Enjoy your fruit as fresh as it gets with a trip to one of the many pick your own farms in Ireland and the UK – a great idea for a family day out, with the added bonus of delicious treats to enjoy afterwards!
There’s so much to be gained from picking fresh fruit and vegetables, and many of us have happy childhood memories of doing just that at a local pick your own farm. It’s a wonderful way for children to get some fresh air while learning and having fun, with a tasty treat waiting at the end (or along the way, in many cases).
Children quickly get the hang of picking the biggest, ripest fruit and dropping it into the basket. The fun doesn’t stop there either, because kids love helping to prepare the fruit and get involved with cooking once you’re home. They’ll probably be nagging you for a return visit before you’ve even left the car park!
And it’s not just strawberries up for grabs – everything from courgettes to cherries, and wildflowers to herbs, can be found at pick your own farms across Ireland and the UK. Here are some of our favourites, organised by region so you can find one near you.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK for Families
Pick Your Own Farms in Ireland
Lamberts Fruit Farm, Dublin
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Lamberts-Fruit-Farm.jpg
Every year, families flock to Lamberts Fruit Farm, as it’s one of the few remaining pick your own farms in Ireland. It’s only open on certain days between late June and early August, so it’s worth checking their Facebook page before you travel to be sure of availability.
When open, you’ll find strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries ready for picking.
The Apple Farm, Tipperary
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Apple-Farm.jpg
Apples have grown in this part of Tipperary for hundreds of years, and since 1968 more and more orchards have been planted here. As well as apples, the farm grows pears, plums, cherries, raspberries and strawberries – though only strawberries are usually available for picking, and only on occasional dates, so it’s best to check before you go.
There’s a farm shop open year-round, plus a Camping and Caravan Park on site if you fancy making a longer stay of it.
The Village at Wheelocks, Wexford
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Wheelocks.jpg
Wheelocks have been growing fruit near Enniscorthy since the 1950s – strawberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, raspberries, rhubarb and even pumpkins. Wexford strawberries are practically a brand in themselves, famous around Ireland for their sweetness, and now you can watch them grow at Wheelocks Fruit Farm and pick your own.
Corderry Fruit Farm, Dundalk
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/girl-picking-strawberries-pick-your-own-fruit-farms.jpg
This family-run farm in Dundalk, Co Louth, produces strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, apples, pumpkins and other seasonal produce. As well as supplying some well-known supermarkets, Corderry offers a pick your own service during the summer months, and again in autumn.
The Berry Farm, Wexford
Based in Clonroche, Co Wexford, The Berry Farm is open to the public for strawberry picking from May to September.
Pick Your Own Farms in England
Copas Farm, Cookham, Berkshire
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Copas-farm-1.jpg
Head to Copas Farm and enjoy the fresh air as you wander around acres of produce, picking your own seasonal fruit and veg – think asparagus, strawberries, cherries, gooseberries, runner beans, French beans and peas.
There’s an entry charge to pick, which is then offset against what you pick and take home; on selected Fruit Festival Sundays during peak season you can also eat fruit in the fields as you go. Since charges can change, it’s worth checking the farm’s website before you visit for current pricing.
Open from May to September, there’s also an on-site shop stocking picked produce as well as jams, eggs, sausages and bacon.
Graveley Fruit Farm, Stevenage
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Graveley-Fruit-Farm.jpg
Get lost in the Hertfordshire fields of Graveley Fruit Farm and enjoy strawberry picking in summer, or hunt for the perfect pumpkin in October. The farm has been in the same family for four generations, and has grown to include a children’s play area with a zip wire and haystacks, tractor and trailer rides, and a café.
Expect ripe strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants and redcurrants, grown on a table-top system at waist height for easy picking, and in polytunnels so picking can go ahead whatever the weather. You can pick your own or buy fruit ready-picked in the café.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Where to Take the Kids on a Gruffalo Trail
Garsons of Esher, Esher, Surrey
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Garsons-Esther.jpg
Set in the beautiful Surrey countryside, Garsons is home to one of the UK’s largest pick your own farms, alongside a garden centre and farm shop. Its story stretches back generations, to when the farm grew produce to sell at London’s Borough Market.
Open from June to October, the offering is impressive, with a wide range of crops and varieties available. You’ll find all the favourites – strawberries and raspberries – plus fresh vegetables like runner beans, onions and peas, and even seasonal sunflowers. A handy map on site tells you what’s ready for picking, and there’s plenty of parking too.
