Where To Go Strawberry Picking Near Teesside

The weather has been a little all over this year, which has absolutely made growing your own fruit and veg more tricky. I've certainly noticed the difference growing my own this year compared to previous years. My strawberry patch only started flowering towards the end of May, which is a lot later than usual. With strawberries in mind, and foreplanning activities for the summer holidays, let's take a look at some of the best strawberry fields in the area. Here are 4 places you can go strawberry picking near Teesside.

PYO Strawberry Fields Near Teesside

1. Fruity Berry Fruit Farm

Fruity Berry Fruit Farm is a fantastic day out in the Yorkshire countryside where you can pick strawberries easily on raised guttering. The site has been purposely built with the wheelchair, disabled, elderly and children users in mind, which is brilliant. They also have a field of strawberries on the ground along with gooseberries and blackcurrant with plenty of room between rows to get prams in and out. Fruity Berry Fruit Farm has a lovely spacious sitting area along with a grass field where you can bring your own picnic blanket. They even offer cold refreshments and ice cream to make your day out super family friendly.

Address: Barraca Farm, Dishforth Road, Thirsk, YO7 2DB

2. The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe

The Balloon Tree sits on 28 acres of thriving farm land which is utilised both for its farm shop and its PYO fields. There's no pre-booking required at this site meaning you can pop along as and when the weather agrees (which is probably really handy considering how bad it's been recently). Simply pop to the 'punnet point' to grab your punnets before you load up on strawbs. Alongside strawberries you can also pick gooseberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and so much more here.

Address: The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe, Stamford Bridge Road, Helmsley, YO41 1NB

3. Spilmans Farm

Spilmans is famous in the North East and North Yorkshire when it comes to PYO events. With loads of photo opportunities and props it's Spilmans that you usually see on Instagram and social media. And rightly so, because it's so much more than just a PYO field. With its cafe, farm shop and kids entertainment it definitely feels like more of a day out type adventure.

Address: Church Farm, Sessay, YO7 3NB

4. Brocksbushes Farm

Brocksbushes Farm is a family owned and run farm shop which has evolved drastically over the 25 years since opening. Once a tiny soft fruit field, has now become an award winning farm shop, tea room and pick your own site. Brocksbushes comprises of both table top and floor level strawbs making them ideal for those with access needs.

Address: Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge, NE43 7UB

Unfortunately I've struggled finding any PYO strawberry fields that are closer to home. Admittedly these are all a little further than I'd have liked to have noted. If I do find any that are closer I'll be sure to add them to the top of the list.

What to Wear When Strawberry Picking?

You'll definitely want to wear comfortable clothing when you go strawberry picking. I'd also advise to wear clothing you don't mind getting muddy. For both you and your youngsters! With that being said however, a strawberry printed romper or red gingham dress would look incredibly cute for your wee ones strawberry picking pictures.

What Shoes Should You Wear for Strawberry Picking?

Boots would be advisable, whether that's wellies, walking boots or even your trusty high top converse. Something sturdy and supportive would be advantageous.

What do You Use to Pick Strawberries?

Strawberries are hand picked and should be grasped by the stem with your thumb and index finger. From here the strawberry should be placed in your container, which is usually provided by your PYO farm. If you wanted to however you could take a wicker basket with you for the full strawberry picking aesthetic.

What is The Best Month to go Strawberry Picking?

Typically the best months for strawberry picking are between May - August. Please be sure to check with each PYO farm though as they will have live updates as to when their strawberry picking season starts and finishes.