There's something about picking your own strawberries that makes them taste so much better to the ones sitting in a plastic punnet at the supermarket. Maybe it's the smell of the field, the excitement of finding a really good one hiding under the leaves, or just being outdoors on a sunny summer's day. Whatever it is, strawberry picking in East Yorkshire is one of those simple pleasures that's well worth making time for and the good news is, we've got some brilliant strawberry farms right on our doorstep.
Whether you're looking for a relaxed morning out with the kids during the school holidays, a fun thing to do with visiting family, or you're staying in the area and want to experience something genuinely local, this guide has you covered. We've rounded up the best PYO strawberry farms in East Yorkshire for 2026, plus everything you need to know before you go.
When is strawberry picking season in East Yorkshire?
Strawberry picking season in East Yorkshire typically runs from mid-June through to late July, though this varies year to year depending on the weather. A warm, sunny spring tends to bring an earlier start; a cooler or wetter one can push things back by a week or two.
The good news is that some farms, notably Scalby Grange at Gilberdyke, grow later-ripening varieties that mean there are still plenty of berries to pick once the school summer holidays begin in late July. So if you're planning a holiday visit, don't assume the season will be over.
Top tip: Always check a farm's social media pages before you visit. Farms can be temporarily closed for a day or two while they wait for the next batch of fruit to ripen, and a quick check before you set off can save a wasted journey.
Scalby Grange Pick Your Own, Gilberdyke
Back to Top of ListLocation: Scalby Grange Farm, Scalby Ln, Gilberdyke HU15 2UJ
Conveniently located just off the A63 in Gilberdyke, well placed for visitors from across the HU postcode area
Scalby Grange is the one everyone's talking about this summer, and with good reason. This family-run farm near Gilberdyke has built up a real reputation as one of East Yorkshire's best-loved PYO destinations, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of its best seasons yet. The farm has two fields of berries, and visitors often described the crop as some of the sweetest and most abundant they've ever seen - you can literally smell the strawberries as soon as you walk in.
What makes Scalby Grange special is that it's still got an authentic, unfussy feel to it. No Instagram backdrops or themed experiences, just well-tended fields, good fruit, and a friendly atmosphere. They grow four different varieties of strawberries, including a late-ripening one that means picking continues even after the school holidays start - a genuine bonus for families.
Once you've filled your basket, head to the Pavilion Café for refreshments and Mr Moo's ice cream.
What you need to know:
- Strawberries: £7 per kg
- Entry: Free
- No booking needed, just turn up
- Open Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat–Sun 10am–5pm but double check before going as they sometimes close when it's raining or when they need to wait for more fruit to ripen
- Card and cash accepted
- Toilets on site
- Dogs welcome on leads (grassed areas only)
- Picnic area available
- Also doing wildflower and sunflower picking in August, pumpkins in autumn, and Christmas trees in December
Pumpkin Patch at Bewholme, near Hornsea
Back to Top of ListLocation: Homeland Farm, Catfoss Road, Bewholme, Driffield YO25 8D
A short drive from Hornsea
Most people know the Pumpkin Patch at Bewholme for its brilliant autumn experiences, but it also runs pick your own strawberry sessions during the summer. This is a smaller, more intimate operation than some of the bigger farms which gives it a charm of its own.
At the time of writing, the team hadn't yet confirmed their 2026 strawberry picking dates, so this one requires a bit more advance planning. Follow their social media channels to catch the announcement.
What you need to know:
- Check social media for 2026 strawberry picking dates before planning a visit
- Free entry, pay by weight for fruit
- No need to book, just turn up.
- Open Mon–Sun 9.30am–5.30pm (once sessions are running)
- Card and cash accepted
- No dogs
- No toilet facilities on site
Balloon Tree Farmshop & Café, near Stamford Bridge
Back to Top of ListLocation: Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB
Well-signposted off the A166
If you want to make a proper day of it, Balloon Tree is a fantastic choice. This well-established farm near Stamford Bridge has been growing soft fruit for over 35 years and offers one of the widest ranges of pick your own crops in the region - strawberries are just the beginning! You can also pick gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries and even pumpkins later in the year.
The farm shop is brilliantly stocked with local produce, and the café is a lovely spot for lunch or a slice of cake after your picking session. 2026 dates are confirmed to be running, just check their website for the latest before visiting.
What you need to know:
- £2.50 per person entry fee to the PYO fields (added at point of purchase)
- No booking needed, just follow the 'Pick Your Own' and 'The Berry Barn' signs on arrival
- Open weekends (weather and fruit permitting)
- Card and cash accepted
- Toilets available in the café
- No dogs in the PYO fields
- Seasonal picking calendar: Rhubarb (May) → Strawberries & Gooseberries (June) → Blackcurrants, Redcurrants, Raspberries (July) → Blueberries & Blackberries (August) → Pumpkins (October)
Tips for strawberry picking in East Yorkshire
Back to Top of List- 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.
Benefits of picking your own strawberries
Back to Top of List- 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.