Apple picking season is here, and if you’re in Norfolk, you’re in luck. There are some fantastic orchards where you can pick your own crisp, juicy apples straight from the tree.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best spots for apple picking in Norfolk, so grab a basket, enjoy the fresh air, and make the most of this autumn tradition.
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Where to Go Apple Picking in Norfolk
If you love the simple pleasure of biting into a freshly picked apple, you’re going to love what Norfolk has to offer. With a handful of beautiful orchards to choose from, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a bit of apple picking this autumn.
Here are some of the best spots in Norfolk to pick your own. Just remember to double-check their opening hours and apple availability before planning your visit.
If you need ideas for recipes that will use some of the apples you have picked, check out this cookbook dedicated to apple dishes.
Sandringham
Go on a royal apple-picking adventure at Sandringham, the cherished countryside retreat of King Charles III and home to the Royal Family’s Christmas celebrations. This historic estate is home to the Sandringham Orchards, a testament to its rich agricultural heritage.
Originally established by King George VI in the 1930s, these orchards now serve as the source for Sandringham Apple Juice, produced right here on the estate. You can also pick your own apples from the orchard and you don’t even need to book in advance.
Simply follow the blue PYO Apples signs, thoughtfully posted along both the A149 and the A148. The orchards typically open their gates for around two weeks, starting around the middle of September.
If you happen to miss out on the apple picking, don’t worry! You can still enjoy the taste of Sandringham’s apples as their delicious apple juice is available for purchase at the Sandringham Shop.
Get more information here.
Drove Orchards
Set in the beautiful village of Thornham on the North Norfolk coast, Drove Orchards is all about celebrating the apple. Their orchards burst into life during the picking season and supply the fresh fruit that goes into their apple juice and cider all year round.
In addition to the apples you will find a brilliant community of local producers. Inside the shop, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veg to meats, cheeses, jams, chutneys, cakes, biscuits, breads, flours, oils, and even locally made beers, wines, and gins. While they do stock a few extras like bananas and olives, the focus is firmly on top-quality local produce wherever possible.
The real joy, though, is getting out into the orchards on a sunny day and picking your own fruit. Early autumn is a lovely time to visit, when varieties like Discovery apples are ripe and the air is filled with their sweet scent. Depending on the season, you can also pick your own pears, plums, gages, and soft fruits like currants and jostaberries.
Get more information here.
Hillfield Nursery & Farm Shop
Set in the peaceful Norfolk countryside, Hillfield Nursery is a favourite spot for plant lovers. From colourful bedding plants to impressive shrubs and trees, there’s plenty here to inspire your next garden project.
While Hillfield is a year-round destination, it really shines during pick-your-own (PYO) season. The orchards and fields open up for visitors to harvest a wide range of fruit, including some unusual varieties you might not find elsewhere.
Hillfield is especially known for its apples, with over 250 varieties grown on site. PYO apple season starts in August, with the main harvest running from mid-September to mid-October. They sometimes offer guided orchard walks too, led by knowledgeable experts, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their Facebook page here for updates.
They also run an apple juicing service. Bring your own apples and their modern press will turn them into delicious juice, helping cut down on waste and letting you enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Before you leave, make time to browse the farm shop. It’s full of local and homemade produce, from artisan treats to everyday essentials. You’ll find Hillfield Nursery just off the B1136 between Hales and Haddiscoe, down a quiet country lane.
Get more information here.
Other PYO Opportunities in Norfolk
If you’re a fan of apple picking, don’t miss out on other pick-your-own opportunities in Norfolk. Consider visiting one of the pumpkin patches to choose your perfect pumpkin amidst the fields, even if you don’t pick them off the vine yourself.
And when the summer months roll in, don’t forget the joy of picking your own strawberries. These sun-ripened gems are a cut above anything you’ll find in a supermarket.
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