I love summer as much as the next person, but I have to admit that, once the calendar gets to mid-August, I just cannot wait for autumn to arrive. The temperatures are cooling, the back-to-school atmosphere is in full swing, and the long-awaited autumn activities can finally begin.
From winery tours to fabulous farmstays, there is so much to do in the UK during this period, but one activity has become increasingly popular, and that’s apple picking. This type of ‘agritainment’ – or recreational agriculture, as some call it – has always been very popular in the US, but a growing number of UK farms now offer visitors days of apple picking, activities and good food.
One of my favourite autumn activities is going all the way to Massachusetts to go apple picking and eat apple cider doughnuts – mostly the latter – with friends, so I’m more than happy to be able to find an equivalent experience so close to home. Thankfully, there are gorgeous apple picking spots all around the UK, so no matter where you live, you’ll be able to get your apple fix.
When is apple picking season in the UK?
Apple picking season starts in August and usually lasts until October, with some apple varieties available to pick even in November. As with any harvest, a lot depends on the fruit variety, the weather and the location. If there is a specific variety you are looking for, it’s worth checking with the orchard; otherwise, as a general rule, September and October are the best months for apple picking.
Getty Images
What are the best apple varieties to pick in the UK?
The UK is a particularly good place for apple picking, with thousands of varieties grown across the country. Early in the season, look out for Worcester Pearmain and Discovery. September is the month for Laxton’s Fortune while October brings Egremont Russet, known for its distinctive nutty flavour. The UK grows more than 2,500 varieties of apples, so it’s worth looking at your chosen orchard’s website to see what it grows before booking.