Pick up your punnets, fruit fans! The sun is shining (most of the time) and we’re getting ready for a sweet summer filled with fruit-picking forays. The suggestion of strawberry picking is one of those rare things: a trip out that all of our children can agree on. After all, what’s not to love? Rolling green hills, sunshine warming your skin, and row upon row of brilliant berries just waiting to be plucked (or if toddlers are involved, wrangled). It’s an all-round family pleaser of a summer activity, so we’ve put together a guide to the best places to forage for your own fruit and flowers around York. And why not head back in October when the fields have turned orange and pick your own pumpkin too? Here are three of the best places to pick your own near York.
Three best places for PYO (pick your own fruit) near York
The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe – Just outside Stamford Bridge, multi-Little Vikings Award-winning farm shop, The Balloon Tree, is an incredibly popular spot for fruit (and veg) picking near York. Not only can you fill your punnets with a delicious range of fruit, but you can combine it with something delicious to eat or drink from the cafe and a play in the outdoor play area. Come back in the autumn to pick your own pumpkins, too. The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB – Visit The Balloon Tree website
Spilmans – This family-run farm in Helperby, half an hour from York, is a popular spot for strawberry picking. There’s a range of strawberries on offer, grown uncovered and left to ripen in the Yorkshire sunshine. If strawberries aren’t your thing, there are raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries too. You’ll need to pre-book a slot, so it’s not one for a spontaneous visit! Later in the season, you’ll be able to pick your own sunflowers too. Spilmans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3ND – Visit the Spilmans website
Kemps Farm – Kemps is a seasonal pick-your-own near Malton, a short drive from York. Visit during the summer for soft fruit, and head back in your best witch’s outfit during October for pumpkin picking. The Kemp family have been growing fruit for PYO since 1984, specialising in strawberries and raspberries. You’ll need to pre-book your visit once the fruit is ready for picking. Visit the website for opening times. Kemps, Glebe Farm, Barton-le-Street, Malton YO17 6PP – Visit the Kemps Farm website
