Is there anything more quintessentially British than a sunny afternoon at a pick-your-own farm, basket in hand, juice running down your chin before you’ve even made it back to the car? We think not! Strawberry picking is one of those magical family days out that kids absolutely love and parents secretly enjoy just as much.
The great news is that 2026 is shaping up to be a brilliant season for PYO fans across the UK. Whether you’re in the heart of London, the rolling hills of Yorkshire, or somewhere in the wilds of Scotland, there’s almost certainly a strawberry farm within a reasonable drive. And we’ve done the hard work of tracking them all down for you!
From mid-May through to August, hundreds of PYO farms open their gates to families across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. So grab your sunhats, pack a picnic, and let’s get picking!
When Is Strawberry Picking Season in the UK?
Timing is everything when it comes to PYO strawberries! Go too early and the fields won’t be ready. Leave it too late and you’ll miss the best of the crop. Here’s a quick guide to help you plan:
| Region | Season Typically Starts | Peak Picking |
|---|---|---|
| South England | Mid-May | June |
| Central England | Late May | June to July |
| North England | Early June | July |
| Wales | Late May to June | June to July |
| Scotland | June | July |
The golden rule? Go early in the season for the best fruit! Most farms agree that June is the sweet spot, with the largest, juiciest berries available before the summer heat sets in.
Some farms also plant later-bearing varieties and “everbearers,” which can extend the season right into August and even September. So if you miss the June rush, don’t panic! Always check the farm’s website or social media before you set off, as crop conditions can change overnight depending on the weather.
Bear with us here! Even on a grey day, many farms grow their strawberries in polytunnels, which means picking can go ahead rain or shine. Look out for farms that offer this option if the British weather is doing its thing!
What to Expect at a PYO Strawberry Farm
Never been strawberry picking before? No worries! Here’s what a typical visit looks like so you can arrive prepared and make the most of every minute.
On Arrival
Most farms will give you a basket or punnet to fill. Some charge a small entry fee (usually around £1.50 to £4 per person), which is often refunded against the cost of your fruit. Others are completely free to enter, and you simply pay for what you pick at the end.
Prices typically range from around £5 to £8 per kg, depending on the farm and the time of season. That’s genuinely brilliant value compared to supermarket punnets, and the taste? Absolutely incomparable!
Picking Tips for Families
- Only pick ripe berries. Look for a deep red colour all the way around, with no white or green patches near the stalk.
- Twist, don’t pull! Gently twist the berry as you pull to avoid damaging the plant.
- Bring a cool bag. Freshly picked strawberries are delicate and will last much longer if kept cool on the journey home.
- Dress for the outdoors. Wellies or sturdy shoes are a must, especially after rain. Muddy fields are part of the fun!
- Only pick what you’ll eat. It’s tempting to go overboard, but fresh strawberries have a short shelf life of around two to three days.
What Else Is There to Do?
The best PYO farms are so much more than just strawberries! Many offer a brilliant range of family activities alongside the picking, including:
- Farm shops stocked with local produce and homemade jams
- Cafes and tea rooms for a well-earned strawberry cream tea
- Children’s play areas, sandpits, and climbing frames
- Tractor and trailer rides
- Animals to meet and feed
- Maize mazes and sunflower picking later in the summer
Some farms even offer multiple fruits to pick across the season, from raspberries and gooseberries to redcurrants and blackberries. Think again if you thought PYO was a one-visit wonder!
Find Strawberry Picking Near You
We’ve put together dedicated regional guides to help you find the perfect strawberry farm in your part of the UK. Each guide is packed with farm details, opening times, pricing info, and extra activities to look out for. Here’s where to head:
Strawberry Picking in London and the South East
The South East is absolutely bursting with brilliant PYO farms! From tabletop strawberry picking (no bending required!) at Parkside Farm in Enfield to the award-winning Cammas Hall Farm in Essex, there’s something for every family.
Check out our full guide: Where to Go Strawberry Picking Near London
Strawberry Picking in Yorkshire
Yorkshire has some of the most popular PYO farms in the country! From The Balloon Tree in York to Farmer Copley’s Strawberry Patch in Pontefract, the county delivers the full farm experience with strawberries, fresh air, and plenty of family fun.
Check out our full guide: Where to Go Strawberry Picking in Yorkshire
Strawberry Picking in Kent
Known as the Garden of England, Kent is home to some truly exceptional strawberry farms! Did you know the county is even home to the official supplier of Wimbledon’s strawberries? From Lower Ladysden PYO and Maize Maze to Felderland Farm near Canterbury, Kent is a PYO paradise.
Check out our full guide: Where to Go Strawberry Picking in Kent
Strawberry Picking Across the UK
Looking for a farm in a different part of the country? We’ve got you covered! Our national guide rounds up brilliant PYO farms from the Midlands to Scotland, including favourites like Essington Farm in Wolverhampton, Manor Farm Fruits in Staffordshire, and Craigie’s Farm near Edinburgh.
Check out our full guide: Strawberry Picking Near Me
Before You Go: Essential Tips
A little preparation goes a long way to making your strawberry picking day out a total success! Keep these things in mind before you set off:
- Always check before you go. Farms can close fields at short notice due to weather or if the crop is exhausted. A quick check of the farm’s website or Facebook page could save a wasted journey.
- Book ahead where required. Some popular farms now ask visitors to pre-book their slot online, especially at weekends. Check the farm’s booking policy in advance.
- Arrive early. The best berries go first! Early morning visits mean more choice and fewer crowds.
- Bring cash as well as cards. Some smaller farms are cash-only, so it’s worth having both just in case.
- Sunscreen is non-negotiable. You’ll be out in the open for a while, and little ones burn quickly. Hats are a great idea too!
- Expect muddy conditions. Even on a dry day, farm tracks can be uneven. Pushchair-friendly farms do exist, but it’s worth checking ahead if this is important to you.
One last thing! If you end up with more strawberries than you can eat fresh (a very happy problem to have), they freeze brilliantly for smoothies, or you could have a go at making your own jam. The kids will love getting involved in the kitchen after a brilliant day out!
Make a Full Day of It!
Strawberry picking doesn’t have to be the whole day! Many of the best PYO farms are set in gorgeous countryside, making them the perfect base for a longer adventure. Pack a picnic and find a nearby spot to enjoy your freshly picked haul, or combine your visit with a walk, a village explore, or a trip to a local attraction.
We’d love to hear about your strawberry picking adventures! Share your best berry finds and family moments with us. And if you’re still hunting for the perfect farm near you, head over to our Strawberry Picking Near Me guide for the full UK rundown.
Happy picking, everyone! The perfect summer day out is waiting for you!