Best Strawberry Picking Farms in the UK

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 visit a pick your own (PYO) strawberry 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 be sure to check before you go. Surprisingly, there is actually an art to strawberry picking. They will stay tasty and fresh for longer if the stem and calyx remain attached, so be sure to pinch the stem between your thumb and forefinger and gently twist it free when picking. Join CrossCountry as we explore the best strawberry picking farms in the UK.

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 sunflower and pumpkin picking to be 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, families can easily spend the whole day here. And, for those staying in the area or looking for something else, there are plenty of things to see and do in Edinburgh, just hop on a train to Edinburgh Waverley with CrossCountry and the adventure begins.

The Balloon Tree, York

In the heart of Yorkshire, The Balloon Tree offers excellent strawberry picking opportunities - perfect for a summer's day out. And it's not just strawberries on offer; The Balloon Tree farm enjoys experimenting with a variety of pick-your-own crops. The mainstays generally include raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries, rhubarb, blueberries, black currants, red currants, broad beans, and pumpkins, all available for picking at different times throughout the season. After enjoying the rewards of picking some tasty 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 quench your thirst and hunger with amazing local produce.

We also recommend spending time in the historic York city centre, where you can admire the stunning medieval architecture, visit the iconic York Minster, and wander through the quirky Shambles. Catch a CrossCountry train to York station from all over the UK and make the most of your visit to The Balloon Tree.

Essington Farm, Wolverhampton

Lovers of local businesses flock to Essington Farm each year for their annual strawberry picking events. This family-run farm has some of the best opportunities for fruit picking in the UK, as well as growing fabulous produce and livestock, which can be enjoyed in their restaurant, butcher and farm shop. This means that visitors can pick there, eat there, or take something home to cook. There's a plant nursery too, which has a gorgeous array of house plants and garden favourites to purchase.

Visitors can catch a bus to Essington Farm from Wolverhampton Station. Just hop on a CrossCountry service from one of many locations, including Manchester Piccadilly and Leicester station.

Shute Fruit Farm, Teignmouth

The fertile red soil of the Teign estuary in Devon creates the most delicious, 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, so the whole family can enjoy the fun. As well as fruit picking, check out the farm stall selling fresh fruit picked from the farm and various homemade preserves and elderflower cordials. Keep an eye out on the website for regular open days, which feature activities for children, cooking demonstrations, tastings and farm-made teas.

Shute Fruit Farm is a short fifteen-minute bus ride from Teignmouth Station, meaning you can really make the most of your time in Devon. Take time to peruse the pretty Victorian pier at Teignmouth, enjoy the gorgeous stretch of beach and maybe play a couple of rounds of crazy golf too.

Brockbushes Farm, Newcastle

Brockbushes Farm has certainly evolved over the last 25 years. This family-owned and operated business began with just an acre of soft fruit and a small shop, and it has grown into a thriving destination. Today, it features an award-winning farm shop, a delightful tea room, and, of course, the famous pick-your-own strawberries and fruit. Visitors can enjoy a perfect afternoon: working up an appetite in the picking fields and then tucking into homemade cakes, quiches, scones, pies, and other tempting desserts from the Tea Room.

Brockbushes Farm is located in Newcastle, a great city to visit for a long weekend, with an abundance of culture, food and drink, and shopping. How about hopping on a CrossCountry train to Newcastle Station and experiencing the city in summer?

Malt Kiln Farm Shop, Rugby

A beloved feature of the Warwickshire countryside, Malt Kiln Farm Shop welcomes visitors with a whole day's worth of activities. Purchase a ticket for one of their popular Pick Your Own workshops, where you can gather an assortment of fresh fruits including strawberries, rhubarb, blackberries, and raspberries—perfect for baking a delicious, buttery crumble. Or, for dinner, pick some nutritious courgettes and marrows for a summery stew. Malt Kiln Farm shop also boasts a quaint little cafe that specialises in tasty baked goods and artisanal cheeses.

To reach Malt Kiln Farm Shop by train hop on a CrossCountry service to Coventry station. From the station, there are multiple bus services available to Farriers Court, a five minute walk from the farm.

If you’re planning to go strawberry picking in summer, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.