Hurray! The weather is starting to get warmer and fun outdoor activities are needed which will keep children entertained. When I was a child, my mother used to take my brother and I to farms around Hertfordshire to pick our own fruit and vegetables; I looked forward to it every year. It often involved long walks and at the time this didn’t faze me; the excitement for this little adventure gave us extra family time and the freedom to explore. This was long before the times of smart phones and the digital gadgets children have access to today but, there is no reason why these fun adventures can’t happen now. The bonus was always coming home with lots of fresh goodies.
This got me thinking, do the residents of Welwyn Hatfield know where they can visit in Hertfordshire and neighbouring areas? Here are a list of places you can visit this summer.
Don’t forget your reusable bags!
Hawkswick Lodge Farm
Located in the Hertfordshire countryside just to the north of St Albans on the A1081.
Our pyo season will start next Saturday 18th June when they open for the first time this year.
Call: 01727 831224 before you set out, to check on fruit availability and opening hours for that day.
Minimum Charge: £3.00 for adults and for children aged 5 and over (no minimum charge for children under 5 years)
They will only have strawberries and gooseberries available for picking but they hope the currents, raspberries and blackberries will be available in about two weeks time.
Graveley Fruit Farm
Located 1/4 mile North of Graveley on the B197. From Junction 8 of the A1(M) follow the B197 for 1 mile. The best postcode to use is SG4 7EH
Pick Your Own fruit and enjoy a fun-filled day in the countryside for all the family.
Make a day of it! They have a large children’s adventure play area including a zip wire and a haystack, and the play area is overlooked from the cafe.
Tractor and trailer rides are available most weekends and include a trip over the ‘off road’ bumps at the back of the farm. Loads of fun in an adventure filled ride.
There are also some pet pigs to look at and feed; pig food is available to feed them.
Hitchin Lavender Hertfordshire
Located at Cadwell farm, Arlesey Rd, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3UA
If like me you’re crazy about lavender you’ll want to book this one. Not only is the view stunning but the scent is heavenly and you’ll be surrounded by the angelic sound of nature. This is definitely a full sensory experience.
Explore the rows of lavender, pick your own and bring along a picnic or, sample some of the on site Field Kitchens delights.
Pearces Farm Shop & Cafe
Located at Hamels Mead, Buntingford Herts
SG9 9ND
Pearces Farm Shop & Cafe have been growing strawberries & raspberries since 1978 and operate an excellent pick your own facility throughout the summer months.
Call to check days and times: 01920 821246
£3 per person (children under 5 go free)
The entrance fee is DEDUCTED from the cost of your strawberries, provided the cost of your produce is equal or of a higher value.
Parkside Farm
Parkside Farm is in Hadley Road, which runs between Chase Farm Hospital on the A 1005 (Enfield Ridgeway) and West Lodge Hotel on the A111 (Cockfosters Road).
It’s strawberry season and you can pick your own from Wednesday afternoon on 15th June. Thursday bookings are also available but they will only release time-slots 1-2 days in advance at start of season!
Beetroot should be ready the following week followed by Raspberries/Spinach/Swiss Chard within a week or two.