tried & tested

Graveley fruit farm is a favourite local attraction for us. Along with fruit-picking, there is lots to entertain the kids and a lovely café!

We've been many times before, but went along recently to do a Tried and Tested review because even if you're familiar with it, I feel like I learn something new about it every time I go, so let's see if you do too.

It's a tricky business ensuring there's enough fruit for people to pick. Having to juggle what's been picked each day, predict how much will ripen over the coming days, and of course managing the ever-changing weather is no mean feat, so very occasionally they may need to close for the fruit to catch up.

Arrival

The fruit farm is situated in Graveley, just outside Stevenage, not far from the A1 Junction 8. Parking is free and right by the farm, so there isn't a long way to walk. The café and activities are next to the car park, but if you walk straight down with the café on your left, you'll find the fruit picking area. 

Fruit picking

The fruit is grown in polytunnels, enabling top quality fruit to be picked, whatever the weather. Using a ‘Table Top’ system, the fruit is at waist height, making it easy to pick, especially for little ones, who'll love carrying a basket and popping strawberries and raspberries in as they toddle along. When you arrive at the kiosk in the fruit picking area at your booking slot time, you can choose a punnet or a basket and then off you go. if you want to bring your own Tupperware, you can do so, but make sure you get it weighed before picking so they can take that off the final price. Choose from strawberries, which are in the nearest polytunnels or raspberries, which are in the next set (or both!).

Just remember to separate your strawberries and raspberries in separate containers for when you bring them back to pay. Once you've finished picking, you simply return to the kiosk to weigh what you've picked and pay.

I can confirm the strawberries and raspberries we picked were absolutely delicious!

Pigs

You can also buy food to feed the pigs that are near the fruit-picking area from the kiosk- it's just £1 a bag and is a lovely activity to do with children. The pigs are currently (mid July) very young, so it's lovely to see them running about. 

Café

There's a lovely café onsite with lots of seating outside (including lots of tables with parasols), a great selection of food and drinks, plus beautiful flower displays. I can't stress enough, how it's a lovely place to visit even if you don't intend to pick the fruit. It's ideal to visit as a group with toddlers because the sandpit, digger land (this is a paid activity) and ride-on aeroplane are right by the café, so you can enjoy a coffee and a chat while the kids play. I've often popped in just to have food and drink in the café while my kids play on a nice sunny day.

Activities (prices correct in 2022)

As well as fruit picking, you can also enjoy:

• NEW – Electric Go-Karts*: a brand new track with train tunnel. We didn't try this out as I only had my youngest with me, but it looks great. It's £1.50 a go or 5 for £5.

• Giant sandpit with shade canopy (first picture was taken before the canopy was added, but it is now shaded)

• Crazy Golf* - £3 per child and £5 per adult

• Aerial runway and seesaw

• Digger Land* - £2 per go (with a handy card reader on the digger- just don't give the kids free reign of your card!)

• Climb-aboard stationary play tractor

• Climbing frame and swings

• Tractor rides* (weekends only) around the farm - £1.50 for under 12s, £2 for over 12s and adults (picture from Gravely Fruit Farm's Facebook page) 

*These are paid-for activities.

Other bits and bobs

There is a static toilet block on site, which has a baby changing table inside.

School visits can be booked for up to 75 children. The visit consists of picking some fruit with a short topical talk and explanation of how the fruit is grown. Then there is an opportunity to feed the pet pigs and have a tractor and trailer ride. It is an ideal chance to let children see where their food comes from and to get hands-on experience of picking fruit. The visit is suitable for years 1, 2, 3 and 4. More details here.

Fruit picking runs until mid August, but the play area and café are open until the end of August. 

Find more details about Graveley Fruit Farm here