There are few more quintessentially British summer activities than fruit picking.
Many of us have fond memories of going fruit picking as a child, particularly on scorching summer days.
Visiting a fruit field over the six-week summer holidays used to be something of a rite of passage for most children, but these days the pastime seems to be in decline.
In 2024, the popular Hill Farm in Chesterton closed all of its pick-your-own fruit and vegetable experienced after 52 years.
At the time, owner Paddy Ivens cited unpredictable weather conditions as one of the reasons for closing the farm’s pick-your-own area.
Pick-your-own fruit farm may be few and far between these days, but there are still a few options within a short drive of Peterborough.
As we enter August, it’s worth remembering that some farms have stopped their pick-your-own offerings by now, but other remain open.
Below we’ve taken a look at three farms to consider visiting this summer:
1. The Secret Farm - Blunham Road, Moggerhanger
The Secret Farm, in Moggerhanger, just off the A1 near St Neots, offers pick your own fruit and veg this summer. Visitors can choose from strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Entry is priced at £5 per person. Any produce you wish to purchase is not included in the ticket price and will incur an additional charge. The farm is usually open every weekend. Photo: Finnbarr Webster
2. Millfield Orchard - 51-53 Aldreth Rd, Haddenham
Millfield Orchard, in Haddenham, near Ely, is offering pick your own plum experiences from the end of July onwards. Czars and Purple Pershore are ready now with Vics and Greengages to follow in the coming weeks. Czars and Purple Pershore are priced at £1.50 a punnet or £5 per chip. The orchard is open 8am to 8pm every day. Photo: PAUL J. RICHARDS
3. Harpole Pick Your Own - Upper High Street, Harpole, Northampton
Harpole Pick Your Own, near Northampton, has offered pick your own fruit since 1988. The offering usually includes raspberries, gooseberries, blackberries and asparagus. The farm shares updates on its Facebook page regarding fruit availability. Photo: Harpole Pick Your Own