A number of farms offer you a chance to go and pick seasonal fruit and vegetables all depending on your location and what is available for the season. There’s something uniquely satisfying about harvesting your own fruit straight from the source. If you’re looking for an enjoyable activity, of picking your own, Peterley Manor Farm offers a wonderful seasonal escape whether you are family, alone or with friends. And it’s not just about the fruit, a day at the farm often includes more than just plum picking on offer additional activities like farm tours, sunflower picking and a farm shop where you can purchase other fresh produce, fresh flowers or baked goods. After a short morning of picking, you might enjoy a cup of eat at their Barn Kitchen afterwards to quench your thirst.

Whether you’re picking plums for the perfect stew, homemade jam, a fresh fruit salad, or just to enjoy as a snack, the farm offers an array of plum varieties, each with its own distinct flavour profile. Some are sweet and juicy, perfect for eating fresh, while others have a tart edge that makes them ideal for cooking and baking. Upon arrival the air filled with the sweet scent of ripening plums. As you step into the orchard, two long rows of lush plum trees greet you, their branches heavy with vibrant, juicy fruit some of which was too high to reach.

With the sun shinning on I armed myself with a container proceeded to follow the arrows and began picking away. There’s a satisfying snap as each plum is detached from the tree, a small victory that you’ll soon taste. The two available varieties were Victorias which are sweet, light coloured eating plums and Damsons which are small, dark purple plums used for cooking only and are a tad sour to eat. As you move through the orchard, it’s easy to lose track of time. There’s a peaceful rhythm to the activity of carefully selecting, picking, and placing the fruit gently into your basket. It’s a mindful, grounding experience that connects you with nature and the simple pleasures of life.