Besshill Farm Shop
Traditional butchery, low food miles, and a shop full of Devon producers
Besshill Farm Shop in Arlington, near Lynton, is a proper North Devon farm shop with one clear strength: top-quality beef and lamb straight from the farm. It sits on the edge of Exmoor and is a useful stop for locals and visitors who want to stock up with food that’s genuinely local.
Farm-reared beef and lamb, butchered on site
This is the point of difference. The beef and lamb is bred, born, reared, finished and butchered at Besshill Farm. Traditional butchery methods, minimal food miles wherever possible, and quality that’s consistent because it’s controlled end-to-end.
Farm-reared beef and lamb, bred and butchered at Besshill
Traditional butchery on site
Local pork and free-range poultry available
A shop full of Devon producers: dairy, breads, fruit and veg, alcohol and more
Useful for cottage stays: roasts, BBQs, and “fill the fridge” supplies
Low food miles wherever possible
A shop full of Devon producers
Beyond the meat, Besshill brings together a broad mix of Devon growers and producers. Expect a practical range that can include dairy, breads, fruit and vegetables, alcohol and other essentials — ideal for filling the fridge for a cottage stay or topping up supplies mid-week.
Low food miles, wherever possible
The philosophy is simple: supply locals and visitors with high-quality locally produced food, keeping food miles as low as possible wherever they can. The farm-reared beef and lamb is the clearest expression of that promise.
A bit of Besshill history
The shop was started around 23 years ago after foot and mouth, then leased out when running both the farm and shop became too much. Steven Lloyd took over in July 2024, and trade has increased significantly since, with 2025 being the highest number of cattle Besshill has ever processed.
Besshill’s farming standards have been recognised within the Limousin world, including an award for best national Limousin herd.
What is Limousin?
Limousin is a breed of beef cattle, originally from the Limousin region of central France. In the UK it’s a popular beef breed because it’s known for it’s strong, lean and well-shaped cuts. When you see “Limousin herd” mentioned at Besshill, it simply refers to the breed of cattle they rear for beef.
Why not pair Besshill Farm Shop with a short walk at Wistlandpound Reservoir?
If you’re making the journey to Besshill Farm Shop, it’s worth turning it into a simple half-day out. Wistlandpound Reservoir is nearby and gives you an easy loop through woodland and around the water — a good leg-stretcher before you stock up.
There are flatter, more accessible options around the reservoir, plus slightly rougher sections that can be muddier after rain, so footwear is worth thinking about.
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