Lotmead Pick Your Own: A Fruitful Brit Stops Adventure

This farm is the first stop on a new Pint Chaser road trip, and as we wind our way through Wiltshire, we wonder what hectic surprises are waiting for us. We imagine a bustling farm, busy with families and dogs.

We turn the corner and pull into the empty field at the charming Lotmead Pick Your Own, and we feel our worries disintegrate. It’s the end of summer, and the morning sun is out in full force. We are almost the only people there. Peace, quiet, space and privacy. A campervanner’s dream.

We greet the cashier in the small café, and, armed with our empty punnet, we set off to gather the last of the season’s strawberries and raspberries. The fruit may be nearing its finale, but there is still more than enough for us!

After a leisurely morning of picking and getting lost on our way to the raspberry field, we treat ourselves to lunch from the café. You can’t go wrong with a brie, bacon, and cranberry Panini. We splash out of a couple of milkshakes (made with the farm’s own fruit) and bring them back to our campervan where we set up our folding chairs, soak up the sun and eat our hard-earned berries. There's something unbeatable about eating fresh, local produce with a view of the countryside spread out before you. We can only imagine how lush it will be here come next Spring.

Lotmead is open May to Christmas, and offers more than just fruit picking. Families can enjoy the play park, the ‘Strawberry Thief Trail’ and small animal enclosures, where goats, donkeys, a pony and a few dozen geese will keep you company. For those planning ahead, the farm also offers a “Rent A Tree" Christmas service and a pumpkin patch for autumn festivities.

For a “mid-pick-pick-me-up” or a post-pick wind-down, the café serves light bites and hot drinks, and there’s a small gift shop to browse too.

Lotmead’s relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent Brit Stop location. Whether you’re there to stock up on gooseberries (late May – early July), let the kids burn off energy, or simply park up and take in the rural vibes, it’s a destination worth the detour off the M4.

As we pack up our campervan, punnets full and appetites satisfied, we agree that Lotmead offers the perfect blend of activity and relaxation. September may mark the season’s end, but this stop will stay ripe in our memories!