Fruit picking is a popular summer activity in London, and for good reason. Whether it’s strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, there are plenty of spots in and around the city where you can indulge in this fun and delicious pastime. From classic strawberry fields to more unique offerings, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore the best spots for fruit picking in London and the surrounding areas. We’ll also provide practical tips to help you make the most of your fruit picking experience. So grab your baskets and let’s get started!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- London offers a variety of options for fruit picking, including classic strawberry fields and more unique offerings.
- Venture outside of London to neighboring counties for even more PYO fruit farms.
- Practical tips, such as wearing appropriate clothing and checking for availability, can enhance your fruit picking experience.
Best Spots for Fruit Picking in London
Parkside Farm
Located in Enfield, Parkside Farm is a popular spot for fruit picking in North London. The farm boasts rows of bushes dedicated to an array of fruit, including raspberries, strawberries, redcurrants, and blackcurrants, as well as a variety of vegetables. Upon arrival, visitors are provided with a detailed map of the farm.
In addition to fruit picking, Parkside Farm has its own farm shop where visitors can purchase honey, meringues, and refreshments.
To visit Parkside Farm, pre-booking is essential. Tickets cost £4 per person, which is taken off the cost of the fruit at the end. To get there, visitors can take a train from central London to Gordon Hill, followed by a short walk or bus ride (W8 or the 313) to the farm.
Hewitt’s Farm
Located in Orpington, Hewitt’s Farm is another popular PYO fruit farm on the outskirts of London. Currently in season, visitors can pick strawberries, redcurrants, and blackcurrants, as well as spinach and beetroot.
From mid-August, apples and plums will be ready to pick, and towards Halloween, visitors can also find plenty of pumpkins on the farm.
No need to book in advance, visitors can simply turn up and pay for what they pick. To get to Hewitt’s Farm, the easiest way is to take a train from London Bridge to Knockholt, followed by a ten-minute walk to the farm.
Garsons Farm
Located in Esher, Garsons Farm is a fantastic place to pick your own fruit. This fruit farm boasts the most options in London, with strawberries, assorted currants, cherries, sunflowers, and plenty of vegetable options available.
To get into the farm, visitors need to book a farm pass, which can be purchased for £4 per adult and £1 per child.
To get to Garsons Farm, visitors can take a train from Waterloo to Hersham, followed by an easy walk or bus ride to the farm.
Overall, these three farms offer fantastic options for fruit picking in London, with a variety of fruits and vegetables available for visitors to pick. Prices vary depending on the farm, but all offer a fun and rewarding experience for visitors of all ages.
Further Afield: Where to go Fruit Picking Near London
Maynards
Maynards Fruit Farm is located in Ticehurst, East Sussex, and offers one of the best selections of fruit for picking. The farm is situated inside the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, providing visitors with breathtaking views while picking their fruit. The farm offers a variety of fruits, including rhubarb, cherries, and tangy gooseberries. Visitors can pay for their fruit on the day, and there is no need to book in advance. Maynards is a little tricky to get to via public transport, so it is recommended to drive there, which takes just over an hour from South London.
Crockford Bridge Farm
Crockford Bridge Farm, located in Weybridge, is a pick-your-own farm with a difference. The farm has made appearances on popular TV shows like Made in Chelsea and This Morning. Visitors can choose from a variety of berries and enjoy a rustic shack where they can get ice cream and afternoon tea. The farm also has a pop-up rum bar. Tickets must be booked in advance, and the cost is £4 plus a 50p booking fee. It is recommended to drive to the farm, as it is difficult to reach via public transport. Visitors can take a train from Waterloo to Woking and then catch the 456 bus to Westerham Close.
Flower Farm
Flower Farm in Godstone is a farm lover’s paradise. The farm offers a variety of activities, including fruit picking, a pub garden, a taproom, and a flower farm shop where visitors can buy local meats and ciders. Visitors can pick strawberries and raspberries during the summer season, and cherries and plums towards the end of August. Pumpkins are also available later in the year. There is no need to book in advance, and visitors can simply turn up and let the staff know that they would like to pick their own fruit. The farm is located an easy 20-minute drive from South London, with the nearest train station being Godstone South.
Stanhill Farm
Located just outside of the pretty village of Hextable in Kent, Stanhill Farm offers a wide range of fruit picking options. Visitors can pick strawberries, raspberries, and courgettes at the moment, with a spooky pumpkin patch opening up later in the year. The farm is also a great place to take children, as there is a maize maze opening in summer 2021. Visitors don’t need to pre-book, but they will be charged £1 per person for entry, which is redeemable against the fruit that they pick. Visitors can take a short train from London Bridge to New Eltham, followed by the 233 bus towards Swanley. Alternatively, it’s an hour’s drive from central London.
Downingbury Farm
Downingbury Farm in Tunbridge Wells offers visitors a simple and straightforward fruit picking experience. Visitors can bring their own container, pick their fruit, and pay for it on the spot. The farm has plenty of fruit in season across most of the year, including strawberries and currants at the moment. As the colder months approach, plums, apples, and blackberries become available. There is no need to book in advance, and visitors can simply turn up and pay for their fruit. Visitors can take a train from London Bridge to Tonbridge and then hop on bus 208A towards Stone Court Lane. Alternatively, it’s a 90-minute drive from central London.
Roundstone Farm
Roundstone Farm in Worthing boasts the largest selection of pick-your-own fruits in England. Visitors can choose from strawberries, currants, gooseberries, and rhubarb, as well as an array of vegetables like courgettes, carrots, onions, and beetroot. The farm offers a little tractor ride that takes visitors between each fruit and veg station. There is no need to pay an entry fee, and visitors only pay for the fruit that they pick. The farm is a two-hour drive from London.
Lathcoats Farm
Lathcoats Farm in Chelmsford is one of the best places for fruit picking near London. Visitors can pick a variety of berries during the summer season, although they are asked to use the farm’s baskets, which can be purchased at the shop beforehand. The farm specializes in apples, and visitors are highly recommended to take an orchard tour in September. Pre-booking is essential, and tickets cost £2.10. Visitors can take a train to Chelmsford followed by the 42 bus, or it’s only a 45-minute drive from North East London.
Grays Farm
Grays Farm in Wokingham is an award-winning pick-your-own farm. Visitors can choose from strawberries, currants, raspberries, rhubarb, and tomatoes. The farm has planted over
Fruit Picking in and Around London: Practical Tips
When planning a day of fruit picking in London, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.
Firstly, it is important to call ahead and confirm that the farm still has fruit available for picking. Due to the popularity of pick-your-own (PYO) days, some farms may have limited availability or may turn visitors away altogether.
Additionally, visitors should come prepared for a day in the sun by bringing sun cream and protective clothing. As fruit picking often involves spending long periods of time outside, it is important to protect oneself from harmful UV rays to avoid sunburn.
Staying hydrated is also crucial, especially on hot days. Visitors are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, as many farms are happy to fill them up throughout the day.
Lastly, if planning to bring children, it is important to check with the farm beforehand to ensure that it is safe for them to be present. As these are working farms, there may be heavy machinery in operation and certain areas that are off-limits to visitors.
By following these practical tips, visitors can make the most of their fruit picking experience in and around London.