It’s berry picking season and that means it’s the perfect time for a farm day out.
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Courier Country is blessed with some of the best sites in Scotland for a day of family fun. Farms here offer exciting activities, great shops and cafes with amazing local produce and often the chance to pick your own berries.
Here’s our guide to four of the best farms for a day out.
East Scryne Fruit – A berry good family farm day out
Simply the best place for a family-friendly day out this school holiday! Just a stone’s throw from East Haven Beach, East Scryne Fruit is a hidden gem offering good food, fresh air and plenty of playtime.
Little ones will love the outdoor play area, featuring Angus’ largest sandpit, giant bouncing pillow, straw bale castle, tunnel slide, swings and a storybook-style “strawberry cottage”, as well as friendly miniature goats to meet.
The tearoom serves barista coffee, home baking and light lunches—all made fresh that day. Indoors or out, there’s plenty of seating, and a warm welcome to visitors of all ages.
Pop into the fruit farm shop for freshly picked berries, homemade jam, themed gifts and pantry favourites. Don’t leave without trying the ice cream that people drive miles for – it’s churned with fruit picked on the farm.
With plenty of free parking, indoor and outdoor seating and no need to book, East Scryne Fruit is a brilliant spot for a wholesome, family outing that’s full of charm and flavour. So, whether you’re chasing sunshine or dodging showers, you’ll get a warm welcome and have the best day out.
Check out www.eastscrynefruit.co.uk for more information and customer rewards.
Take your pick of family fun at Cairnie
Here’s your chance to experience an authentic farm in the picturesque countryside of Fife. As the original family-run ‘pick your own’ soft fruit enterprise in Scotland, Cairnie has a huge array of fruit picking including strawberries, cherries, raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants.
There is also a charming farm café and shop, outdoor funyard and a six-acre mega maze (opens mid July) redesigned in Maize each year that’s sure to challenge your sense of direction. There’s also the chance to pick your own sunflowers in late summer and this will be Cairnie’s 26th year of PYO pumpkins in October! A wholesome day of fun for everyone. Open Wednesday to Sunday in June and seven days a week in July and August.
Find out more about picking your own fruit or visit the Cairnie website.
Pick, eat, play, shop and celebrate at Charleton Farm
Nestled in the Angus countryside just outside Montrose, Charleton Farm is a family-run destination, full of charm, adventure, and wholesome fun. Since buying the farm five years ago, Graeme and Lisa McColl and their family have continued to evolve this vibrant space where visitors of all ages can relax, explore and enjoy the simple pleasures of rural life.
Pick your own fruit throughout the seasons – from sweet strawberries to crunchy apples: a pumpkin patch in autumn and Christmas trees too – a rewarding, hands-on experience the whole family will love.
Refuel at the Charleton Café, open daily from 10am to 4pm, serving delicious breakfasts, lunches, sweet treats and drinks. With a menu designed for all ages and a dog-friendly policy, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after a day outdoors.
Children will love the free, all-year-round playpark, packed with go karts, trampolines, flying fox, sand pits and more. Plus, there are paid-for adventures like the farm activity trail, forest den building, and a chance to meet the farm animals.
Don’t miss the farm shop, a treasure trove of local produce and artisan goods. From fresh fruit and veg to handmade jams and unique gifts, it’s ideal for supporting local makers and taking a taste of Charleton home.
Whether you’re picking fruit, playing in the fields, or enjoying a countryside lunch, Charleton Farm is a place you’ll want to visit again and again.
Open up to the delights of The Barrie Box
AP Barrie is a fourth-generation family run farm in the heart of Perthshire growing the finest strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. The Barrie Box, located on the farm, is stocked with fresh fruit straight from their fields and delicious produce from neighbours and other local businesses. This charming farm shop stocks a range of artisan goods, including jams, cheeses and fresh baked goods, sourced from the best of Scottish and British producers.
Treat yourself to their renowned ice cream, a sublime blend of Italian gelato and their own soft fruits. Choose from strawberry, raspberry or blackberry, or, if you are feeling adventurous why not try a mix of all three!
Seeking a summer adventure? Visit them on 20th July from 11am – 4pm for its spectacular Summer Market. It’s a festival of flavours with passionate local vendors offering international delights made right here in Scotland. Shop for fresh flowers, handmade crafts, and candles, and enjoy family activities in the sheltered seating area.
The Barrie Box is open daily from 9am – 5pm and is a great place to visit with family and friends. Find them at Colbeggie Farm, Kettins, Blairgowrie, and immerse yourself in the charm and flavours of Scottish farm life.
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