Where to go apple picking in Kent this autumn

by Sam Lawrie

slawrie@thekmgroup.co.uk

Autumn is apple season in Kent, and farms across the county are opening their orchards for pick-your-own days.

From heritage tastings to tractor rides, there’s plenty to get stuck into. Here’s where you can pick the perfect apples this season…

The annual fruit fair returns to Brogdale with orchard tours, apple picking and tasting sessions. Picture: Facebook / Brogdale Collections

BROGDALE, Faversham

This orchard, known for its annual cider festival and family activities, is throwing an apple fair in October, giving visitors a chance to pick their own fruit. The weekender includes PYO sessions, as well as guided tours and tastings, expert talks, free kids’ crafts and tractor rides around the pear collection.

Details: Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at Brogdale in Faversham. Book online here.

Castle Farm is known for its huge lavender field, but there are also fruit orchards where you can PYO produce. Picture: Facebook / Castle Farm

CASTLE FARM, near Sevenoaks

Fill up your basket with Norfolk Royals, a heritage variety of apple that can’t be found anywhere else. The orchard is open on select dates throughout September for apple picking, and there will also be market stalls selling ice creams, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and farm products such as oils and lavender-scented gifts.

Details: Select dates from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 21 at Castle Farm in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks. No need to book.

HEWITTS FARM, Orpington

If you’re willing to travel just outside of Kent, you can find a great range of fresh fruit ready and waiting to be picked at this family-run farm. There are currently crops of eating apples, such as Discovery and Katy apples, and Bramley cooking apples, along with plums and pears. You only pay for what you pick and you can also visit the on-site shop to load up on even more local produce.

Details: Open Tuesday to Sunday at Hewitts Farm in Orpington, near Bromley. No need to book.

MEOPHAM PYO, near Gravesend

This pick-your-own farm has been open all summer, with visitors stocking up on everything from vibrant sunflowers to juicy strawberries. Now, it’s time for the apples to come into season, and there are many different types available to choose from, including Red Windsor, Bramleys and Worcester Pearmain. There are also pears and plums, and the bakery will open with cakes and savoury snacks on sale.

Details: Open on weekends at Meopham PYO in Meopham, near Gravesend. No need to book. Check Facebook for opening dates and times.

Perry Court Farm’s traditional Apple Fayre is back this October. Picture: Facebook / Perry Court Farm

PERRY COURT FARM, Ashford

This generational family farm is throwing its annual Apple Fayre. The traditional country fair will have lots of apple-themed activities, including pick-your-own sessions, heritage displays with more than 200 varieties of apples and pears, an apple pie competition and orchard walks. There will also be Morris dancers, gift stalls, a tombola and raffles, family games, animals, steam engines and more.

Details: Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at Perry Court Farm in Ashford. No need to book.