Strawberry Picking Derbyshire (2026): Best Pick Your Own Farms for Families 🍓
Last updated April 2026
Abbie Coleman is a Derbyshire-based mum of two and the founder of MMB Magazine and Ey-Up. She creates easy-to-read guides covering what’s on for families in Derbyshire, sharing local events, free activities and tried-and-tested ideas that make planning days out simpler for busy mums. Contact us to work with Ey-UP as a business or as a new blogger.
Strawberry picking in Derbyshire is one of those simple summer days out that just works with kids. During the summer months, there’s nothing better than heading out into the beautiful countryside, picking your own fruit, and coming home with baskets full of ripe strawberries (and usually a few eaten along the way too).
We’ve done this a few times now, and it’s become one of those easy, low-cost family traditions the kids look forward to every year. There’s no pressure, no queues, and no strict plan — just fresh air, muddy shoes, and the excitement of finding the best strawberries hidden in the strawberry fields.
If you’re planning your own fruit picking day out, here are the best places for strawberry picking in Derbyshire and nearby across the East Midlands for 2026.
We are so excited to go this year, as I am finally driving and can get around as many as I can to give you more updates on the ones worth a visit. Let us know your favourites and why, and we will always include readers’ recommendations. We always look forward to strawberry-picking season, Derbyshire flower-picking, and, of course, Derbyshire pumpkin-patch picking. What’s your favourite season and why? Let us know at abbie@ey-up.co.uk.
🍓 When is strawberry picking season in Derbyshire?
The strawberry picking season in Derbyshire usually runs from:
👉 late June through to early September
In warmer years, farms may open in early June, with the 2nd week of June often marking the start of the strawberry season and some fab strawberry festivals. Some farms even begin in late spring if conditions have been good for their own farm.
July is the perfect time to visit, when strawberry fields are full of ripe strawberries and different varieties are available, including Malling Centenary, known for its sweetness.
👉 Always check each farm’s Facebook page for the latest updates and general information before travelling, especially during bad weather or after rainy days, as this can impact availability. We always make reasonable efforts to ensure that our info is up-to-date, but changes can happen, so check ahead.
🍓 Best strawberry picking farms in Derbyshire
🍓 Scaddows Farm (Reopens June 2026)
📍 Address: Scaddows Lane, Ticknall, South Derbyshire, DE73 7JP
🌐 Website: scaddowsfarm.co.uk
Scaddows Farm PYO is one of the most popular strawberry farms in South Derbyshire, offering a relaxed and traditional pick-your-own-strawberries experience.
Set in the gorgeous Derbyshire countryside, this family-run business is known for its home-grown produce and welcoming atmosphere. Rows of strawberry fields stretch across the farm, filled with ripe strawberries ready to pick, alongside other soft fruit like red currants, depending on the season.
Facilities include:
- Free parking
- A seasonal farm shop on site
It’s a fab choice for families looking for a straightforward fruit-picking experience without the overwhelm.
👉 Top tip: Visit early in the day during peak strawberry picking season to get the best strawberries before they’re picked over.
🍓 Strawberry picking near Derbyshire (within 1 hour)
If availability is limited locally, there are some excellent PYO fruit farms just outside Derbyshire worth visiting. Read our full article if your looking at strawberry picking in Nottinghamshire.
🍓 School Farm Soft Fruit (Re opens June 2026)
School Farm, Ollerton Road, West Drayton, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 8DB
School Farm, Retford
We haven’t been here yet, but hoping to get there for June this year. They have a tea room and farm shop on-site, so we request you don’t bring picnics. No booking required, just turn up and pick, looks like after 10 am opening, but do check before setting off! Check the website or local FB page to find up-to-date opening times, as weather can also affect opening times and days. Dogs are welcome if well-behaved and on leads, and obviously to stay on the outside of the field.
🍓 A. Pearson & Sons
📍 Address: Birchin Lee Nurseries, Holmesfield Road, Dronfield, S18 8WS
🌐 Website: pearsonsnurseries.co.uk
A long-established family-run business, A. Pearson & Sons offers a traditional fruit picking experience with a focus on home-grown produce.
Located near South Yorkshire, it’s a lovely spot for a quieter day out. You’ll often find strawberries alongside black currants and other soft fruit.
