Best places to go strawberry picking in East Yorkshire

Location: Scalby Grange Farm, Scalby Ln, Gilberdyke HU15 2UJ

Located near Gilberdyke, Scalby Grange is a much loved spot for picking your own fruit in East Yorkshire. This family-run farm offers a variety of fruits throughout the picking season, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants. The farm is perfect for a family day out, with plenty of space for children to run around while you gather your fruit.

They open from mid-June and grow four different types of strawberries, including a late variety which means there are still plenty of strawberries for families to pick once the school holidays start in July.

Once you’ve finished picking your strawberries, you can relax in the Pavillion café with some well-earned refreshments. They also sell Mr Moo’s ice cream.

• Free entry
• No booking system, you can just turn up.
• Fruit containers provided, you pay for the amount of fruit you pick by the weight.
• Card and cash payments accepted
• Open daily Mon -Fri 10am till 6pm, Sat & Sun 10am till 5pm
• Toilet facilities available
• Dogs on leads are welcome but only on our grassed areas
• Picnic area

Location: Homeland Farm, Catfoss Road, Bewholme, Driffield YO25 8D

The Pumpkin Patch at Bewholme is a must-visit fpr pumpkin pickers in the autumn, but did you know they also have pick your own strawberries during the summer? Situated near Driffield, this charming patch offers the chance to buy hanging baskets and bedding plants too.

Regular strawberry picking sessions are advertised on their social media channels so be sure to give them a follow for the best days and times to visit.

• Free entry
• No booking system, you can just turn up.
• Fruit containers provided, you pay for the amount of fruit you pick by the weight.
• Card and cash payments accepted
• Open daily Mon -Sun 9.30am to 5.30pm
• No toilet facilities available
• Sorry, no dogs allowed

Location: Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB

Located in Gate Helmsley, near York, Balloon Tree Farmshop & Cafe is renowned for its extensive pick-your-own offerings. They have been growing soft fruit and vegetables here for over 35 years so they have it down to a fine art! You can pick strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, and blackcurrants during the summer months. The farm also has a well-stocked farm shop and a cosy cafe, where you can enjoy delicious homemade treats made from fresh farm produce. Balloon Tree is a perfect destination for an afternoon of fruit picking and relaxation.

• There is a £1.50 per picker entry fee to their ‘Pick Your Own’ fields, which is added when you purchase your fruit.
• No booking system, you can just turn up and follow the ‘Pick Your Own’ and ‘The Berry Barn’ signs.
• Fruit containers are available from the ‘Punnet Point’ at the entrance to the fields and you pay for the amount of fruit you pick by the weight.
• Card and cash payments accepted
• Open daily Mon -Sun 9am till 5pm
• Toilet facilities available in the cafe
• Sorry, no dogs allowed
• Different fruits available for picking from June until October -
  • Rhubarb (May)
  • Strawberries (June)
  • Gooseberries (June)
  • Rhubarb (May)
  • Blackcurrants (July)
  • Red Currants (July)
  • White Currants (July0
  • Raspberries (July)
  • Blueberries (August)
  • Blackberries (August)
  • Pumpkins (October)

Location: 2 Towthorpe Ln, York YO43 3PW

The Fruit Yard offers a delightful fruit picking experience. The farm provides a variety of fruits including strawberries and raspberries. The tranquil setting and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a day of fruit picking in the East Yorkshire countryside.

• Free entry
• No booking system, you can just turn up.
• Fruit containers provided or bring your own if you prefer, just pay for the amount of fruit you pick by the weight.
• Card and cash payments accepted
• Open daily Mon -Fri 10am till 6pm, Sat 9.30am til 6pm, Sun 10am to 4pm
• Sorry, no dogs allowed
• Pre-picked fruit also available

• Keep checking in: It’s a good idea to check growers' social media channels before visiting as they sometimes need to close for a day or two until more strawberries ripen and are ready to be picked.
• Choose your timing: Weekends can get really busy, mid-week is quieter.
• Check seasonal availability: Different fruits ripen at different times, so it's essential to check with the farms for the availability of your preferred fruits before you visit.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor activities.
• Follow farm guidelines: Respect the rules and guidelines set by the farms and payment methods to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
• Consider the temperature: Visit the strawberry farm in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler to avoid heat stress on the berries and yourself.
• Choose the best of the bunch: Look for strawberries that are fully red with no white or green spots. Fully ripe strawberries are the sweetest and most flavorful.
• Pick them correctly: Gently grasp the strawberry by the stem, and use a slight twisting motion to pull it off the plant. Avoid squeezing the berries too hard to prevent bruising
• Take the right container: Use shallow containers to prevent the strawberries from getting squished under their own weight. Avoid stacking too many layers of berries on top of each other.

• Freshness and quality: Picking your own fruit ensures that you get the freshest produce possible, straight from the farm to your table.
• Connection with nature: Fruit picking allows you to reconnect with nature and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own food.
• Family fun: It's an excellent activity for families, offering a hands-on learning experience for children about where food comes from.
• Support local farmers: Your purchase supports local agriculture and helps sustain local economies.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Locally picked strawberries reduce the need for long-distance transportation, lowering carbon emissions.