Pick Your Own Fruit

One of our favourite things to do in the summer is to go fruit picking. Although we don't have any PYO farms in the Romford area, there are some that aren't so far away - perfect for a day out! 

Don't forget...

• Check websites and social media pages before you travel to see what is available to pick - all are linked below
• Book tickets in advance and remember there may be a time restriction on how long you can stay
• Some farms release extra tickets the night before so keep checking!

🍓 Lathcoats Farm - Great Baddow, Chelmsford. CM2 8LX (approximately 30 - 35 minutes from Romford)
Lathcoats have a great selection of fruit to pick at various times. You'll find strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, cherries, tummelberries, currants and more. Visit the website for daily updates on ripe fruit available for picking (it's best to check later in the day when the staff have assessed what will be available for the following day). Booking essential. The The Bee Shed Coffee House is open for dining in with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available, open Monday to Saturday 9-4. You can also book an alpaca trek with All Things Alpaca at Lathcoats!

🍓 Cammas Hall Farm - Hatfield Broad Oak. CM22 7JT (approximately 45 - 50 minutes from Romford)
Cammas Hall is a very popular destination and they are operating a voucher system which is only available for pre booking. There are daily updates on their Facebook page with information about fruit availability. Booking slots are released a day or two in advance and must be booked on the website. You can check what produce is available here. The Tea Barn will be open for breakfast butties, light lunches, homemade cake and sausage rolls, cream teas and refreshments. On selected dates there will be a BBQ, pizza oven, beer tent and cocktail bar. (Check website for more info) There is plenty of covered outdoor seating area to shelter you from the sun and plenty of ice cream and cold drinks to help you keep cool. Farm shop, play area, sandpits and nature trail are also open daily (closed on Monday). Booking essential.

🍓 Parkside Farm - Enfield EN2 8LA (approximately 50 minutes from Romford)
Parkside has a great range of berries and some vegetables available at various times. Due to open for strawberries week commencing 19th June 2023. You can check availability on their website.  There is a farm shop on site selling local produce -  honey, fruit and ice creams. Open Tuesday - Sunday, closed on Monday. Booking essential.

🍓 McLauchlans of Boxted - Boxted Berries - CO4 5RB (approximately 1 hour from Romford)
The is a selection of fruit available to pick - strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, dessert gooseberries, broad beans & gooseberries. Check the 'Pickometre' on the website for information on what's available. There is a shop on site selling produce. There is no need to pre book.

🍓Bloomfield Farm - Chipping Ongar, CM5 0NB (approximately 35 - 40 minutes from Romford)
Known for their Czar plums! For opening times check Facebook page for up to date info.

Updated June 2023

Easter is almost here and it's time to get planning. We have hundreds of ideas on the website for days out, events, local places to visit and so much more. Check out our guide to Easter and get ahead of the game! 

Use these links to find everything you need.

Easter in Romford & Beyond - check out some of our favourite events. Don't forget our full and up to date What's on guide too!

Easter Activities at Home - activities to keep the kids busy at home including crafts, baking, free printables, physical activities, challenges and games.

Holiday Clubs - we have a great selection of holiday clubs running in Romford and the surrounds. Take a look here and book your child's place today.

Download our FREE Easter Holiday Planner to help you and your children plan your Easter Holidays. Just print it at home, fill it in and stick it on the fridge so everyone knows what's happening!

70 Free (& Cheap!) Things to do in London with Kids 2024

We live so close to our capital city and I am guessing most of us don't make the most of what's on offer - I know I don't!

You won't find any of what I call the 'big ticket' days out here. This is more about making the most of the city and exploring the hidden gems, it's about finding family friendly activities and planning days out that won't cost the earth.

We have found:

• Tips on public transport and how to make the most of it
• Interesting places that you might not know about
• Places to visit to see amazing views of the city
• Play parks - what's a day out without a chance to let off steam in a playground?!
• City Farms
• Museums & galleries with family friendly events and areas to explore
• Fountains and splash areas to cool off on a hot day - ok so you can save this bit for later in the year!
• Ideas for teens

And so much more.

Click here and start planning your next day out!