Pick Your Own
Welcome to our Pick Your Own experience! We've been opening our fields for over 40 years for people to come and pick their own fresh fruit and vegetables. We now grow 20 different fruits and vegetables for picking during the summer and autumn.
All the information you need to plan your visit is on this page. We advise you check again just before your visit as availability changes on a daily basis.
All the information you need to plan your visit is on this page. We advise you check again just before your visit as availability changes on a daily basis.
What's available to pick?
There's nothing available to pick at the moment. The fruit season starts with 'indoor' strawberries around the second week in June. Check our calendar to see expected availability during the summer and autumn.
There's nothing available to pick at the moment. The fruit season starts with 'indoor' strawberries around the second week in June. Check our calendar to see expected availability during the summer and autumn.
How does it work?
We don't take bookings* - just turn up! We're open every day from 9am to 5.30pm with last entry to the fields at 4.30pm.
We provide the containers to pick into, though you're welcome to bring your own. After paying your deposit (see below) we direct you to the best fields where you can pick the fresh produce yourself. On leaving the fields, you pay by weight for what you've picked, take your goodies home, give them a wash and enjoy!
* Large groups in a coach or minibus should ring in advance (01925 765531) to discuss.
We don't take bookings* - just turn up! We're open every day from 9am to 5.30pm with last entry to the fields at 4.30pm.
We provide the containers to pick into, though you're welcome to bring your own. After paying your deposit (see below) we direct you to the best fields where you can pick the fresh produce yourself. On leaving the fields, you pay by weight for what you've picked, take your goodies home, give them a wash and enjoy!
* Large groups in a coach or minibus should ring in advance (01925 765531) to discuss.
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How much does it cost?
This year we're charging a small per person deposit to enter the fields, which is then redeemed against the cost of fruit or vegetables you pick. The deposits are: |
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On leaving the fields you pay by weight for all the fruit and vegetables you pick (see prices below). At this point, the deposit you paid on entry is taken off the price of your produce, and you simply pay the balance. For example if you are an adult and pick £3 worth of strawberries, you pay £2 deposit when you enter, and £1 as you leave.
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This is the first year we've charged to enter the fields and we appreciate there may be questions: there are more details in the FAQs below.
When is the different produce ready?
Frequently Asked Questions...
Can I bring dogs?
We're happy for you to bring dogs to the grass car park and the designated patio area outside the cafe. However, for hygiene reasons dogs are not allowed in the fruit and veg fields, play area, farm shop or cafe.
What are 'indoor' strawberries'?
New for 2019, we're growing strawberries indoors, in polytunnels. The strawberries are no different to those grown traditionally outdoors, just having them inside polytunnels gives a better chance of having a long and reliable season. We hope to have strawberries available to pick from early June until late August. Indoor strawberries sit on table-tops that are waist-high to an adult, meaning much less bending over is needed than with outdoor strawberries and so much better on the back! The polythene roof means you'll always be dry whilst picking, even if it's drizzling outside, but be warned - the tunnels can get very hot in the middle of a sunny day! Our blog post has lots more information on our new polytunnels.
What is the deposit?
The deposit is redeemable against any fruit and vegetables you pick, not on any other purchases (e.g. farm shop, cafe, plant centre etc). It's valid only on the day of purchase and we are not responsible for lost vouchers. If the value of produce picked is less than the deposit, the balance of the deposit will not be returned but you're welcome to return to the fields to pick more.
Why do I pay a deposit?
In 2019 we started charging a deposit to enter the fields. A number of factors contributed to us taking this decision, including:
No, you are not allowed to eat produce in the fields before it has been weighed and paid for. The deposit paid on entry to the fields is not permission to eat produce, it's a pre-payment for produce you are about to pick to take home.
How much exactly is a visit going to cost?
The cost of your visit will depend on how many people are in your group, the type of produce you pick and the amount of produce you pick. To give you an idea, we've provided some examples here:
The main factor in deciding when to come is understanding what produce is available to pick (see current availability and the calendar above). You should also bear in mind that our peak times are the weekends. If you can come during the week you will avoid the crowds and enjoy a much more peaceful visit. With the 'indoor' strawberry season due to last all summer this year, there's no rush to visit when the fruit is first ready - you have all summer to come!
Do I have to pick my own?
No, all of the fruits and vegetables we have available for Pick Your Own are also available to buy ready-picked from the farm shop, at approximately the same price. This has always been a good option for those who wanted to save the time and effort of going into the fields themselves. It is now also a good option for those who wish to purchase less fruit than required to meet the deposit amount (i.e. under £2 worth of fruit per adult).
How do I enter for free as a carer?
Visitors coming as a carer for someone with a disability who can show any of the following documentation are entitled to enter without paying the deposit:
How much can I pick?
You can pick as much or as little as you like, but we ask that you pay for everything you pick.
Can I get a pram or wheelchair in the fruit fields?
We're happy for prams and wheelchairs to be taken into the fields. The tracks that lead to the fields are a mixture of grass and gravel, and so most sturdy prams and wheelchairs can access the fields in dry conditions. If it is wet underfoot, then it can get a little muddy and so access will depend on the type of pram or wheelchair.
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing sturdy shoes in dry conditions and wellington boots when wet - the fields can get a little muddy. Some fields have a few thistles and nettles dotted around and so it's recommended for small children to wear long trousers to protect their ankles.
Can I bring a picnic?
We're happy for you to bring your own picnic to the farm but ask that you eat it on the tables provided in the play area or in the grass car park. It is not permitted to eat a picnic in the fruit fields, cafe or patio area. When we're busy, seating areas will be reserved for those eating food purchased from the cafe.
Can I gain loyalty points for Pick Your Own?
