(Image: TRIPADVISOR)
A farm shop just off the A66 has become a popular stopping point for drivers travelling through County Durham and across the Pennines.
Cross Lanes Organic Farm, near Barnard Castle, combines a farm shop, butcher’s counter, deli and café and currently holds a 4.5-star rating online from more than 1,300 reviews.
The business sits close to the A66 and has attracted motorists looking for somewhere to stop for coffee, food or local produce while travelling between the North East, Cumbria and Scotland.
One recent reviewer said they had discovered Cross Lanes by accident while out on a motorcycle ride.
They wrote: "Lovely site with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Large car park. Food was very nice, and staff were very pleasant."
Cross Lanes Organic Farm, near Barnard Castle
(Image: TRIPADVISOR)
Another regular visitor described it as "a good stop on the road across," praising its coffee, farm shop, and dog-friendly approach.
The café serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.
Visitors have also praised its cakes, coffee, sandwiches, and breakfasts.
One recent customer simply wrote: "Lovely cake and coffee.
"Great service - very friendly."
Another said a "simple bacon sandwich tasted wonderful."
The farm shop itself sells local produce alongside a butcher’s counter and deli, with visitors regularly mentioning meat, bread, and locally made products in reviews.
One customer who bought a chicken from the butcher described it as "absolutely fabulous," adding that it was "really moist and tasty."
The location has proved particularly useful for people making longer journeys.
One Google reviewer said they had planned to stop at Cross Lanes for lunch while travelling to Scotland but arrived just five minutes before closing because of heavy congestion on the A1(M).
They said a member of staff was helpful and assisted them in choosing locally made products before they continued their journey.
Another Tripadvisor reviewer said they had passed the farm shop countless times over the years while travelling between Lancashire and County Durham before finally deciding to stop.
They explained that they had previously used other familiar stopping places but wanted to try somewhere different.
After visiting Cross Lanes, they said they were "generally happy" with the selection of sandwiches, desserts, and hot drinks and found prices reasonable.
They added: "It's a lovely building inside and we will be back again."
Another visitor, who stopped while travelling along the A66, called the farm shop a "peaceful oasis."
They wrote: "There was a large parking area and a good choice of indoor and outdoor seating.
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"The service was very friendly.
"The scones in particular were excellent."
The reviewer added that they hoped to stop there "every time we travel the A66."
Cross Lanes also offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it a convenient place to break up a longer journey.
One visitor described it as a "great little place to stop and have some food and drink," praising its farm shop and attractive interior.