Sweet berry juices dribbling down chins, days spent running through fruit laden bushes and plants, baskets weighed down by summer bounty- yes Pick Your Own Season is officially here!

It’s a wonderful way to teach little ones where their food comes from, healthy habits and get outdoors. We wanted to share our top 3 Cotswold Fruit Farms, but that’s not all! It’s all very well going and picking all that delicious fruit, but what to do with it all after?

Keep reading for a breakfast, lunch and dinner recommendation too…

1. OVER FARM

Located near Gloucester not only do Over Farm provide the ubiquitous Strawberries, but they also have PYO Sunflowers. Roam through 4km of Strawberries on back saving waist high platforms and select the very best berries to take home or brighten up your day with a wander around their beautiful sunflower meadow.

Handily the farm park is right next door, packed with rides, animals, play areas, mini golf and more.

To find out more visit: www.overfarm.co.uk

2. HALES FRUIT FARM

Hayles fruit farm has been family owned since 1950 and really feels like a family affair. It’s such an idyllic spot, as part of the Cotswold Way that they even offer a camping pitch should you wish to make a real occasion of it. There is a lovely nature trail, opportunities to go fishing and plenty to stock up on in the Farmshop.

Every Friday from 5pm throughout the Summer they also have a Fish & Chip Friday dinner offer!

To find out more visit: www.haylesfruitfarm.co.uk

3. PRIMROSE VALE

Primrose Vales Farm offer a wide range of fruit and vegetables. They also have a lovely café and play area, whether you need a sit down, or your children want to ride the vintage tractor, play on the swings and slides, jungle gym or obstacle course. We love that they advertise that they are more than happy for you to bring your little ones to use the play area, even if you’re not picking of visiting the shop specifically. What a gorgeous ethos, encouraging our children to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise.

To find out more visit: www.primrosevale.com

So you’ve spent all that time bending over and picking your fruit, now let’s give you some inspiration with some yummy meal ideas, with thanks to our Cotswold Collective Businesses.

BREAKFAST:

The Cotswold Guy Farmshop and Deli stocks some of the finest British ingredients to enhance any dish, and with 10% off as a Cotswold Collective Member you’d be mad not to indulge!

They have a delicious array of Granolas from Forthay Granola that are Gluten free and 100% natural. Why not try their Mulberry, Date & Chai Granola with some freshly sliced strawberries on top? Adding your strawberries to their selection of Granola’s will really give breakfast a boost.

LUNCH

Discover the Italian Taste in the UK with Non Solo Pasta for a fresh pasta luncheon.

Non Solo Pasta do the most amazing Pasta Boxes so you can enjoy delicious selections of pasta with your favourite sauce. With four different sauce options and two different types of pasta we certainly recommend a simple pasta dish with some extra vegetables added from your Pick Your Own trip. Fresh Asparagus with a tangy tomato sauce tossed with spaghetti is our recommendation.

Cotswold Collective Members receive 10% off when shopping at Five Valley Shopping Centre or at the local markets.

DINNER

We couldn’t not give you a dessert idea with all that delicious fruit! Why not stew some strawberries and drizzle over some of the decadent bakes from Beaus Bakehouse. The Brownies are gooey, rich and one of Beau’s Bakehouses favourites. We recommend pouring the strawberries over the top when they are warmed to make the brownie even fudgier!

Cotswold Collective Members can enjoy 10% off buying from the bakehouse door or when purchasing online.

So get those baskets, punnets, bags at the ready, visit those shops, campsites, adventure play areas, and scour the hills for unique Cotswold ingredients for the perfect Pick Your Own Experience.

Any tips or recipes for us?

We’re all ears!