The summer is usually a great time to enjoy some warm weather, alongside picking fresh fruit and vegetables from various farm shops around the county.

Dorset is home to a few places like that where people can select their own items directly from the fields.

Strawberries are usually a very popular fruit for this, but people can also pick their own raspberries, broad beans and blackcurrants among other items.

Here are some of the best pick your own (PYO) farm shops within Dorset that are great in the summer season.

Some of the best PYO farms in Dorset for summer

Cat and Fiddle Farm

Address: Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, Dorset BH23 7DS

Rating: 4.6/5 (from 397 Google Reviews)

Cat and Fiddle Farm near Christchurch has various options for picking fruit and veg within season, such as strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, tayberries, loganberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, redcurrants,  runner beans and broad beans.

The site also has its own farm shop where visitors can find extra produce and a cafe.

One reviewer wrote: "We easily spent an hour picking raspberries and strawberries; a small detour on our way to Bournemouth beach. A stroll through the bee-buzzing sunflower 🌻 field was a bonus."

Trehane Blueberry PYO

Address: Trehane Nursery, Stapehill Road, Wimborne BH21 7ND

Rating: 5/5 (from 44 Google Reviews)

As the name suggests there are plenty of blueberries to pick at the Trehan Nursery in Wimborne.

It opened its 2024 summer season on Friday, July 12 and will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm until Friday, August 23.

An online booking system has been in place in previous years but has been removed in 2024 so people can just turn up.

One reviewer wrote: "We were on holiday in the area and so glad we found this establishment. It should be more well known! The cost to PYO is very fair, staff are friendly, great fun for the family, really good quality cakes & coffee and enjoy it sitting by the flower field. Don't think about it, give this place a visit! Wished we lived nearer."

Lenctenbury Farm

Address: Soldiers Road, Norden, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5DU

Rating: 4.6/5 (from 89 Google Reviews)

Lenctenbury Farm near Wareham has a few PYO fruits available in the summer season, including strawberries, blueberries, redcurrants and blackcurrants.

They are open from 10am to 5pm every day, with updates being available on their Facebook page here.

One reviewer wrote: "We've been here a couple of times now. The fruit is fresh and very flavourful. The strawberries are raised up off the ground so saves your back when picking. With a range of soft fruits and homemade jams available what's not to like?"

Blagdon Fruit Farm

Address: Coldharbour, Chickerell, Weymouth DT3 4BG

Rating: 4.6/5 (from 177 Google Reviews)

Blagdon Fruit Farm near Weymouth offers plenty of opportunities for PYO strawberries on site.

Alongside that, they have a tea room where visitors can enjoy a cream tea and a campsite.

One reviewer wrote: "Stunning place. You can pick fruit in the beautiful countryside and then enjoy a cream tea in their lovely garden. The kids can play games and then go and see the chickens. Such a wonderful place to visit and the staff couldn’t be friendlier."

Sopley Farm

Address: Derritt Lane, Sopley, Christchurch BH23 7AZ

Rating: 4.5/5 (from 659 Google Reviews)

Sopley Farm near Christchurch grows nearly 20 different fruits and vegetables, some of which are available for PYO.

In the summer season, it offers the likes of strawberries, raspberries, tayberries, loganberries, gooseberries and currants for picking, with updates around availability found on its Facebook page here.

Alongside that, it has its own farm shop and bakery for visitors to browse.

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One reviewer wrote: "We had absolutely amazing experience at PYO farm. Has a lovely playground and few benches. Also has cafe on site with not expensive coffee and delicious cakes and pastries (almond one is super yummy!).

"Gorgeous flowers, seasonal vegetables and fruits to pick yourself, or could buy them freshly picked up from their shop."

Please note, always check the availability and most up-to-date opening times with each PYO location before you visit.