Hillfield Nursery and Farm Shop, Norwich
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hillfield-Nursery-and-Farm-Shop.jpg
You’d be hard-pressed to find a pick your own farm with a bigger range of apples than Hillfield Nursery and Farm Shop, known for one of the largest fruit ranges in East Anglia.
Whether you prefer wandering the orchards or hunting for strawberries among the soft fruit crops, there’s plenty to enjoy. Their season runs from May to October, with pears, rhubarb and quinces among the crops on offer alongside the usual favourites. Hillfield also has a farm shop and hosts seasonal events such as a blossom walk through the orchards.
Stanhill Farm, Wilmington
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Maize-Stanhill-Farm.jpg
Family-run Stanhill Farm has a huge selection of pick your own fruit across its 150-acre site, including strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries and blackcurrants from June to October.
Parking is free and there’s no charge to pick – you simply pay for what you take home. There’s also a maize maze open from July to September, with a different theme each year.
There’s no café on site, but they do sell ice creams, drinks and refreshments from the Pick Your Own hut, so bring a picnic and make a day of it.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Have a Real Adventure! Some of the Best Mazes in the UK
Parkside Farm, Enfield
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Parkside-Farm.jpg
Located in Enfield, North London, Parkside Farm offers little ones the chance to pick their own fruit and veg between June and October. Choose from strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and plenty of vegetables besides.
Stroll around with a basket and pick your favourites – you only pay for what you collect. Many crops are grown “table-top” style, so there’s no bending needed to reach the best of the fresh fruit. There’s a dedicated picnic space too, plus a shop selling ice creams, meringues and Parkside honey.
The Hop Shop, Castle Farm, Kent
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Hop-Shop.jpg
The pick your own patch at The Hop Shop is a stunner, set on a lavender farm in the Kent countryside. During autumn, even once the lavender season has passed, you can visit the PYO orchard for pears, corn on the cob, Kent cob hazelnuts and a variety of apples.
The orchard is planted mainly with Norfolk Royal apple trees, with a scattering of Cox and Golden Delicious for cross-pollination. It’s worth checking ahead on payment options and opening details before you travel, as this is a popular spot and picking typically wraps up around mid-October.
The farm shop is well stocked and worth a visit in its own right, and there’s an old quince tree at the front that’s usually laden with fruit.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Take a Trip to the Seaside! Some of the Best Beaches in the UK
Trevaskis Farm, Cornwall
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Trevaskis-Farm.jpg
Enjoy the full countryside experience at Trevaskis Farm in the Cornish outdoors. There’s plenty to keep everyone busy, with fruit picking, a shop, a farm park and a café with a good kids’ menu.
As well as pick your own cherries, you’ll find pumpkins, peas, sweetcorn and raspberries, among others. Informative signposts around the farm are a nice touch for teaching little ones about the crops. Entrance is free, so you only pay for what ends up in your basket, and all-weather polytunnels mean picking can go ahead whatever the forecast.
The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Café, York
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Balloon-Tree.jpg
With pick your own fruit, a children’s play area, an animal corner and a café known for its cakes, The Balloon Tree in Yorkshire makes for a great day out.
Follow the well-organised PYO trail and pick whatever’s in season, from the first strawberries in May to the last pumpkins in October, along with blueberries, plums and runner beans. The play area sits right next to the café garden, so you can keep an eye on the kids while you enjoy a cup of tea.
There’s a kid-sized digger and tractor, a two-storey Wendy house and a climbing frame to keep little ones busy, plus an Animal Corner where you can meet the farm’s resident pygmy goats and pick up a bag of feed from the farm shop to treat them.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Fun and Exciting Things to Do in York with Kids
Don’t Miss…
From the infamous to the insane, and quirky to cool, fun is guaranteed with these unusual places to visit in the UK – perfect for a memorable family day out!
Pick Your Own Farms in Scotland
Cairnie Fruit Farm, Fife
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Cairnie-Fruit-Farm.jpg
Cairnie Fruit Farm offers pick your own cherries, plus strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, pumpkins and even sunflowers, with table-top strawberries for easy picking. There’s also a café, funyard and maze on site.
If you visit while the summer maize maze is open, it’s well worth a go. Even when it isn’t, you’ll have full access to the Funyard, a lively playground with trampolines, swings, slides, a fortress and tractors. There’s an entry fee to pay, but it makes for a full family day out.
Charleton Fruit Farm, Montrose
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Charleton-Fruit-Farm.jpg
Charleton Fruit Farm is a family-run business where you can pick your own fruit, grab a bite in the café (converted from an old barn and stables), browse the gift shop, and let the kids loose in the play zones – one gated area for under-12s, and another for older kids (and adults!).
