O

ne for the basket, one for me… There are numerous perks to picking your own fruit – not least, the fact that you get to ‘try’ before you buy.

The main reason to do it, though, is that it’s simply a lot more fun than going to Tesco. As the kids will quickly realise when you arrive at Parkside Farm in Middlesex.

Located conveniently close to the M25, there’s a whopping 50 acres of fruit – and we’re not just talking strawberries, either. There are raspberries, blackberries, plums and more, meaning there’s something to pick all year round.

Parkside has been run by the same family since 1938, giving the place a friendly feel. And if you’re already thinking ‘ooh my back’ at the prospect of bending down – you needn’t worry; a lot of the strawberry plants sit on raised platforms, making them conveniently easy to reach.

Once you’ve stocked up on strawbs, grab some cream from the shop and head to Trent Park for a leisurely picnic. Aside from the 413-acre estate (great for a long walk), you could head to the petting zoo to meet the resident foxes, deer, rabbits and rare breeds.

Unfortunately, you have to put those back.