Unfortunately, no loyalty card points can be earned from Pick Your Own transactions.
Can I bring dogs?
We're happy for you to bring dogs to the grass car park and the designated patio area outside the cafe. However, for hygiene reasons dogs are not allowed in the fruit and veg fields, play area, farm shop or cafe.
What are 'indoor' strawberries'?
New for 2019, we're growing strawberries indoors, in polytunnels. The strawberries are no different to those grown traditionally outdoors, just having them inside polytunnels gives a better chance of having a long and reliable season. We hope to have strawberries available to pick from early June until late August. Indoor strawberries sit on table-tops that are waist-high to an adult, meaning much less bending over is needed than with outdoor strawberries and so much better on the back! The polythene roof means you'll always be dry whilst picking, even if it's drizzling outside, but be warned - the tunnels can get very hot in the middle of a sunny day! Our blog post has lots more information on our new polytunnels.
What is the deposit?
The deposit is redeemable against any fruit and vegetables you pick, not on any other purchases (e.g. farm shop, cafe, plant centre etc). It's valid only on the day of purchase and we are not responsible for lost vouchers. If the value of produce picked is less than the deposit, the balance of the deposit will not be returned but you're welcome to return to the fields to pick more.
Why do I pay a deposit?
In 2019 we started charging a deposit to enter the fields. A number of factors contributed to us taking this decision, including:
- The redeemable deposit system is a pre-payment on produce you will pick: you get the value of your deposit back in the produce you pick and take home. For the vast majority of customers it will make no difference to the overall cost of the visit - only to the minority who intended to have a free feed on us. Rather than penalise the vast majority of honest customers by increasing our prices, the deposit system ensures we receive a small amount of money from all customers. This has allowed us to freeze the price all of our Pick Your Own produce this year.
- Reducing losses to theft in this way has helped us build a business case for further investment in our Pick Your Own operation. This year we've developed brand new indoor growing facilities to provide a longer, more reliable and more comfortable picking experience for our customers.
- Around 85% of Pick Your Own farms (more than 4 out of 5) have gone out of business since 1990 due to people not respecting the honesty system of paying for their fruit before eating it. Introducing the deposit system gives us the best chance to keep our fields open for future generations to enjoy. You can watch a video of the BBC visiting us to talk about this subject in our blog post here.
No, you are not allowed to eat produce in the fields before it has been weighed and paid for. The deposit paid on entry to the fields is not permission to eat produce, it's a pre-payment for produce you are about to pick to take home.
How much exactly is a visit going to cost?
The cost of your visit will depend on how many people are in your group, the type of produce you pick and the amount of produce you pick. To give you an idea, we've provided some examples here:
- For an adult, a child and an infant, you pay a deposit of £3.50 (£2 + £1.50 + £0) to enter the fields. Between you all, you pick 1 kg of strawberries at £5.99/kg. On leaving, you pay £2.49 (£5.99 for the fruit, minus £3.50 deposit). Total cost for this visit = £5.99.
- For a family of 2 adults and 2 children, you pay £6 (family ticket) to enter the fields. Between you all, you pick 750g of blackcurrants at £3.99/kg and 500g of raspberries at £7.99/kg. On leaving, you pay 98p (£2.99 for blackcurrants, £3.99 for raspberries, minus £6 deposit). Total cost for this visit = £6.98.
- For two adults, you pay £4 (£2 + £2) to enter the fields. Between you, you pick 900g of redcurrants at £3.99/kg and decide not to pick any more. On leaving, you pay nothing extra (£3.59 for fruit covered by £4 deposit) and don't receive any deposit back. Total cost for this visit = £4.
The main factor in deciding when to come is understanding what produce is available to pick (see current availability and the calendar above). You should also bear in mind that our peak times are the weekends. If you can come during the week you will avoid the crowds and enjoy a much more peaceful visit. With the 'indoor' strawberry season due to last all summer this year, there's no rush to visit when the fruit is first ready - you have all summer to come!
Do I have to pick my own?
No, all of the fruits and vegetables we have available for Pick Your Own are also available to buy ready-picked from the farm shop, at approximately the same price. This has always been a good option for those who wanted to save the time and effort of going into the fields themselves. It is now also a good option for those who wish to purchase less fruit than required to meet the deposit amount (i.e. under £2 worth of fruit per adult).
How do I enter for free as a carer?
Visitors coming as a carer for someone with a disability who can show any of the following documentation are entitled to enter without paying the deposit:
- A current Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance award letter.
- A current Personal Independence Payment letter.
- A current and valid Blue Badge.
- A recent letter from GP confirming need for a full-time carer.
How much can I pick?
You can pick as much or as little as you like, but we ask that you pay for everything you pick.
Can I get a pram or wheelchair in the fruit fields?
We're happy for prams and wheelchairs to be taken into the fields. The tracks that lead to the fields are a mixture of grass and gravel, and so most sturdy prams and wheelchairs can access the fields in dry conditions. If it is wet underfoot, then it can get a little muddy and so access will depend on the type of pram or wheelchair.
What should I wear?
We recommend wearing sturdy shoes in dry conditions and wellington boots when wet - the fields can get a little muddy. Some fields have a few thistles and nettles dotted around and so it's recommended for small children to wear long trousers to protect their ankles.
Can I bring a picnic?
We're happy for you to bring your own picnic to the farm but ask that you eat it on the tables provided in the play area or in the grass car park. It is not permitted to eat a picnic in the fruit fields, cafe or patio area. When we're busy, seating areas will be reserved for those eating food purchased from the cafe.
Can I gain loyalty points for Pick Your Own?
Unfortunately, no loyalty card points can be earned from Pick Your Own transactions.
We've answered the most common questions above, however if you still can't find the answer to your question please ring us on: 01925 765531.
