Fruit and vegetables don’t get much fresher than those you can pick yourself – and that’s exactly why farms inviting people to pluck their own (and take some cute Instagram snaps in the process) are becoming increasingly popular. Plus, with many in reaching distance of the capital and doubling as a great (and green) day out, it’s high time you get your fill of freshness – without the supermarket plastic and prices. Here are the best pick your own (PYO) farms near London.
Parkside Farm, Enfield
Within easy reach of the capital, Parkside Farm is situated on a bucolic green patch fringing Gordon Hill Station in North London and offers a plethora of crops for guests to pick from. Spanning 50 acres (35 acres of which are dedicated to PYO), this farm has been family-run since 1938 and began offering PYO strawberries in 1979, eventually swapping arable and dairy in favour of a fully pick-your-own business in 2002.
Ever since, the land has become a haven for fruit and vegetables, and this month’s crop update promises plenty of raspberries, sunflowers, onions, beetroot, courgettes, spinach and strawberries. Pre-booking your two-hour slot in advance is vital – priced at £4 per person – and you’re encouraged to fuel up at the on-site farm shop, stocking ice creams, cold drinks, meringues and Parkside honey.
Hadley Road, EN2 8LA, visit parksidefarmpyo.co.uk
Garson Farm, Surrey
Growing since 1871, Garsons once supplied fresh crops to Borough Market and has since evolved into an award-winning garden centre, farm shop and restaurant with locations in Esher in Surrey and, since 1999, Hampshire’s Titchfield. The pick-your-own offering is only available in Esher, spanning 155 acres of abundant crops from late May through to October. Fruit and vegetables are split into three seasons – early, peak and late – and you can check online daily to see what is available, including blackberries and apples alongside spinach, cabbage, sweetcorn and broccoli. Tickets are priced at £2.50 per person – and don’t forget to visit the garden shop, restaurant, picnic field and maize maze perfect for entertaining little ones.
Winterdown Road, KT10 8LS, visit garsons.co.uk
Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey
Situated on 80 acres of green belt land in Surrey, Crockford Bridge is one of the oldest functioning farms in the area – and is even mentioned in the Domesday Book. Since the 1970s, it has been under the guise of the Smith family and spans the Wilding Barn – home to a cafe and gelato counter, as well as a hop selling all of the land’s produce – and the Avant Market: a series of pop-up vintage markets. Those looking to get their fill of fresh fruit and vegetables can book £4 tickets (£2 for infants) to pick their own rhubarb, carrots, sunflowers, beetroot and courgettes. The farm is now gearing up for pumpkin and squash season in the autumn and, from the end of November, you can get your Christmas tree here too.
New Haw Road, Addlestone, KT15 2BU, visit crockfordbridgefarm.co.uk
Cammas Hall Farm, Essex
Straddling the Hertfordshire-Essex border, Cammas Hall Farm is a fifth-generation, family-owned farm which dates back to 1889 and has specialised in pick-your-own produce since 1996. As well as a wide selection of fruit and vegetables, ready to be plucked from June to October (pre-booking required), there is also an on-site tea barn, farm shop, summer maize maze, nature trail and children’s play area. Blueberries, strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries and blackcurrants are available now, while on Tuesday and Friday mornings throughout the summer, those aged over 60 can pick their own produce – and enjoy a 10 per cent discount on tea, coffee and cake when showing a fruit receipt.
Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Hertfordshire, CM22 7JT, visit cammashall.co.uk
Home Cottage Farm, Buckinghamshire
Specialising in top and soft fruit – think apples, plums and pears, as well as raspberries and blackberries – Home Cottage Farm was transformed from a neglected orchard into a pick-your-own farm in 1975. Open on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, expect to see a flurry of chickens and sheep wandering the farm and make a pitstop at the on-site shop to purchase apples, honey and 18 varieties of pears. Happy picking.
Bangors Road South, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, SL0 0BB, visit homecottagefarm.co.uk
Stanhill Farm, Kent
Stanhill Farm is home to 150 acres managed by brothers Toby and Max Williams and, as it’s located just 17 miles outside of London, it’s one of the capital’s most popular farms. Having moved away from stocking supermarkets, the family focused on developing its pick-your-own offering and providing deliverable produce boxes. Head here to grab your own orange and purple carrots, beetroot, courgettes, spring onions, cabbages, marrows and sunflowers. There’s no need to book, however the farm is closed on Mondays to give the land breathing space and can be closed during adverse weather conditions – just check the website or social media before you visit.
Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7HD, visit stanhillfarm.co.uk
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