Some of the best Pick Your Own Farms in the UK have been named
Some of the best Pick Your Own Farms in the UK have been named after being shortlisted for the national Farm Retail Awards, sponsored by Fieldfare – chosen, frozen and ready to pick.
The finalists, who are from near Edinburgh, Staffordshire and Surrey, will now go through to the Farm Retail Association annual awards in March 2025.
This will be an exciting year for FRA which is set to unveil a new rebrand as part of ambitious plans to expand the UK-wide membership organization which champions farm shops, PYOS and Farmers Markets nationally.
The category has been judged earlier than others in the awards in order for the judging to take place at the height of the PYO season, allowing the visits to take place at the peak time of year for these businesses.
The shortlist
Craigie’s Farm Ltd, West Craigie Farm, Queensferry, near Edinburgh
Craigie’s Farm Ltd, West Craigie Farm, Queensferry, near Edinburgh is a family run business known for its farm shop, café, play barn and PYO fruit experience. The farm shop offers a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce, meats and artisanal products. The on-site restaurant serves homemade meals and baked goods made from farm fresh ingredients. A range of seasonal activities and educational events are on offer, making it a popular destination for families and food enthusiasts. With a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, Craigie’s Farm offers a genuine farm to fork experience in a picturesque rural setting.
Manor Farm Fruits, Hints, Tamworth, Staffordshire
Manor Farm Fruits, Hints, Tamworth, Staffordshire has been owned and run by the Clarke family for the last three generations and is one of Staffordshire’s longest established soft fruit growers. They grow 17 acres of soft fruit designated specifically for ‘Pick-Your-Own’ during the summer months as well as selling ready picked blueberries and rhubarb. Additionally, they grow thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds for an annual Pumpkin Fest in October. A Nature Trail, Maize Maze, Sunflower field, Farm shop, children’s play area and independent tea room are very popular with the Pick Your Own Customers.
Garson Farm PYO, Esher, Surrey
Garson Farm PYO, Esher, Surrey is proudly one of the UK’s largest PYO Farms. Spanning over 155 acres, the farm is open to visitors from the end of May to the end of October. The farmland has been tenderly cultivated since 1871 by the same Thompson family line. For 110 years, the farm’s fresh produce was transported to the London market traders up to 1981, when the gates opened to the public and PYO began. Today, Garson Farm PYO sees over 115,000 visitors each season and offers around thirty fruit, vegetable, and flower crops throughout the picking season.
A statement from the chair Emma Mosey
Chair of the Farm Retail Association, Emma Mosey said: “The first raft of finalists have been announced and the competition is fierce. The awards are now open, make sure you get your entries in to be part of this prestigious competition celebrating PYOs, farm shops and Farmers Markets nationally. This is a big year for FRA, we have plans for expansion and growth in the sector – come and be part of it!”
Remaining Categories
The remaining categories are now open and other finalists will be announced at the end of the year. These include:
- Large Farm Shop of the Year – sponsored by Fresh Retail
- Small Farm Shop of the Year – sponsored by The Cress Company
- Farm Cafe/Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Arrange Spaces
- Farm Shop Butchery of the Year – sponsored by Angel Refrigeration Ltd
- Rising Star Award – sponsored by Fieldfare
- Farmers Market of the Year – sponsored by Moseley Farmers Market
- Associate Member of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
The awards will be announced on Tuesday 12th March at a glittering dinner at the FRA Conference at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.