While supermarkets continue to be a dominant force, sometimes it is nice to shop somewhere a bit different.
Farm shops are a great way of doing so, with a more unique, rustic atmosphere and locally-sourced produce.
We have broken down five of the best farm shops to visit around the Bolton area for those looking for something different, according to Google Reviews.
Think we missed one? Let us know in the comments.
The Farm Shop at Ryders - 4.6 stars from 88 reviews
This Kearsley farm shop not only offers a range of homemade pies, soups, cakes and meals, but also an ice cream parlour and a master butchers.
Their butcher serves quality meats from as near to home as possible, including from farms in Bacup and Bamber Bridge in Lancashire, although they make their own sausages, burgers and cuts of beef, lamb and pork.
Paul Hanson gave it five stars on Google Reviews, saying: "You get what you pay for, fantastic quality meat far far superior to not only the supermarkets but a lot of other butchers and one of the best pies we have ever had. We will 100 per cent be visiting you again."
Scout Green gave the same rating, saying: "That bit extra in price is in the quality of the meat and knowing they source from local farms makes it worth it. The staff are friendly and helpful too."
Milk Maids - 4.8 stars from 897 reviews
One of Bolton's most beloved parlours, Milk Maids is famous across the town for its ice creams and milkshakes.
However, the Over Hulton store also contains a farm shop, offering milk, eggs, potatoes, preserves and more.
Asu gave it five stars, saying: "Such a pleasant experience, you can taste the freshness of the ice cream and every taste is so good and refreshing! We had the chance to see the animals of the attached farm too that made the whole moment more enjoyable."
Lisa Briscoe gave the same rating, saying: "The coffee was just how I like it and how coffee should be, really hot. They actually care what they are serving.
Beautiful milk. Delicious ice cream."
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Plane Trees Farm Shop - 5 stars from 7 reviews
This farm based in Ainsworth offers fresh animal produce, from meats to milk, cheese, wool and even soap made from goats milk.
It prides itself on rearing its animals naturally and farming on a small scale, not using chemical pesticides or fertiliser.
Roz Kaufman said: "The produce from Plane Trees is absolutely amazing. It is the best in Bury and I would suggest for miles around. The animals are really taken care of and respected and that shows in how it tastes.
"Eating the bacon, sausages and everything you buy is like turning the clock back 50 years to how meat used to taste."
Ruth Alison Davies said: "Love this place! They really care about their animals and their produce. It's such a new business that they are still experimenting which is exciting."
Cherry Tree Flower Farm - 4.5 stars from 2 reviews
Something a bit different, this grower of cut flowers and willows offers a range of botanical products.
It sells items from bouquets and dried grasses to homemade bird feeders and sunflower seeds.
Kath Dawson gave it five stars, saying: "This place is lovely, with locally grown flowers."
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