Nothing beats the taste of fruit and vegetables freshly picked from the field. Beyond the superior flavor, picking your own produce is an educational experience for children and a chance to select the juiciest strawberries or ripest asparagus yourself. This summer, with warmer weather approaching and a long Bank Holiday weekend ahead, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit one of Gloucestershire’s excellent PYO (pick-your-own) farms.
Many families are seeking outdoor activities, and PYO farms offer a great day out while promoting sustainability by reducing packaging and food miles.
Here are some top Gloucestershire farms to visit:
READ MORE: From Novice to Enthusiast: My Six-Hour Journey at RHS Malvern Spring Festival
READ MORE: Cotswold Water Park’s Inland Beach Poised for Busy Bank Holiday Weekend
Shurdington Rd, Bentham, Cheltenham GL51 4UA
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5:30pm, Sunday and Bank Holidays 9:30am-5pm.
Currently, only strawberries are available, grown on raised platforms that keep slugs at bay and make picking easy and hygienic. Other fruits like raspberries, gooseberries, loganberries, blackberries, and blackcurrants will be ready in June. No booking is required—just turn up and pay for what you pick. Check their Facebook page for daily updates on availability as supplies can be limited.
Highnam, Gloucester GL2 8DB
Open Sunday to Wednesday 9am-5pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am-6pm.
Over Farm offers strawberries from early June, though availability is typically limited, with shorter PYO hours. Besides picking, enjoy the petting animals, farm trail, and a farm shop stocked with local produce, including a butcher, bakery, and deli.
Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5PB
Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am-5pm, closed Mondays.
Hayles Fruit Farm spans over 130 acres, offering strawberries from early June, with plums and apples available from August and pears from September through October. The PYO season usually closes by 4:30pm, half an hour before the farm shuts. Their farm shop features local produce including award-winning apple juice and cider.
Willingsworth, Clive’s Fruit Farm, Upton Upon Severn, Worcester WR8 0SA
Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 10am-4pm, closed Mondays.
Nestled between the Malvern Hills and River Severn, this family-run farm grows cherries, raspberries, and strawberries. PYO begins in June — call their hotline at 01684 592664 or check their Facebook page for updates. Plus, the farm has a children’s play area and nature trail to explore.
Stanton St. John, Oxford, OX33 1HF
Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5:30pm (last entry 4:30pm), Sunday 9am-4pm.
Rectory Farm in the Cotswolds boasts 45 acres of fruit and vegetable fields. Asparagus and rhubarb are in season from late April, strawberries and gooseberries from May, with a range of other produce like artichokes, raspberries, blackberries, redcurrants, and courgettes available throughout the summer. Entry costs £1.25 and must be booked online. Bring your own bags for a discount on produce. The farm also features a farm shop, butcher, and attractions for kids.
Wanborough Rd, Wanborough, Swindon, SN4 0SN
Open daily 9:30am-5pm (subject to availability).
Just over the border near Swindon, Lotmead Farm Shop grows eight different crops for picking. Their strawberries are grown on raised platforms at knee height, ideal for children to pick. Though strawberries are not yet ripe, they are expected soon. Later in summer, look for gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants. Beyond fruit picking, the farm offers animal encounters, a play area for children, a shop, and a café.
With delicious fresh produce and abundant family-friendly activities, Gloucestershire’s pick-your-own farms provide a fantastic way to enjoy the summer outdoors while supporting local growers.