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The 10 Best Fruit Picking Places in and around Manchester
Picture a sunny morning — the kind where the air is just crisp enough to remind you of autumn, and you’re not in a cafe sipping tea or wandering the city streets. Instead, you’re amidst rows of vibrant fruit trees, basket in hand, ready for a different Manchester adventure!
Forget the usual city buzz; it’s time to embrace the rustic charm of fruit picking! From tangy berries to crunchy apples, Manchester’s hidden orchards are a treasure trove.
Ready to swap city lights for nature’s delights? Let’s get into the top 15 fruit picking places that’ll make you see Manchester in a whole new hue.
Mersey Vale Nature Park Community Orchard, Stockport
Address: Battersea Rd, Stockport SK4 2BN, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441612176111
Website: https://hmvcg.org.uk/mersey-vale-nature-park/
Opening Hours: 24/7
Mersey Vale Nature Park isn’t your typical fruit picking spot. It’s a community-run orchard where you get to wander freely in its pathways and pick fruits at your own pace—the perfect blend of picking fruits and nature walking!
The best part is that picking fruit here is free! And since it’s only 30 minutes away from Manchester city centre, you can drive here anytime damsons and apples are in season (try September?).
| Pro Tip: Before you plan your visit to the Community Orchard at Mersey Vale Nature Park, take a moment to familiarise yourself with the Countryside Code. This set of guidelines helps to conserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure that the orchard remains a welcoming place for everyone. Respect the wildlife and plants, leave no trace of your visit, and take any litter home. |
Kenyon Hall Farm, Warrington
Address: Winwick Ln, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441925765531
Website: http://www.kenyonhall.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
Kenyon Hall Farm, though popular as a pumpkin-picking site every Halloween, has got a whole range of fruits and veggies waiting—14 types, in fact!
If you want a hand at berry-picking, go here in summer, where there’s plenty of strawberries, gooseberries, and raspberries. There are even onions and corn-on-the-cob! But note that the selection may vary throughout summertime.
And the best part? Their website is constantly updated, ensuring you know exactly when to visit for the freshest picks.
| Pro Tip: If you’re coming with your family and want to save up, save strawberry-picking for another time. All other fruit picking activities are free here, but picking strawberries will set you back £5 per punnet (and you have to pay additional fees for the excess weight). |
Claremont Farm, Wirral
Address: Old Clatterbridge Rd, Birkenhead, Wirral CH63 4JD, United Kingdom
Contact Details: 07867 015246
Website: https://claremontfarm.co.uk/farm-shop/
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
Over at Claremont Farm, it’s not just about fruit picking in their Pick-Your-Own Fields. They’ve got a fantastic farm shop where you can grab some of their produce.
And if you’re wondering about variety, they’ve got you covered. While strawberries are a favourite, the farm often has other seasonal delights like berries and fruits such as plums and apples waiting to be plucked.
Once you’re done with the activity, why not relax at their café and enjoy their fantastic selection of coffee, cakes, traybakes, and toasts while enjoying the view of the fields? It’s the perfect way to round up your perfect day in nature!
| Pro Tip: Claremont Farm’s Pick-Your-Own Fields may be difficult to find since they’re not in clear view from the entrance. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for assistance or just head over to the farm shop— the fields are just near the motorway bridge. |
Woore Fruit Farm, Crewe
Address: Newcastle Rd, Woore, Crewe CW3 9RE, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441630647042
Website: https://www.facebook.com/woorefruitfarm/
Opening Hours: Weekends only 10 AM to 4 PM
Woore Fruit Farm is bursting with options! Whether you’re in the mood for strawberries, apples, or even some fresh garlic and potatoes, they’ve got a little bit of everything–depending on the season.
But here’s the kicker: Woore isn’t just a fruit farm. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, this farm offers a delightful escape from the city’s hustle.
| Pro Tip: If you’re new to the fruit picking scene, don’t fret! Woore’s friendly staff are always around to guide you, ensuring you pick the ripest and juiciest produce. |
Moss Lane Farm
Address: Manchester M30 7QH, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +44 7917 287565
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bartonmosseccles/
Opening Hours: Weekdays only 9 AM to 5 PM
Tucked away in the heart of Chat Moss, Moss Lane Farm is a sprawling twenty-two-acre oasis that’s fully organic.
But here’s the twist: Moss Lane Farm isn’t just about fruit picking. During our visit, we learned about their collaborations with local initiatives like Green Teach Community Farm and the Soil Association.
