A Perfect Strawberry-Picking Day at Rectory Farm, Oxford
Nestled just outside Oxford in charming Stanton St. John (OX33 1HF), family-run Rectory Farm sprawls across a remarkable 45 acres of pick-your-own fields. The farm started off its PYO (Pick Your Own) operations back in 1981 and never looked back. Whether it’s asparagus in spring or pumpkins in autumn, they have plenty of PYO options, it’s a year-round joy. Myself and my 1 year old son headed there last week to enjoy its strawberry picking delights!
When Can You Pick Strawberries?
Season: Mid-May through September
Hours: Farm shop & PYO—Tuesday–Saturday 8:30–17:30, Sunday 9:00–16:00; last PYO entry 1hr before closing
With rows of berries stretching as far as the eye could see, my 1 year old son and I joined families, couples and locals, baskets in hand, ready for a fruitful (pun intended!) morning.
Whilst they had blackberries and gooseberries, the strawberries were our first stop - they were sheltered and promised ripe berries so it was exciting to do this for the very first time with my little boy The rows were wide enough for my Bugaboo Fox 5 and whilst they were a little off-road, my 4x4 a pram wheels could handle it. We collected as many as our punnet would allow - yes we did taste a few on the way round - and can honestly say it was a morning for the memory bank.
Post-pick, we headed to café for fresh coffee, sadly we didn’t have time for my son Cosmo to enjoy the play area - wooden tunnels, swings, and sandpit galore - so that means we just have to go back. You pay in the farm shop were you’ll also find tables lined with jars of local honey, artisan bread and farmstead cheese!
As we drove away with our punnet of juicy strawberries in the back seat, we knew this wasn’t the last of our Rectory Farm adventures. Next season, we’ll be back on the hunt for asparagus, raspberries or pumpkins.
Family-Friendly Facilities at Rectory Farm, Oxford
On-site café & shop: Dark Horse coffee, pastries, seasonal gelato, toasties, lunch - indoor and outdoor seating available .
Children’s play area: Add a sandpit, climbing frames, swings and weekly attractions like bouncy castles—perfect for littlies to burn off energy .
Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly and buggy-friendly paths, disabled parking, ramp access
Rectory Farm
Pound Lane, Stanton St. John, Oxford, OX33 1HF, United Kingdom
For more information, opening times, and seasonal updates, visit their official website: rectoryfarmpyo.co.uk