Spilmans opens strawberry fields for summer picking
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Visitors are enjoying the sweet taste of summer fruit as the strawberry season gets underway at Spilmans, near Thirsk.
The 100 acre site at Church Farm in Sessay is open until the end of August for strawberry picking throughout the summer months.
TomSpilman, owner of family-run Spilmans, says: “We’ve just completed a brilliant couple of weeks and can’t wait to welcome visitors throughout the summer.
“Due to the late frosts in April and May we had to keep the 120,000 strawberry plants covered with fleece to protect them. Now the fruit is perfect for picking.”
With eight different varieties of strawberry planted in 500 rows across 12 acres there’s plenty for visitors to choose from.
Tom adds: “Our signature planting style ensures we have early, mid and late varieties ripening in succession so visitors will always be able to enjoy the fruit in their peak condition across the summer.”
The farm has Allegro, Verdi, Falco, Rumba, Elegance, Marieka, Faith and Malwina varieties all grown outside on straw and now uncovered to ripen naturally in the sunshine. There is also a wide selection of other soft fruits with two acres of raspberries, blackberries and gooseberries ready for visitors to pick and enjoy.
Tom adds: “I’m thrilled we can offer other soft fruits to visitors alongside the strawberries.”
The strawberry fields are also popular with photographers and visitors looking to capture the perfect social media summer moment.
Tom adds: “We have several different picturesque shots set up across the fields. From a traditional farm tractor to our rustic heart-shaped wall, every view is different and there are plenty of opportunities to snap special memories.”
Visitors can also enjoy the farm’s wildflower meadow, nature trail where little ones can spot clues and answer questions around the working fruit fields, as well as the Stone Barn Café serving brunches, lunch, wood fired pizzas and hot and cold drinks.
In addition to a delicious programme of pick-your-own entertainment there is also plenty of weather-proof fun at Spilmans in the indoor play barn featuring pedal tractors, ball pit and sand area, while outside there is the outdoor adventure play and bouncing pillows.
PYO Strawberries takes place Wednesday - Sunday until the end of August. Prices start at £2.50 for individual prebooked tickets online with discounts for families and groups. Pre-booking is advised, but not essential, as walk-up admissions can’t always be admitted if the farm is full. Ticket costs are reimbursed for every £5.00 per person spent on fruit.
For more information visit www.spilmans.co.uk, or like and follow @SpilmanFarming on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
