Family Friendly Winter Walks
Hot chocolate season is here, and this can only mean one thing, the South of England is turning into a wonderland of frosty walks.
With the strawberry picking season now upon us, there’s nothing better than picking your own sweet strawberries, picked fresh from a British farm. Hampshire offers some of the best strawberry picking experiences in the South of England with many fruit farms within easy reach, perfect for creating memories with your friends and family.
Whether you’re looking for family days out in Hampshire or wanting to pick your own strawberries for a homemade dessert, Hampshire’s pick-your-own farms provide countryside charm with delicious fruit. Here are the top local strawberry farms where families can enjoy this British summer tradition.
Bourne Valley Pick Your Own Fruit, St Mary Bourne
Just a short drive from Andover, Bourne Valley PYO offers the complete family farm experience. Established 25 years ago, Bourne Valley farm offers in addition to fruit picking experiences, a play area that will keep younger visitors entertained while parents can focus on filling their baskets with the ripest looking berries.
The on-site café called The Thirsty Strawberry Café (how fitting) is a real bonus, serving a selection of drinks and pre-picked strawberries for those who prefer to relax and enjoy rather than pick. It’s the ideal spot to take a break and sample your picks with a cream tea.
Bourne Valley also offers a beautifully modern co-working cafe for individuals to work remotely which is open out of picking seasons.
Best for: Families with young children who need entertainment beyond picking
Pickwell Farm, Southampton
Pickwell Farm is a family-run business that’s been established since 1985, Pickwell Farm combines their garden centre with seasonal pick-your-own opportunities. Their strawberry season typically runs from June to July, though unpredictable British weather can affect timing of course!
Pickwell Farm offers a “pay for what you pick” approach – no entry fees, just fair pricing for the freshly picked fruit you take home. The garden centre setting means you can make a day of it, browsing plants and garden accessories alongside fruit picking.
Best for: Garden enthusiasts and families who enjoy browsing
Goodalls Strawberries, Lymington
With over 100 years of strawberry growing heritage, Goodalls knows their berries, plus, it’s dog friendly! This traditional, family-owned farm near Lymington offers not just excellent summer fruit picking sessions, but also a farm shop where visitors can enjoy homemade scones and jam.
The strawberries are grown on table tops for easy picking, so no awkward bending down or back ache!
The combination of century-old farming expertise and traditional British treats makes this a special passtime for all the family.
Best for: Traditional farm experience and homemade treats
Durleighmarsh Farm Shop PYO, Petersfield
Durleighmarsh Farm is another family-run farm set within peaceful scenery that offers pick-your-own strawberries as well as other delicious fruit such as rhubarb, gooseberries and blueberries, subject to seasonal availability. They charge a small fee upon entry, which is then deducted from your fruit purchases – ensuring you only pay for what you pick.
When you’re done picking your fruit, why not stop off at the on-site farm shop where you’ll find a selection of freshly picked fruit and vegetables, as well as high quality, local produce such as chutneys, jams, sauces, breads and pastries.
Best for: Families who enjoy farm shop browsing and variety
Planning Your Strawberry Picking Adventure
Best time to pick strawberries
The best time for strawberry picking is typically from June through to July, though weather conditions can affect these dates. Many farms update their social media or websites regularly which state current picking conditions and availability.
Checklist of what to Bring
- Sun hats and sunscreen for outdoor picking
- Comfortable clothes that can get a bit muddy
- Cash (many farms prefer cash payments) although you can always call to check prior to your visit
- Containers if the farm doesn’t provide them
- Wet wipes for sticky fingers!
Making the Most of Your Visit
Most PYO Hampshire strawberry farms offer more than just picking. Most have farm shops that sell local produce and cafés serving cream teas. These places provide the perfect summer family day out in the countryside.
Family Tips
- Arrive early in the day when temperatures are cooler and berries are at their freshest
- Let children have their own small containers to fill – it keeps them engaged
- Teach kids to pick only the fully red berries for the best taste
- Don’t forget to sample as you go – it’s half the fun!
Beyond the Picking
Hampshire’s strawberry farms offer more than just fruit picking, they’re avenues to understanding where our food comes from and connecting us with the wonderful British countryside. Many families return to these farms every year during the picking seasons, whether it’s picking fruit or pumpkins, it’s fun to have traditions that create memories for all the family.
Whether you’re making jam, preparing a fruit pudding, or simply enjoying fresh berries with cream, Hampshire’s pick-your-own farms are the ideal outdoor activity in the summertime. Each farm offers its own character and charm, so why not make it a goal to visit them all throughout the season?
If you’re not already, make sure to follow us on social media to see firsthand strawberry picking experiences, plus get inspired by a host of outdoor activities and local attractions in Hampshire.
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