Strawberry Picking Season Begins at Spilmans Farm in Yorkshire Until August

The strawberry season is officially here, and families in Yorkshire can look forward to sweet summer fun at Spilmans Farm, located near Thirsk. The farm's expansive 100-acre site at Church Farm in Sessay has opened its gates for strawberry picking, running until the end of August. This is the perfect opportunity for visitors to enjoy some fresh air while gathering delicious strawberries straight from the fields.

Spilmans Strawberry Fields

Spilmans Farm offers a delightful experience for strawberry lovers, featuring eight different varieties of strawberries grown across 500 rows on 12 acres. This means there is plenty for everyone to choose from, ensuring visitors can enjoy the freshest fruit available. The variety includes popular types such as Allegro, Verdi, and Malwina, all grown outdoors on straw to help them ripen naturally in the sunshine.

Lush strawberry fields under a vibrant blue sky with clouds

Young child with red hair picking strawberries in a field

Tom Spilman, the owner of this family-run farm, expressed excitement about the season, saying:

“We’ve just completed a brilliant couple of weeks and can’t wait to welcome visitors throughout the summer.”

He highlighted the challenges faced this year, including late frosts that required the farm to cover its 120,000 strawberry plants to protect them. Thankfully, the warm weather at the end of May helped the strawberries reach their peak ripeness just in time for picking.

More Than Just Strawberries

In addition to strawberries, visitors can also pick a wide selection of other soft fruits, including raspberries, blackberries, and gooseberries. Tom added:

“I’m thrilled we can offer other soft fruits to visitors alongside the strawberries.”

With such a variety available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as they fill their baskets.

Fun for Everyone

Spilmans Farm is not just about picking fruit; it’s also a great place for families to create lasting memories. Photographers and social media enthusiasts will find countless picturesque spots across the fields. According to Tom:

“We have several different picturesque shots set up across the fields. From a traditional farm tractor to our rustic heart-shaped wall, every view is different and there are plenty of opportunities to snap special memories.”

• Wildflower meadow: A beautiful area to explore.

• Nature trail: Kids can spot clues and answer questions while learning about the working fruit fields.

• Stone Barn Café: Offers brunches, lunch, wood-fired pizzas, and a variety of drinks.

For those looking for some indoor activities, the farm features an indoor play barn complete with pedal tractors, a ball pit, and a sand area. Outside, there is an adventure play area and bouncing pillows, making it a fun-filled day for children of all ages.

Pick-Your-Own Details

The pick-your-own strawberry experience is available from Wednesday to Sunday until the end of August. Tickets start at £2.50 for individuals who pre-book online, with discounts for families and groups. While pre-booking is recommended, walk-up admissions may be available, though it’s not guaranteed if the farm is at capacity. Plus, the cost of the tickets is reimbursed for every £5 spent on fruit, making it a great value for families enjoying a day out.

Stay Updated

For those eager to learn more about Spilmans and the seasonal offerings, the farm's website, www.spilmans.co.uk, is a great resource. Visitors can also keep up with the latest news and updates by following @SpilmanFarming on Facebook and Instagram.