There’s plenty of seating, including spots overlooking the play areas, and even on a busy summer weekend the farm tends to be well managed with good parking. Throughout the year there are seasonal events too, from Easter egg hunts to choosing a home-grown Christmas tree in December. Pick your own typically starts in spring, with a good range of berries available depending on the season.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Fabulous Places to Take Kids in the UK This Summer
East Yonderton Farm, Renfrew
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/East-Yonderton.jpg
East Yonderton is a family-run Renfrewshire soft fruit farm near Inchinnan, just beside Glasgow Airport. During the fruit season the farm is open daily for picking your own, and fruit can also be ordered ready-picked for weekday collection. The farm also grows vegetables and potatoes, available for most of the year.
Border Berries, Kelso, Roxburghshire
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Border-Berries.jpg
Strawberries, gooseberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, tayberries and peas are all available for picking at this family-run soft fruit farm, priced per kilo picked. Picking depends on the weather and fruit availability on any given day, so it’s worth checking their Facebook page and website before you travel.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Some of the Best UK Holiday Destinations for Families
Pick Your Own Farms in Wales
Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, Hawarden, Flintshire
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hawarden-Estate.jpg
Between June and October, families are invited to pick their own gooseberries, raspberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants. Later in the season there are apples, pears and plums, both for eating and cooking, plus Hawarden Estate pumpkins.
When you arrive, pick up a biodegradable punnet at the Farm Shop, then bring it back to be weighed.
Aberbran Fawr Farm, Brecon, Powys
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Aberbran-Fawr-Farm.jpg
Aberbran Fawr is a campsite in the Brecon Beacons National Park that also grows pick your own soft fruit, available (subject to availability) from mid-June to early August. As well as strawberries, you can pick up broad beans, peas, potatoes, raspberries and blackcurrants.
Hooton’s Homegrown, Brynsiencyn, Anglesey
https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Hootons-Homegrown.jpg
Hooton’s Homegrown offers a variety of seasonal fruit on a pay-as-you-pick basis. Strawberries are the main attraction, alongside blackcurrants, rhubarb, peas and broad beans. It’s best to check their social media for current opening times and picking availability before you set off.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year to visit a pick your own farm?
Most farms in Ireland and the UK have a picking season running roughly from late spring through to autumn, though exact dates depend on the weather and the crop. Strawberries tend to be ready first, from May or June, with pumpkins and apples often the last crops of the season in September and October. It’s always worth checking a farm’s website or social media before you travel to see what’s currently ready for picking.
Do I need to book ahead to visit a pick your own farm?
Some smaller farms only open on certain days, especially in Ireland where pick your own sites are fewer, so checking their Facebook page or website in advance is a good habit. Larger farms with wider facilities are often open daily throughout the season, but it’s still worth confirming opening days and picking availability before setting off, particularly after periods of unusual weather.
How much does it cost to pick your own fruit?
Pricing varies from farm to farm, and many charge simply for what you pick and take home, sometimes with a small entry fee that’s offset against your basket. Because prices can change from year to year, it’s best to check current pricing directly on each farm’s website before you visit.
What should we bring on a pick your own day out?
Comfortable clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little muddy are a good start, along with sun protection or waterproofs depending on the season. Many farms provide baskets or punnets, but it’s worth checking in advance. A picnic is a lovely addition if the farm doesn’t have a café, and a few reusable bags or containers are handy for carrying your haul home.
Are pick your own farms suitable for toddlers and younger children?
Yes, many farms are very family-friendly, with some offering play areas, animal corners or trailer rides alongside the fruit picking. Table-top growing systems, where fruit is raised to waist height, also make picking easier for little ones. It’s still worth checking accessibility and facilities with the farm directly if you have specific needs.
Related Articles
- Terrific Tree Top Adventures in Ireland and the UK for Families
- Where to Take the Kids on a Gruffalo Trail
- Have a Real Adventure! Some of the Best Mazes in the UK
- Some of the Best Beaches in the UK
- Fun and Exciting Things to Do in York with Kids
- Fabulous Places to Take Kids in the UK This Summer
- Legendary Castles in England, Scotland and Wales
Save This for Later
Fancy planning a pick your own day out for later in the season? Bookmark this page or save it to your favourite family days out board so you’ve got the full list of farms handy when the fruit starts ripening.
Never Miss a Family Day Out Idea
Want more inspiration for family days out like this one? Sign up to the MyKidsTime newsletter for a weekly dose of ideas, activities and adventures to enjoy with the kids, straight to your inbox.
