Van Reeuwijk Fruit & Flowers is a family-run farm offering a self-picking garden, a farm shop, and a welcoming terrace. The self-picking season typically runs from approximately June to September, with specific availability depending on the weather and natural growth cycles; current updates are shared on their social media page. No reservations are required to participate in self-picking.
Visitors can choose from a diverse range of fruits and vegetables to pick themselves. Fruits available for picking include: strawberries (late May to early October), raspberries (early July to late August), blackcurrants (June to July), blueberries (July to August), gooseberries (July to August), plums (late July to early August), blackberries (late July to early September), red and white currants (June to July), and cherries (late June to early August). Vegetables offered for self-picking are: green beans (July to August), broad beans (June), bell peppers (August), runner beans (August), beets (August), courgettes (July to August), tomatoes (late June to September), cucumbers (late June to September), and butternut squash (late August, as long as supplies last). Certain areas, such as those for strawberries, cherries, and raspberries, are covered, allowing for picking even on rainy days.
The farm shop features a selection of seasonal flowers and plants, homemade jams (including strawberry, three-fruit, and blackberry varieties), fruit juices, dessert sauces, local honey, and traditional Dutch stroopwafels. Gift packages and vouchers are also available.
The on-site terrace provides both an outdoor grassy area and an enclosed conservatory, making it enjoyable year-round. It serves coffee, fresh mint tea, refreshing apple juice, and an array of cakes, notably their homemade strawberry tart, as well as apple pastries and mocha meringue treats from a local bakery. The farm also offers ice cream made from its own fruits. Guests are kindly asked not to consume outside food or drinks on the terrace.
Van Reeuwijk Fruit & Flowers is equipped with facilities for families, including a children’s play area with a sandpit and a baby changing station. The main paths in the greenhouses are paved for easier access, and there is a wheelchair-friendly toilet and terrace. Dogs are welcome in the picking garden, provided they are kept on a leash. The farm accepts debit card payments but does not process credit cards. While employing natural crop protection methods, the farm is not certified organic due to its use of artificial fertilizers and substrate.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm provides a popular and engaging outing for families and individuals alike, offering the chance to harvest a variety of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, blueberries, and plums, along with some vegetables and flowers. Visitors frequently praise the freshness, quality, and often organic nature of the produce, noting the large, sweet berries and beautiful, long-lasting flowers. The experience is often highlighted as educational for children, connecting them directly with the source of their food.
The farm extends its appeal with a welcoming shop, stocking an array of pre-picked fruits and vegetables, homemade jams and juices, and a selection of distinctive flowers and plants. A cozy cafe, complete with indoor and outdoor seating (including a heated conservatory), invites guests to relax with excellent coffee, delightful homemade cakes, and delicious ice cream. Additional amenities include ample free parking and a designated sandpit, making it particularly attractive for those with young children. Most visitors commend the friendly and helpful staff, and many describe the overall atmosphere as pleasant, relaxed, and great for a day out.
However, the experience is not without its occasional drawbacks. Some visitors have expressed frustration over strict rules, particularly a “no tasting” policy during picking, which has been perceived as unwelcoming and has led to disappointment when purchased fruit, such as seemingly ripe strawberries or cherries, proved to be unripe or tasteless. Instances of initial poor handling of such complaints by staff have also been noted. Other minor concerns include paths becoming muddy, the potential for bee stings, and the farm’s popularity sometimes leading to overcrowding or the quick depletion of popular fruits, necessitating early arrival or checking social media for daily picking availability. Despite these few areas for improvement, the farm is widely celebrated as a lively and enjoyable destination.