Where to go strawberry picking near Bristol
My parents always tell the story of how my mum went into labour with me in a strawberry field. Back in the long hot summer of ’83, I decided to make my way into the world while they were picking strawberries – perhaps somehow aware of the delicious berries just outside. I’ve been strawberry-obsessed ever since. They are my most favourite food on this planet. Most delicious slathered in cream or bobbing around in a glass of ice cold PIMMs, but even better when you’ve plucked the strawbs yourself. Strawberry picking is one of the nicest activities to do with kids, and while a few Bristol strawberry picking farms have closed down in recent years, luckily there are still a few places to go strawberry picking within easy reach of the city. Here’s where to go:
The Best Strawberry Picking Near Bristol
1. Primrose Vale Farm Shop, Stroud (40 minutes from Bristol)
If you’re looking for places to go strawberry picking in Bristol, Primrose Vale Farm Shop is about a 40 minute drive from the city, but those berries are worth it right?!
Primrose Vale’s strawberry fields are set against a backdrop of trees and rolling Cotswold hills, and the berries here are grown on raised platforms, which means easy picking and no slug-related surprises.
Strawberry picking usually opens from around mid-May. There’s a broad range of other fruit and veg throughout summer: check their website timetable for the full seasonal schedule.
For the most up-to-date berry picking news, their Facebook page is the best source.
2. Lotmead Farm, Swindon (1 hour from Bristol)
Spread over many acres on Wanborough Road just outside Swindon, it was named best national Pick Your Own of the Year at the Farm Retail Awards in 2022 and has the family-friendly credentials to match.
The fruit picking alone is worth the drive, but the extras make it a proper day out:
- Onsite café and farm shop with homemade cakes and ice cream
- Adventure playground
- Small animal enclosure
- Nature walk (£2.95 for ages 3-5 / £6.95 for ages 6-16 / £4.95 for adults)
Check their Facebook page or call 01793 790137 before heading out to find out what’s ready to pick.
3. Over Farm, Gloucester (50 minutes from Bristol)
A family-run farm a mile from Gloucester city centre, Over Farm has been growing fruit for more than three decades. Strawberry and fruit picking runs from June through to mid-August, though you’ll need to book an entry slot in advance online (this helps them manage fruit levels and plan for the weather).
Fruit is priced by the punnet. One handy tip: bring back your PYO bucket and you’ll get 50p off.
After picking, the animal paddocks are worth a visit. Expect pigs, ostriches, chickens, ducks, sheep, donkeys, ponies and a goat you can feed with food from the shop.
If you’re visiting with kids, make a day of it!
- Two adventure playgrounds
- Tractor-trailer rides
- Mini golf
- Bouncy pillows
- Quad train rides
Pre-book online as slots sell out, and it works out cheaper too.
4. Thurloxton Fruit Growers, Taunton (1 hour south of Bristol)
Around an hour south of Bristol, this fruit-growing farm is run by the Quick family who have farmed on the foothills of the beautiful Quantocks for much of the last century. They grow several varieties of strawberries throughout the season, plus gooseberries, raspberries, loganberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, rhubarb, broad beans and potatoes.
Of course the availability of the fruit is subject to England’s variable seasons, so check their website/contact them beforehand for timings and to check what’s on offer.
Visit Thurloxton Fruit Growers
Tips for Strawberry Picking Near Bristol
A few things worth knowing before you head out:
- Go in the morning. The best berries get picked early.
- Check ahead. Seasons vary year to year. A wet spring can delay everything by weeks; a hot one brings strawberries on in a rush. Always call or check social media before making the journey.
- Bring your own punnet. Often cheaper and of course, su
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Sam Hartley
July 1, 2019Sadly Hendrewennol has been forced to close down after a long battle with the local council!
Angharad Paull
July 1, 2019Oh no! What a shame! Thanks for letting me know, I’ll amend it now.