lud’s Church, as well as other attractions within driving distance, and one guest specifically mentions combining a stay with visits to a major theme park. This makes the site useful as a base for mixed‑interest groups, where some people prioritise hiking, others want to spend time at family attractions and others prefer a quiet day by the lake.

Several visitors comment on the flexibility of the pitches, with space for tents, caravans and campervans, and the option to choose positions that suit either proximity to facilities or a more secluded feel. However, the very open nature of the fields means that in poor weather the ground can become soft, and those travelling with larger vehicles may need to be prepared for typical countryside conditions rather than fully surfaced access roads.

Social media activity from the business shows regular seasonal events and promotions, including pumpkin carving around autumn, Christmas orders for turkeys and vegetable boxes, and posts about current milkshake flavours or special offers. This ongoing communication helps customers keep track of what is available and adds to the sense that the farm shop is actively run rather than being a static, unchanging outlet.

On the more critical side, not every visitor finds exactly what they are looking for on every visit, and one recent shopper notes that there were no meat pies or sausage rolls available on the day they called in, meaning they had to opt for snacks instead. Given the farm’s scale and focus on fresh produce, stock levels can vary, so those wanting specific items may wish to have backup options in mind or contact the business ahead of time to check availability.

Another area where opinions differ is around how “basic” the camping and wash facilities feel, with some guests charmed by the simplicity and others feeling that more amenities or a slightly higher level of finish would improve comfort. Prospective visitors who particularly value long, hot showers, indoor social spaces or entertainment programmes may therefore want to consider whether the farm’s straightforward offering matches their expectations before booking.

The business receives a strong proportion of positive feedback across different platforms, with many reviewers saying they would happily return, praising both the setting and the people running it. At the same time, there are occasional critical comments and not‑recommended ratings that mention individual issues, underlining that experiences can vary depending on factors such as weather, time of year, personal priorities and how busy the site is at the time of a visit.

For those primarily interested in the retail side, Brooklyn Farm Shop provides a route to support local producers through buying meat, vegetables, eggs and dairy directly associated with a working farm, which some customers see as an alternative to larger supermarkets. The added extras such as flavoured milkshakes, seasonal displays and friendly conversation contribute to a more personal shopping trip, though the trade‑off is that the product range is naturally more focused and variable than in a large chain store.

From the perspective of camping visitors, the farm offers open views, genuine agricultural surroundings and access to walking and tourist spots, balanced against simpler facilities and the practical realities of staying on farmland. Meanwhile, anglers view the on‑site lakes and the mix of camping and fishing as a key reason to choose Brooklyn Farm Shop, appreciating the relaxed environment, room around the banks and supporting facilities even while recognising that it is not a specialist, competition‑oriented venue.

Overall, Brooklyn Farm Shop presents itself as a friendly, down‑to‑earth place where a farm shop, campsite and fishery operate side by side, providing a mix of fresh food, outdoor stays and time by the water for a range of visitors. Potential customers weighing up a visit may find it suits them best if they value local produce, open countryside and a relaxed approach, and are comfortable with a more modest level of infrastructure than that offered by larger commercial holiday parks.