3 days ago
Best strawberry picking spots in Scotland for a fun family day out this summer
Strawberry season is here and farms are inviting families to enjoy fresh fruit and outdoor fun
Scotland is home to some of the UK's most beloved pick-your-own fruit farms, with several sites earning national recognition for their scenic beauty, family -friendly facilities and seasonal produce.
According to new research by Verdant Leisure, Cairnie Fruit Farm in Cupar, Fife, has been named the best strawberry-picking destination in Scotland this summer.
Scoring an impressive 19.4 on the index, the 120-acre site includes 45 acres of fruit fields and offers visitors the chance to pick a range of summer favourites, including strawberries, raspberries, cherries and blackcurrants.
Cairnie is more than just a fruit farm. Its popular Funyard is a major draw for families, while its on-site café is celebrated for serving freshly baked goods made daily. The attraction, nestled in the Fife countryside, has become a seasonal staple for locals and tourists alike.
PYO Strawberry Farm
Location
Overall Index Score
Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze
Cupar
19.4
Craigies Farming Deli and Cafe
South Queensferry
19.0
Charleton Farm
Montrose
9.5
Border Berries
Kelso
6.5
Wester Hardmuir Fruit Farm
Nairn
5.9
Not far behind is Craigie's Farm and Deli in South Queensferry, which ranked as the second-best strawberry field in Scotland and also earned a spot among the UK's top ten, coming in seventh overall.
The farm appeals to a wide range of visitors with its play barns, jam-making parties and petting areas, including Shetland ponies, a particular favourite for children.
In third place is Charleton Farm in Montrose, Angus. Long cherished by locals, the farm continues to be a go-to destination during the summer months.
It features a welcoming café that serves hearty meals prepared using home-grown and locally sourced ingredients, making it a well-rounded destination for food and fruit lovers alike.
Nationally, the top title went to Claremont Farm in Wirral, which secured the number one position on Verdant Leisure's list with a total score of 39.6.
With a Google review rating of 4.4 and a social media following exceeding 35,000, Claremont has expanded its appeal beyond fruit picking.
Its café and farm shop host a wide array of community-focused events, from cooking demos and food festivals to school visits and wellness workshops.
In second place across the UK is Crockford Bridge Farm in Addlestone, Surrey.
With an index score of 22.9, the site is praised for its wide selection of pick-your-own produce, available throughout the growing season. The farm has become a go-to destination in the South East for both locals and tourists.
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Garson Farm in Esher, Surrey, rounded out the top three with a score of 22.6. As one of the largest pick-your-own farms in the country, Garson offers tractor rides, fresh produce and family events throughout the summer, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
Reflecting on the findings, Verdant Leisure CEO Mike Wilmot said: 'Strawberry picking has become more than just a summertime activity, it's now a key part of the UK's seasonal tourism appeal.
"Farms like Claremont, Crockford Bridge and Garson Farm, have done a brilliant job blending traditional pick-your-own experiences with wider family attractions, food offerings and local community engagement.
'At Verdant Leisure, we know how much our guests value the chance to explore these kinds of experiences during their stay, which is why we're proud to highlight the very best spots across the country.'
