Best Places for Strawberry Picking Near Teesside

The weather so far this year has been absolutely ridiculous, hasn’t it? I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like we’ve barely had a proper stretch of sunshine without a downpour following close behind. It’s definitely made growing your own fruit and veg a bit of a challenge. My own strawberry patch didn’t even start flowering until the end of May this year, which is much later than usual, and I’m still waiting patiently to see how the fruit comes along. With strawberries in mind (and trying to plan ahead for summer holiday days out), I’ve pulled together some of the best places for strawberry picking near Teesside, Middlesbrough and the surrounding area. These are all within a reasonable drive and make for a brilliant family day out.

_{[Post updated July 2026]}

_{[Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash]}

When is Strawberry Picking Season in the North East?

Typically, strawberry picking season runs from late May through to August, although this can vary depending on weather conditions. A wet spring (like this year) can delay the start slightly, while a warm early summer can bring it forward. Always check individual farms before setting off.

Best Strawberry Picking Near Middlesbrough & Teesside

While there aren’t currently any large-scale strawberry picking farms directly in Middlesbrough itself, there are several fantastic PYO farms within driving distance across North Yorkshire, County Durham and the North East.

Here are the best PYO strawberry fields worth visiting.

1. Fruity Berry Fruit Farm

Fruity Berry Fruit Farm is a fabulous day out in the North Yorkshire countryside where you can pick strawberries easily on raised guttering. The site has been purposely built with the wheelchair, disabled, elderly and children users in mind, which is brilliant. Fruity Berry Fruit Farm also has a spacious seating area along with a grass field where you can bring your own picnic blanket. They even offer cold refreshments and ice cream to make your day out super family friendly.

• Address: Barraca Farm, Dishforth Road, Thirsk, YO7 2DB
• Opening times: Wednesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday 10.30am-4.00pm
• Booking: No booking required, just turn up
• Pricing: £1.50 per person

2. Spilmans Farm

Spilmans is famous in the North East and North Yorkshire when it comes to PYO events. With a boat load of photo opportunities and props it's Spilmans that you usually see on Instagram and social media. And rightly so, because it's so much more than just a PYO field. With its cafe, farm shop and kids entertainment it definitely feels like a full day event.

• Address: Church Farm, Sessay, YO7 3NB
• Opening times: Wednesday/Thursdsay/Friday 11am-5pm Saturday/Sunday 10am-5pm.
• Booking: Booking required online
• Pricing: £2.50 per person, £8 family ticket (2a3c). If you spent £5+ on strawberries the cost of your ticket will be deducted.

3. Brocksbushes Farm

Brocksbushes Farm is a family owned and run farm shop which has evolved drastically over the 25 years since opening. Once a tiny soft fruit field, has now become an award winning farm shop, tea room and pick your own site. Brocksbushes comprises of both table top and floor level strawbs making them ideal for those with access needs.

• Address: Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge, NE43 7UB
• Opening times:
• Booking: Booking required online
• Pricing: £2.50 per person, £8 family ticket (2a3c)

4. The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe

The Balloon Tree sits on 28 acres of thriving farm land which is utilised both for its farm shop and its PYO fields. There's no pre-booking required at this site meaning you can pop along as and when the weather agrees (which is probably really handy considering how bad it's been recently). Simply pop to the 'punnet point' to grab your punnets before you load up on strawbs. Alongside strawberries you can also pick gooseberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and so much more here.

• Address: The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe, Stamford Bridge Road, Helmsley, YO41 1NB
• Opening times:
• Booking: No booking required, just turn up
• Pricing: £2.50 per person

Unfortunately I've struggled finding any PYO strawberry fields that are closer to home. Admittedly these are all a little further than I'd have liked to have noted. If I do find any that are closer I'll be sure to add them to the top of the list.

I think it goes without saying too, but please do check with each PYO site's social media or website. There’s nothing more unpredictable than the Great British weather. I’d hate for you to have taken my recommendations as gospel and for whatever reason there’s no produce left, or they’ve had to rearrange dates.

_{[Photo by Sarah Janes on Unsplash]}

FAQs – Strawberry Picking Near Middlesbrough

1. Is there strawberry picking in Middlesbrough?

Not directly in Middlesbrough unfortunately, but there are several excellent PYO farms within a 90 minute drive across Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham.

2. Do you need to book strawberry picking?

Some farms require booking (especially Spilmans), while others like The Balloon Tree are usually walk-in. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment.

3. Is strawberry picking good for toddlers?

Yes, most farms are very family-friendly, and places like Fruity Berry Farm are especially good for pushchairs and younger children.

4. What Should You Wear When Strawberry Picking?

You'll definitely want to wear comfortable clothing when you go strawberry picking. I'd also advise to wear clothing you don't mind getting muddy. For both you and your youngsters! With that being said however, a strawberry printed romper or red gingham dress would look incredibly cute for your wee ones strawberry picking pictures.

5. What Shoes Should You Wear for Strawberry Picking?

Boots would be advisable, whether that's wellies, walking boots or even your trusty high top converse. Something sturdy and supportive would be advantageous.

6. What do You Use to Pick Strawberries?

Strawberries are hand picked and should be grasped by the stem with your thumb and index finger. From here the strawberry should be placed in your container, which is usually provided by your PYO farm. If you wanted to however you could take a wicker basket with you for the full strawberry picking aesthetic.

7. What is The Best Month to go Strawberry Picking?

Typically the best months for strawberry picking are between May - August. Please be sure to check with each PYO farm though as they will have live updates as to when their strawberry picking season starts and finishes.

8. Can I Bring my Dog Strawberry Picking?

Unfortunately a lot of PYO sites aren't dog friendly. Do check with your chosen site to be sure, but most PYO farms only allow guide dogs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for strawberry picking near Middlesbrough or Teesside, you’ve actually got some brilliant options within a short drive. You just need to know where to look.

Whether you want a quick visit, a full family day out, or somewhere with cafés and activities built in, there’s something here for everyone.

And if I come across any new local PYO spots closer to home, I’ll add them in, because I’d love to find one that’s just around the corner too.