Whether you prefer to sprinkle them with sugar, coat them in double cream, turn them into jam, or pop them in a pudding, fresh strawberries are one of the delights of a summer in the UK. Red, juicy strawberries are best eaten as soon as they’ve been picked, and one of the easiest ways you can do this is to pick your own (PYO) at a fruit picking farm.
Strawberries are in season from late May to September, but the strawberry picking season varies from farm to farm and depends on the weather, so check before you go.
Strawberries aren’t the only fruit you can pick - raspberries, blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, plums…the list goes on. Fruit picking is a cheap and fun way to entertain the kids during the summer months and helps them get their 5 a day!
So, pick a farm, gather your gang and, if you’re travelling by train, take advantage of great prices when you book an Advance Ticket with CrossCountry.
West Craigie Farm Shop, Edinburgh
How much does it cost? Entry to the pick-your-own field is £3 per person, which is refunded once the fruit is weighed and priced up at the end.
Where is it? West Craigie Farm, South Queensferry, Edinburgh, West Lothian, EH30 9AR.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? Edinburgh Waverly Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and plums.
What else can I do here? As well as a café, deli and butchers serving up fresh Scottish produce, there’s lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From tractor and trailer rides to feeding the farm animals and exploring the bike trails, you can easily spend the whole day here.
Staying in Edinburgh? Check out our handy Edinburgh destination guide.
The Balloon Shop Farmshop & Café, York
How much does it cost? Entry is free to the pick-your-own field and the fruit is weighed and priced up at the end.
Where is it? Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? York Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries, blueberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, whitecurrants, blackberries, plums and rhubarb.
What else can I do here? As well as an abundance of fruit to pick, the farm has a shop and a café, as well as a beautiful landscaped garden and a play area for the kids.
Read our York destination guide to see what else you could do while visiting this historic city.
Essington Fruit Farm, Wolverhampton
How much does it cost? Entry is £2 to the pick-your-own field which is then redeemable against the produce you pick.
Where is it? Bognop Road, Essington, Wolverhampton, WV11 2AZ.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? Wolverhampton Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, blueberries, blackberries, tayberries, plums and rhubarb.
What else can I do here? This family run farm has a restaurant, a butcher and a farm shop, so you can eat there or take something home to cook for yourself. There’s a plant nursery too, so you can revamp your garden while you’re there.
Shute Fruit Farm, Teignmouth
How much does it cost? Entry is free to the pick-your-own field and fruit is weighed and priced up at the end.
Where is it? Shute Farm, Newton Road, Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, TQ14 9PN.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? Teignmouth Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries and blackberries.
What else can I do here? Check out the farm stall selling fresh fruit picked from the farm and various homemade preserves, as well as elderflower cordial. Keep an eye out on the website for regular open days which feature activities for children, cooking demonstrations, tastings and farm made teas.
Brocksbushes Farm, Newcastle
How much does it cost? Entry is £1 per person, as well as a £1 refundable deposit for each PYO basket that you take into the fields.
Where is it? Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE43 7UB.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? Newcastle Central Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and plums.
What else can I do here? Once you’ve worked up your appetite in the picking fields, you can gorge yourself on homemade cakes, quiches, scones, pies, and tempting desserts from the Tea Room.
Newcastle is a great city to visit for a long weekend, read our Newcastle destination guide to find out why.
Mitchell Fruit Garden, Cornwall
How much does it cost? Entry is free to the pick-your-own field and fruit is weighed and priced up at the end.
Where is it? Mitchell Fruit Garden, Mitchell, Newquay, Cornwall, TR8 5BZ.
What’s the closest station on the XC network? Newquay Station.
Which other fruits can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, currants, rhubarb.
What else can I do here? Mitchell fruit Farm began its life in 1977 and has dedicated it’s time to perfecting the art of growing fruit since. There are no other activities at the farm but there’re plenty of activities to do around Newquay. Check out our Cornwall destination guide to find out more.
Whichever strawberry farm you like the sound of, don’t forget buy an Advance ticket via our Train Tickets app for great savings. Happy picking!