They’re on a mission to teach the community the art of growing organic and sustainable produce. And for those of us who love to support locals when we travel, this farm is a champion of the benefits of buying local, seasonal, and sustainable food.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning a visit to Moss Lane Farm, don’t just stop at fruit picking. Engage with their summer activities for a wholesome farm experience. From meeting and feeding the farm animals to embarking on nature trails, den building, and even arts and crafts sessions inspired by nature, there’s so much to do! |
Scaddows Farm, Derby
Address: Scaddows Farm, Scaddows Ln, Ticknall, Derby DE73 7JP, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441332865709
Website: http://www.scaddowsfarm.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Saturday only 10 AM to 1 PM
For three decades, Scaddows Farm in Derby has been a cherished destination for families and fruit enthusiasts. This family-run gem has cultivated a legacy in the world of fruit farming, making it a must-visit if you’re in the area!
Their offerings? A delightful array of succulent fruits ranging from strawberries and raspberries to blackcurrants, redcurrants, and even gooseberries. You’ll find that each fruit you pick here is a testament to their years of expertise and passion.
| Pro Tip: And after a day of fruit picking, what could be better than indulging in some creamy, farm-fresh ice cream available at their on-site shop? Stop by their shop for some amazing ice cream on your way home. |
Berry Delights at Willows Farm, Lincolnshire
Address: Skegness Rd, Chapel St Leonards, Skegness PE24 5UB, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +447943200758
Website: http://www.willowsfarm.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
Venture up north, in the heart of Lincolnshire, and you’ll find yourself amidst the sprawling berry fields of Willows Farm.
Imagine acres upon acres of luscious strawberries beckoning you with their vibrant red hue. Plus, Willows Farm boasts an impressive array of fruits, from the classic raspberries to a medley of currants in all shades — red, black, and even white!
And if you’re in the mood for something a tad different, their tayberries, blackberries, and gooseberries promise a burst of flavour with every bite.
Thinking of extending your berry-picking adventure? Willows Farm has on-site camping facilities, and you easily can turn your day trip into a delightful weekend getaway.
| Pro Tip: For those looking to immerse themselves in the farm ambiance overnight, Willows Farm provides on-site camping facilities. It’s the perfect setting for a weekend retreat amidst nature! |
The Balloon Tree, York
Address: Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441759373023
Website: http://www.theballoontree.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 5 PM
At The Balloon Tree in York, you’ll have a fun day of strawberry-picking adventures with your family! Once you’ve had your fill picking those delicious berries, take a breather at their cosy on-site cafe, where you can indulge in some scrumptious homemade treats.
And if you’re on the hunt for fresh, local produce, their farm shop is a treasure trove of seasonal delights.
| Pro Tip: Plus, with a play area on the premises, the kids will have plenty to keep them entertained, giving you all the time you need to savour that afternoon cuppa! |
Apple Day at Tatton Park Orchards
Address: Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441625374400
Website: http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM to 7 PM
Tatton Park is the place if you’re all about that apple life. They host an Apple Day celebration where everything’s about, you guessed it, apples!
From games to activities for the little ones, it’s a day of pure bliss! And if you’re in the mood to shop or grab a bite, their on-site spots are brimming with apple-themed goodies.
But here’s the kicker: Tatton Park isn’t just a one-weekend wonder. They’ve got a year-round walled orchard that’s like stepping into a fruity time capsule!
| Pro Tip: The orchard is open for all of us to wander, and throughout the year, they host events where we can snag some of that orchard-fresh produce. So, whenever we’re feeling a bit fruity, let’s keep tabs on their updates and make a day of it. It’s a trip we won’t regret! |
Salford Community Orchards
Address: 2 Langley Road South, Salford M6 6GU, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441613581530
Website: https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday only 9 AM to 4:30 PM
One of the standout features of Salford Community Orchards is the hands-on experience they offer. Instead of just buying fruit, you get to understand its journey from the tree to your basket.
By picking fruits here, you’re not only enjoying a fresh treat but also supporting local initiatives and the community’s efforts to maintain these lush green spaces.
Plus, fruit picking here is a learning journey. You get to discover different fruit varieties, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon some unique or heritage ones.
| Pro Tip: Before heading to the orchard, check if there are any community events or workshops happening. These can be a great way to learn more about fruit picking, meet locals, and even get some insider tips on the best fruit spots in the orchard. |
