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.
Picking your own strawberries brings lots of childhood nostalgia, so why not share those memories? 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 five a day!
Craigies, Edinburgh
The freshest of fresh produce, all at your fingertips. Craigies offers some of the best pick-your-own experiences in the UK, with not only strawberries but all sorts of fruit, veg, and even sunflowers to be picked and enjoyed. As well as a café, deli, and butchers serving up fresh Scottish produce, there are lots of activities for everyone to enjoy, making for a great family day out or even a lucky date.
From tractor and trailer rides to feeding the farm animals and exploring the bike trails, you can easily spend the whole day here. But, if you're staying in the area or looking for something else, there are plenty of things to see and do in Edinburgh.
Which other fruits and vegetables can I pick here? Depending on the time of year, there are 14 varieties of fruits, sunflowers, and vegetables to be picked, including raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and plums.
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.
The Balloon Tree, York
In the heart of Yorkshire, The Balloon Tree offers excellent strawberry picking - perfect for a summer's day out. But after the graft of picking your treats and exploring the beautifully landscaped garden and kids' play area, you'll likely have worked up an appetite. Luckily the farm has a shop, and an award-winning café to clench your thirst and hunger with amazing local produce. We also recommend spending time in the historic York city centre.
Which other fruits and vegetables can I pick here? The farm like to experiment with the pick-your-own crops but the mainstays are raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, rhubarb, blueberries, black currants, red currants, broad beans and pumpkins all available for picking at varying dates across the season.
Where is it? Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York, YO41 1NB.
What's the closest station on the XC network? York Station.
Essington Farm, Wolverhampton
If you like to support local, Essington Farm is a must for you. This family-run farm has some of the best strawberry picking in the UK, as well as growing fabulous produce and livestock, which can be enjoyed in their restaurant, butcher and farm shop. Meaning you can pick there, eat there or take something home to cook for yourself. There's a plant nursery, so you can even revamp your garden while you're there.
Which other fruits and vegetables can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, blueberries, blackberries, tayberries, plums and rhubarb.
Where is it? Bognop Road, Essington, Wolverhampton, WV11 2AZ.
What's the closest station on the XC network? Wolverhampton Station.
Shute Fruit Farm, Teignmouth
The fertile red soil of the Teign estuary in Devon creates the most succulent and flavour-packed strawberries you may have ever tasted. Shute Fruit Farm offers a taste of heaven with views of the southern coastline. Well-behaved dogs are also welcomed, making a great day out for the dog too. As well as fruit picking, 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.
Which other fruits and vegetables can I pick here? Raspberries, blackberries, sloes, beetroot, chard, squashes, pumpkins and various flowers too.
Where is it? Shute Farm, Newton Road, Bishopsteignton, Teignmouth, TQ14 9PN.
What's the closest station on the XC network? Teignmouth Station.
Brocksbushes Farm, Newcastle
Brockbushes Farm has certainly evolved over the last 25 years. This family-owned and run business grew from an acre of soft fruit and a little shop to a thriving hub of an award-winning farm shop, a fantastic tea room, and of course, amazing pick-your-own strawberries and fruit. All of this makes for the perfect afternoon of working up your appetite in the picking fields to treating yourself to homemade cakes, quiches, scones, pies, and tempting desserts from the Tea Room.
Newcastle is a great city to visit for a long weekend, with an abundance of culture, food and drink, and shopping.
Which other fruits and vegetables can I pick here? Raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants and plums.
Where is it? Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge, Northumberland, NE43 7UB.
What's the closest station on the XC network? Newcastle Station.
If you're planning a trip to one of the Best Strawberry Picking Farms in the UK, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you're visiting one of the best places to find fossils in the UK, the most famous landmarks in the UK, or the best indoor ski slopes in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Abby