The Best Pick Your Own Farms
π With the season of strawberry picking upon us, Bristol has a variety of farms that offer a great day out for the family. Here are some of the top pick-your-own farms in the area:
Lotmead Farm π³
Lotmead Farm, located on the Wanborough Road just outside Swindon, is a popular pick-your-own destination for those living in Bristol. Spread over many acres, Lotmead was recently awarded the best national βPick Your Own of the Yearβ award at the Farm Retail awards for 2022. Visitors can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, loganberries, tayberries, plums, and pumpkins. The farm also has raised platforms for easy picking, making it an ideal family day out.
St Aldams Nursery π·
St Aldams Nursery, located in North Bristol, has been inviting visitors to come and enjoy their pick-your-own strawberry fields for over 40 years. Picking starts around June and lasts all summer, and visitors can also pick raspberries, gooseberries, and vegetables in August. The farm offers a range of other activities, including a playground and a farm shop selling homemade jams, chutneys, and ice cream.
Windmill Farm πΎ
Windmill Farm is a family-run farm located in Somerset, just a short drive from Bristol. The farm offers pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and broad beans. Visitors can also pick their own rhubarb and potatoes. Windmill Farm is a great place for families, with a play area and picnic benches available.
π These pick-your-own farms offer a great opportunity to experience the joys of harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the soil. Visitors can enjoy a day out in the countryside, surrounded by nature and the sweet aroma of ripe and juicy berries.
Local Farm Features and Attractions
St Aldams Nursery π±
St Aldams Nursery is a family-owned farm located in North Bristol, just 25 minutes from the City Centre. For over 40 years, the farm has been inviting visitors to come and enjoy their pick-your-own strawberry fields. Customers can bring their own containers or purchase them from the farm. The farm also has a small animal enclosure where children can interact with rabbits and guinea pigs.
Primrose Vale π·
Primrose Vale Farm Shop is located on Shurdington Road, Gloucester, just a 28-minute drive from Bristol via the B4465. The farm is perfect for a family outing during the summer months, where customers can pick their own strawberries and other fruits. The farm has beautiful fields surrounding the picking spots, making it an excellent location for taking photos and enjoying nature. The farm also offers an adventure trail, a playground, and a play area for children.
Lotmead Farm π³
Lotmead Farm is located in Swindon, just an hourβs drive from Bristol. Established in the 1950s as a traditional dairy farm, Lotmead opened its gates to pick-your-own visitors in the mid-1980s. The farm has since grown to include more family attractions and themed events. Customers can pick their own strawberries, raspberries, and table-top strawberries. The farm also has a play area for children and a cafΓ© serving delicious homemade food.
Thurloxton Fruit Growers π
Thurloxton Fruit Growers is located in Taunton, just a short drive from Bristol. The farm is known for its delicious strawberries, raspberries, and other fruits. Customers can pick their own fruit during the summer months, and the farm provides daily updates on fruit availability on their website. The farm also offers a small play area for children and a shop where customers can purchase fresh produce and homemade jams.
Over Farm π
Over Farm is located in Gloucester, about 50 minutes north of Bristol. This family-run farm has been going for over 30 years and offers customers the chance to pick their own strawberries and other fruits from mid-June to mid-August. Customers need to book an entrance slot online so the farm can keep an eye on fruit levels. The farm also has a small animal enclosure where children can interact with sheep and other animals.
In conclusion, these farms offer a unique and fun experience for customers looking to go strawberry picking near Bristol. They provide a great opportunity to enjoy nature, spend time with family and friends, and pick fresh and delicious strawberries.
Seasonal Tips for Fruit Picking π
When it comes to fruit picking, timing is everything. Here are some seasonal tips to help you get the most out of your fruit picking experience near Bristol.
π± Early Season: In late May and early June, strawberries are the first fruit to ripen. Look for bright red strawberries that are firm to the touch. Gooseberries and raspberries may also be available during this time.
π· Mid-Season: By mid-June, blackcurrants, redcurrants, and loganberries may be available for picking. These fruits are ripe and juicy, so be sure to pick them before they become overripe.
π³ Late Season: In late July and August, blackberries, tayberries, and plums are ready for picking. Rhubarb may also be available during this time. Look for plums that are slightly soft to the touch and have a deep color.
Top Farms for Fruit Picking Near Bristol
π¨π»πΎ St Aldams Nursery: For over 40 years, St Aldams has been inviting visitors to come and enjoy their pick-your-own strawberry fields. They also offer raspberries, gooseberries, and redcurrants.
π©π»πΎ Over Farm: This family-run farm has been going for over 30 years and is located one mile from Gloucester, about 50 minutes north of Bristol. They offer strawberry and fruit picking from June to mid-August.
π Primrose Vale: Located in Cheltenham, Primrose Vale offers table-top strawberries, which are grown on raised platforms so that the strawberries are easy to pick and thereβs no slugs, bugs, or mud! They also offer gooseberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants.
βοΈ Lotmead Farm: Located in Warnborough, Lotmead is the perfect place to get picking with your family! They offer a variety of fruits, including strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and plums.
Remember to wear comfortable clothing and shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and follow the farmβs rules and regulations. Happy picking! βοΈ