- Free parking
- Picnic-friendly areas
- A relaxed, friendly environment
🍓 Goacher’s Fruit
📍 Address: Greenacres, Wood Lane, DN22 9BG
🌐 Website: goforgoachers.co.uk
On Wood Lane, this is a family-run farm has been growing fruit since the 1800s and remains a favourite for PYO fruit in the region.
In addition to strawberries, you’ll often find:
- Raspberries
- Cherries
- Other soft fruit
It’s a great option if you want to mix up your fruit picking and make a full morning or afternoon of it.
Facilities include a car park, toilets, and plenty of space for children to explore.
🍓 Essington Farm
📍 Address: Wolverhampton Road, Essington, WV11 2DT
🌐 Website: essingtonfarm.co.uk
Essington Farm offers more than just strawberry picking — it’s a full family day out.
With a café serving ice cream, a well-stocked seasonal farm shop, and organised PYO fruit areas, it’s ideal if you want a more structured experience.
Pduring the summer months if you’re looking to do some fruit picking with lunch or a relaxed afternoon out with the kids.
🍓 Cattows Farm (Reopens Mid June 2026)
📍 Address: Swepstone Road, Heather, LE67 2RF
🌐 Website: cattowsfarm.co.uk
Cattows Farm is one of the best-known strawberry farms in the East Midlands, offering a wide range of PYO fruit and a well-developed farm experience.
Here you’ll find:
- Strawberries, black currants, and other soft fruit
- A seasonal farm shop
- Café facilities
- Occasional animal encounters
Cattows Farm often starts its strawberry-picking season earlier than others, sometimes as early as late spring, making it a great early option.
👶 Is strawberry picking good for kids?
Strawberry picking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable outdoor activities for young children.
There’s no waiting around, no strict structure, and no pressure — just open space and the excitement of picking your own strawberries.
For younger kids, especially. They can explore at their own pace, enjoy the outdoors, and get involved without feeling overwhelmed.
💡 Top tips for strawberry picking in Derbyshire
A few simple tips can make your day even better:
- 🍓 Go early for the best strawberries
- ☀️ Choose a dry day where possible — muddy fields can be tricky
- 👕 Wear old clothes (it can get messy!)
- 🧺 Bring a container or cooler bag
- 💳 Some farms may have a small charge or minimum spend
- 📱 Check social media for the latest updates
🍓 What if strawberries aren’t available?
Strawberry season is short, and availability can change quickly.
However, many farms continue their own fruit season with other crops such as:
- Raspberries
- Plums
- Black currants
So it’s still worth visiting, even if strawberries are limited.
🎃 What next after strawberry season?
If your family enjoys fruit picking, the next seasonal activity to look out for is:
👉 Pumpkin picking in Derbyshire
It’s the same idea — a relaxed outdoor day out — just with wellies, jumpers, and a slightly muddier setting.
🍓 Easy strawberry recipes for kids
After a day of picking your own fruit, these are always a hit at home. Here are two kid-friendly recipe ideas for delicious strawberries for your fresh-picked strawberries:
Strawberry Yoghurt Popsicles
A simple mix of strawberries, yoghurt, and honey frozen into refreshing summer treats.
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh ripe berries (Strawberries or other berries can be used), hulled and sliced
1 cup plain Greek yoghurt
2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
One teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth.
In a bowl, mix together the strawberry puree, Greek yoghurt, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Pour the mixture into popsicle moulds, insert sticks, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.
Once frozen, remove the popsicles from the moulds and enjoy these refreshing and nutritious treats!
Strawberry Banana Smoothie:
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness preference)
Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
Place the strawberries, banana, milk, Greek yoghurt, and sweetener (if using) in a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. If desired, add ice cubes for a colder smoothie.
Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.
You can also garnish with additional sliced strawberries or a banana slice for a fun touch.
These recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help with tasks like washing strawberries, slicing bananas, and even assembling the popsicles or blending the smoothie. Enjoy these fruity delights with your freshly picked strawberries!
Final thoughts
Strawberry picking in Derbyshire is a fab low-effort, high-reward family day.
It’s simple, if you plan ahead, it’s affordable, and it gives kids the chance to get outside, explore, and enjoy the season with a hands-on experience. If budgets are tight then why not plant your own strawberries at